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Pets As Therapy

Lochlan Miller with his PAT dogDue to overwhelming demand for our Pets as Therapy dogs, to ensure we can meet current needs, we have sadly decided to temporarily close the application list as of 17 May 2013, until the backlog is cleared.

We're hoping to re-open the list in July 2014.

Pets As Therapy (PAT) is a free community service provided by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. It is designed to fulfil the companionship needs of people throughout NSW and the ACT who may be disadvantaged because of age, illness, disability or isolation.

Ownership of a PAT dog is a very rewarding experience, but it is also an ongoing responsibility. The dogs require exercise, grooming and constant care, and their health care requires a financial commitment from the user. PAT-dog users will also need to maintain the animal's level of obedience.

To apply for a PAT dog, a prospective client needs to submit an application to the Guide Dogs Centre. Please contact the centre during office hours on (02) 4579 7555 to enquire about an application form.

An assessment is then conducted at the applicant's home. This is required to assess the person's needs, and possible benefits of a PAT dog.

If the assessment shows that the applicant will benefit from owning a PAT dog, we will provide a suitably trained dog at the earliest possible time.

Click Here to read about our Pets As Therapy dog Nara, who has been recognised for 10 years of service to Uniting Care Ageing as a much-loved resident.