Terms and Conditions for PTSD Dogs Australia Ltd Training Your Own Assistance Dog Program

1: Introduction

PTSD Dogs Australia is committed to the training and placement of Assistance Dogs to support individuals suffering from psychological disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Agoraphobia, Anxiety & Depression, and other comorbidities.

2: Eligibility

Applicants: The program is open to individuals clinically diagnosed with PTSD and other comorbidities who have a medical treating team supporting their need for an Assistance Dog and prepared to assist PTSD Dogs Australia should concerns arise with the Handler.

Assessment: Potential Handlers’ must undergo an initial assessment to determine program suitability for their needs and their dog's suitability. A non-refundable fee of $1,000 applies at the time of assessment booking. If successful, this amount will be deducted from the overall training program cost of $10,000. In case of non-suitability, applicants may retake the assessment within 6 months at a reduced fee of $500.

Training: One-on-one training is available at $250.00 per hour, including GST. This training does not guarantee program placement; suitability is determined by GHAD certified trainers.

3: Program Details

Training: Handlers will train their assessed dogs to potentially become GHAD certified Assistance Dogs, capable of being safe and effective in public spaces and performing tasks to mitigate personal disabilities, in line with medical goals.

Duration: Training varies based on the dog’s progress and Handlers needs. The online training program comprises 7 modules, from Novice Handler to GHAD certification, typically over 12 months. Duration may vary based on the dog's skills, age, and the handler’s training ability.

Modules 1-3: Focus on basic obedience and foundational skills, culminating in a public access readiness assessment. Successful Handlers receive a PTSD Dogs Assistance Dog Learner (L) Jacket. The cost is $5,000 upfront or $897 monthly over 6 payments.

Modules 4-7: Emphasize public access and specific task training for disability mitigation. Module 7 includes the GHAD PAT for full qualification. The cost is $4,000 upfront or $717 monthly over 6 payments.

4: Responsibilities

Participants: Must attend online training sessions, follow trainer guidelines, complete all modules and assessments, and use their Assistance Dog solely for personal disability-related needs. Participants must care for the Assistance Dog humanely, ensuring secure housing, appropriate medication, and veterinary care, and maintain up-to-date vaccinations. They must also provide PTSD Dogs Australia with copies of all vaccinations, desexing certificate, veterinary care, medications and registrations in relation to the Assistance Dog.

Travel and Accommodation is at the Handlers own cost, if travel and accommodation is required for Trainers this will be covered by the Handler as an extra cost.

PTSD Dogs Australia: Will ensures all dogs meet required standards before certification.

5: Public Access Rights

Assistance Dogs: Have public access rights under Australian law, allowed in most public places with the GHAD organization’s jacket.

Therapy Dogs: Do not have the same rights as Assistance Dogs but may be allowed in public places with permission.

6: Liability

PTSD Dogs Australia is not liable for any injuries or damages caused by the Assistance Dog or participant. Participants are encouraged to obtain appropriate insurance.

7: Termination

PTSD Dogs Australia may terminate a participant’s involvement for non-compliance or unsuitable dogs, providing 7 days' written notice. Participants may also terminate participation with 7 days' written notice. Upon termination, participants must return the dog’s jacket and Handler Dog ID Cards. There will be no refund for modules paid for but not completed.

8: Amendments

Terms and conditions may be updated periodically without notice.

9: Contact Information

For questions or further information, contact PTSD Dogs Australia via email at [email protected] or phone 0488 10 10 26.

These terms and conditions are established to ensure a smooth and effective training process, benefiting both participants and the Assistance Dogs involved.