We are excited to introduce our newest program, the Purposeful Placement Dog Program

Applications open at 12pm on Monday, 28 April 2025

Our Purposeful Placement Dog Program is a specialised fee-for-service program that places expertly trained dogs with individuals where they offer emotional and/or physical support. This unique support is provided in a home or private setting and delivers greater wellbeing, positive emotional regulation, increased social inclusion and community contribution.

Purposeful Placement Dogs are not Assistance Dogs and do not have public access rights under Australian law. 

Recipients of our Purposeful Placement Dogs are not required to have a medical diagnosis. However, they must have a clear reason for benefiting from one of these dogs and the support they provide. 

Applications open: 12pm Monday, 28 April 2025
The Application form will be available on our website at this time.

Applications close: 5pm Monday, 12 May 2025 (or earlier if capacity is reached)

We will be accepting a limited number of applications, within specific geographical regions, to allow us to place dogs in a timely manner.

Geographical criteria: Applicants must reside within 50kms of:
4000 (Brisbane)
2748 (Orchard Hills)
3000 (Melbourne)

Cost of Program: $4,900

This covers all aspects of the program including:

dog skills training, specific to the recipient’s needs
comprehensive assessment and dog matching
2 x pre-placement online training sessions
3 day in-home placement training
training materials and starter kit of equipment
scheduled follow up check ins for the first 12 months

How to apply

Read more about our Purposeful Placement Dog program on this page
Check your eligibility against our criteria (including your postcode)
Submit your Application (when applications open)
Download our Health Professional form (when applications open)

This form must be completed by your nominated Health Professional (eg. GP, OT, Psych) and returned to ADA within two (2) weeks of submitting your application form

Please note that the submission of an Application form does not guarantee the applicant will be accepted onto our waiting list.

How a Purposeful Placement Dog Can Support an Individual

Emotional and Psychological Support 

Provides consistent companionship, reducing anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. 
Offers grounding techniques such as deep pressure therapy to manage emotional dysregulation. 
Recognises external stress signals (e.g., pacing, heavy breathing) and offers calming contact to interrupt distress.

Increased Structure and Routine 

Establishes regular routines for toileting, feeding, and exercise, which promotes stability and consistency. 
Provides a sense of responsibility and purpose, contributing to improved emotional wellbeing.

Social and Environmental Confidence 

Encourages participation in community activities and outdoor routines. 
Increases self-confidence and engagement with others through the calming presence of the dog.

Physical Assistance and Modelling Skills 

Offers modelling behaviour cues that encourage positive interactions and skill development (such as cued interactions or controlled play). 
Provides gentle reminders to maintain routines and tasks, supporting individuals who benefit from external structure.

Criteria

To be considered for a Purposeful Placement Dog, applicants must meet the following criteria:

✅ Be aged 18 years or older.
✅ Submit a completed Health Professional Form.
✅ Be deemed suitable by ADA after completing the assessment process.
✅ Accept financial responsibility for the dog’s ongoing care (vet bills, premium food, and equipment).
✅ Provide a secure home environment with a commitment to maintaining the dog’s training, health, and well-being.
✅ Have stable living arrangements suitable for housing a Purposeful Placement Dog.
✅ Have a safe outdoor area for toileting and exercise.
✅ Be able to provide the dog the opportunity to toilet every four (4) hours, minimum
✅ Ensure that all members of the household support the application.
✅ Ensure that no members of the household have a history of abuse, neglect, or non-sanctioned violence toward humans or animals.
✅ If any household members have allergies to dogs, they must be manageable.
✅ All existing pets in the home must:

Be appropriately vaccinated.
Be on correct preventative medications (heartworm, flea, tick, and intestinal worms).
Be desexed and over the age of one year.
Undergo a temperament assessment on a case-by-case basis.

Is a Purposeful Placement Dog right for you?

Purposeful Placement Dogs are ideal for people who:

Are seeking a highly trained dog for emotional support and companionship.
Do not require public access rights but can benefit from the dog’s skills in a home or private environment.
Are committed to maintaining the dog’s training, health, and overall well-being throughout its life.

The ADA Journey

For more information please contact our Client & Volunteer Care Team

02 9520 6282

[email protected]


Naomi National Client & Volunteer Care Manager	Claudia Client Programs Support

Purposeful Placement Dog

Expression of Interest (EOI) Opens: Midday, Monday, 28 April 2025*. Please note that we can only accept limited numbers.

EOI Closes: 5PM, Monday, 12 May 2025 (or earlier if capacity is reached).

Geographic Eligibility

Applicants must reside within 50km of postcodes 4000 (Brisbane), 3000 (Melbourne), or 2748 (Orchard Hills).

*The EOI will be available on our website from midday Monday, 28 April 2025.

It costs over $60,000 to train and place an Assistance Dog.

Your donation helps cover training, vaccinations and equipment for an Assistance Dog, who is given to a client free of charge.

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