Big changes are coming to Australia’s aged care system, and it’s good news for older Australians who rely on assistance dogs for support. Starting 1st July 2025, the new Support at Home program will include funding specifically for assistance dogs. This is a major shift that recognises just how vital assistance animals are in helping older Australians live independently, safely, and with dignity in their own homes.

For years, assistance dogs were lumped into the broader category of Assistive Technology, which had a lifetime cap of $15,000 for equipment and home modifications. While this might have helped a little, it was rarely enough to cover the full cost of acquiring, training, and maintaining an assistance dog. So, this new dedicated funding is a much-needed step forward to ensure that people who rely on these animals get the support they need.

Why Is This Change So Important?

Assistance dogs are not pets – they’re highly trained animals with specific roles that make a world of difference to people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and age-related conditions. Their contributions go far beyond companionship and can include:

• Mobility Assistance: Imagine someone with a vision impairment. An assistance dog can help them navigate their surroundings, find doors, pick up dropped items, or even carry groceries. It’s like having a personal guide and helper 24/7.
• Medical Alert and Response: For people with conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, or heart disease, an assistance dog can detect signs of an emergency before it happens – such as a drop in blood sugar levels, an impending seizure, or a heart episode – and alert the individual or others nearby.
• Psychosocial and Emotional Support: For older Australians living with dementia, PTSD, or anxiety, assistance dogs can provide emotional stability, ease the effects of social isolation, and help reduce anxiety, promoting overall well-being.

So, What Does This New Funding Mean?

This funding will provide a lot of benefits to older Australians who rely on assistance dogs to remain in their homes. Here’s what it means in practical terms:

• Better Financial Accessibility: For many older Australians, the upfront cost of a trained assistance dog can be a huge barrier, not to mention ongoing expenses like veterinary care, food, and other essentials. Under the new system, those who need assistance dogs will have funding available to help cover both the initial costs and potentially ongoing expenses, reducing the financial strain on individuals and their families.
• More Independence and Safety: Having an assistance dog means more than just having a pet – it’s about living more independently. Older Australians who might otherwise need help with daily tasks can continue living at home and maintain a higher level of autonomy. A dog trained to help with mobility or alert to medical changes can make a huge difference, keeping people safe in their homes for longer.
• Combating Loneliness and Supporting Mental Health: Many older people, especially those in rural or isolated areas, face loneliness and feel disconnected from their communities. Assistance dogs provide not only physical support but also emotional stability, offering a constant companion that reduces social isolation and provides comfort. This mental health support can be life-changing, especially for those with anxiety or depression.
• Recognition of Assistance Dogs as Essential Aids: The new policy marks a shift in how we view assistance dogs. They’re no longer just seen as “nice to have” but as essential tools for supporting older Australians in the same way that hearing aids, mobility scooters, or prosthetics do.

What Questions Are Still Unanswered?

While this policy change is exciting, there are still some important details to be ironed out:

• Eligibility Criteria: Who qualifies for this funding? Will people who already have an assistance dog be able to receive support for ongoing care or training? These are important questions that need clarification to ensure fair access to funding.
• Application and Assessment Process: Will people need to provide medical recommendations or specialist reports to apply for the funding? How will the process work, and what documentation will be required? We need clear guidelines to make sure everyone who needs this support can get it.
• Scope of Financial Support: Will the funding only cover initial costs like purchasing and training a dog, or will it also cover ongoing expenses like veterinary care, food, and supplies? This is a critical point, as ongoing costs can add up, and many people rely on assistance dogs for years.

WAFA’s Role in the Advocacy

The Working Animal Foundation Australia is excited about this policy shift and will continue to push for an accessible and inclusive funding model that ensures no one is left behind. We’ll be closely following the rollout of the Support at Home program, advocating for transparency, clarity, and support for people who rely on assistance dogs.

If you or someone you know is using an assistance dog, or if you’re thinking of applying for one under the new program, we’d love to hear from you! Your feedback and experiences are invaluable in helping shape future advocacy efforts to make sure assistance dogs remain a practical and accessible option for older Australians who need them.

As we move forward, it’s important to keep pushing for the best possible support for older Australians, so that no one is excluded from the life-changing benefits that an assistance dog can provide. Stay tuned as we continue to advocate for these essential changes.


About the Author: Gwen is a dedicated member of the Aged Care Council of Elders, providing valuable insights to the government on aged care and promoting ageing well. With a career spanning over 50 years in both government and non-government organisations, Gwenda is a Palawa woman deeply committed to justice for Elders, particularly within the aged care system. Her extensive leadership roles include CEO of Anaiwan Aboriginal Land Council, Chairperson of Gandangarra Local Aboriginal Land Council, and Director of Hunter Aboriginal Children’s Services. Diagnosed in her late 50s with younger onset (behavioural-variant frontotemporal) dementia, Gwenda has become an advocate for dementia awareness and participates actively in research.

Gwen lives independently at home with the support of her assistance dog, Redleigh, whom she trained under the auspices of the National Assistance Animal Training Group. Redleigh provides essential companionship and assistance, forming a strong, supportive team with Gwenda as she continues her advocacy work for respectful, trauma-informed care for First Nations Elders.

The Working Animals Federation of Australia would like to congratulate Gwen for her nomination as NSW Senior Australian of the Year for 2025.