Lived Experience Forum

[Powderfinger]

I live in WA. I want to look into getting a therapy dog but I don't know where to start nor where to look. I don't even know the process. I have never had a dog before but I have wanted to get one for a few years. I live in a house now where it's possible for me to have the space for a dog. 

Does anybody know where I start this process and what is involved? 

PF

[Owen45]

Pets are therapeutic for us people with mental health issues.  Cats are my therapy. 

[wellwellwellnez]

 While you're in the early decisions process, I'm pretty sure you can also train and designate exotic animals to be therapy specialists. Just sayin'.

Actually I think it works for dog as well. Like, you can pick the dog and co-train the therapy style. I found a link that has seems to have some training schools and also some other stuff about "home-school" options.

https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/local-government/community/cats-and-dogs/applying-for-assistance-dog-app...

What a clever and fun thing you're doing.

[wellwellwellnez]

You know what....you might want to consider looking at rescue options. I know one particular rescue dog that is an excellent comforter. Not official or anything but the furry equivalent of a lived-experience peer support worker. You and every dog is unique but it's something to consider.

Also imagining you getting an access pass for a comfort emu. That would be a great service to yourself and the world.

[Emelia8]

@Powderfinger   you could perhaps start with:

 https://www.minddog.org.au/

You obtain your own dog and "Mind Dogs Australia" help you train them to be accepted as official assistance dogs.

Have a look at the website, it has all the details that you may need.  To my knowledge they are Australia wide.

Emelia

[Powderfinger]

@wellwellwellnez 

Thank you, you have given me a few different options to think about. If I had the space for a comfort emu, I would consider it! 

PF

[Powderfinger]

@Emelia8 

Oh that is very interesting. Thank you, I will look into that. 

PF

[BPDSurvivor]

Hi @Powderfinger ,

Pets can do a world of good for people. The process is extremely long as each dog costs tens of thousands of dollars to be ready to be used as 'therapy dogs'. Hence, it is not an easy process. Wait lists are long and each dog has to be specifically matched to their owners.

Other members have already shared some websites. 

Depending on what you're looking for, maybe there are also other ways to have a dog for therapeutic purposes (like what @Owen45 said about cats), but are not specifically trained as "assistance/therapy dogs"? This way, there's a higher chance you'll get one sooner rather than later!

All the best though. Dogs are a treasure.

Would you be interested in 

[Arizona]

Hi @Powderfinger 

I have owned four dogs in my life and just having a dog (without the official label) is very therapeutic in my experience.

Can I ask what you are wanting from a therapy dog?

[Powderfinger]

@Arizona 

Same reasons as you, therapeutic. My heart has been absolutely shattered in the last three years and even more so recently. I don't have many people in my life. I have alot of love and time to give a dog and vice versa. I have to park the idea for a bit because I have way too much on my plate. Need to clear some things first.