Assistance animals are trained to support the independence and wellbeing of people with disability in their daily lives. Assistance animal users experience issues including lack of recognition and refusal. National consistency will make life easier for assistance animal users and reduce confusion for businesses and services.

Following consultation, the Australian Government worked with states, territories and other government agencies to develop draft national principles for the regulation of assistance animals and now invites feedback from the public. The consultation period ends on 1 June 2025. The paper has an easy read version and is accompanied by an Auslan video.

Draft principles

1. Nationally consistent accreditation requirements for assistance animal trainers and/or training organisations.
2. Nationally consistent minimum assistance animal training standards.
3. A single national Public Access Test for assistance animals.
4. Nationally consistent requirements for evidence of disability and a need for an assistance animal.
5. National identity card and logo.
6. Wellbeing of the assistance animal, including during and after its working life. 

Consultation closed on 1 June 2025.