Assistance Animals Consultation questions - Victorian Law Reform ...

It is important to note that the Minister’s advisory committee must be equipped and qualified to make
recommendations to prescribe a training organisation.
Perhaps another pertinent question to ask is “How/Who will be responsible to monitor and review the
prescribed training organisation” I have noted section 5.89 and agree that the BAW should undertake
this area.
Consultation Questions 5
Which organisations should be eligible for approval by the Minister as an
‘assistance animal organisation’
• Should ‘assistance animal organisation’ status be limited to formal training
organisations or should private trainers be included as well
Private trainers can be included providing they can demonstrate that they operate under the same
guidelines and standards as any other approved training organisation.
• How should self-trainers be covered By demonstrating that they operate under the same
guidelines and standards as any other approved training organisation.
• How might the issue of the cost of training and testing for informally trained
assistance animals be dealt with
W.A.A.D Inc assists clients who prefer to train the dog themselves. However, these clients must
adhere to our standards for training etc and must meet the required level before being considered for
accreditation. Funding for private clients remains the responsibility of the client however, W.A.A.D Inc
will assist with fundraising initiatives where possible and appropriate.
• How can inequities be avoided if all animals must be tested by an approved
assistance animal organisation
A nationally standardised policy would eliminate inequities.
• Should national or interstate training organisations be eligible for approved status
in Victoria If not, why not
Yes. Not all assistance dog training organisations provide the same service. Eg WAAD may provide
a Victorian client with autism dog if no Victorian training organisation can meet the client’s need.
6.6. Do you support the development of guidelines for assessing applications
by organisations seeking approval as an ‘assistance animal organisation
Yes. Please see attached copy of WAAD Constitution (Objects of Association) and endorsement
letter.
• Should the guidelines simply require membership of a relevant international or
national body that has its own standards, or should generic standards also be
included in the guidelines More importantly is who/how/what factors implement the
guidelines.
ADI has already set minimum standards- why re-invent the wheel.
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