Dogs Making Lives Better
Therapy dog, assistance dog, emotional support dog: what's the difference? From the simplest of interactions to complex individualised support, these information sheets will help answer your questions about which dog is right for your needs.
Fact sheets to download
Companion Dogs as Pets
Companion dogs have a special place in our lives. They add meaning, provide companionship, nonjudgmental love and improve our wellbeing.
Open the fact sheet (PDF) →What is a Therapy Dog?
A Therapy Dog is a companion dog that is trained along with its handler to provide psychological or physiological support to individuals and groups in the community.
Open the fact sheet (PDF) →How Therapy Dogs Help People
Pet Therapy is a relatively new concept in Australia. Learn more about how dogs as therapy can help people with a wide range of needs.
Open the fact sheet (PDF) →Become a PAWS Pet Therapy Team
PAWS Pet Therapy trains and supports volunteers and their dogs as a team to visit a variety of clients. Learn more about how you can join the team.
Open the fact sheet (PDF) →School Support Dogs
Dogs can provide emotional and wellbeing support to students in educational settings. Read further about these programs here.
Open the fact sheet (PDF) →Therapy Dogs in Professional Settings
There is a growing interest in Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) in Australia.
Open the fact sheet (PDF) →Emotional Support Dogs
An Emotional Support Dog is a companion dog who provides support for people with specific mental health needs. Learn how Emotional Support Dogs are recognised in Australia.
Open the fact sheet (PDF) →Assistance Dogs
Assistance Dogs, sometimes referred to as Service Dogs, are highly trained and accredited to help an individual with disability or a special need, and are covered under law in Australia by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
Open the fact sheet (PDF) →Assistance Dogs (continued)
The second part of our Assistance Dogs sheet: more on the work of Assistance Dogs in the community.
Open the fact sheet (PDF) →Created by PAWS Pet Therapy with the generous assistance of the Camden Council Community Grant Program.
Looking for a therapy dog visit rather than an assistance dog? Request a visit, or train your own dog with us.
