Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.
Unknown userMember
My assistance dog just passed the Public Access Test! This means we will be able to take the bus, and I’m in regional Victoria, so I’ll be able to get around on the V-Line too - as soon as all the paperwork is done and sent off to Public Transport Victoria. So exciting! I was worried about how we were going to cope in high summer if I had to walk everywhere. The bus will be a life saver.
In response to: Wonderful news! My assistance dog passed her PAT!
hanamiSenior Contributor
Hi @Former-Member
What wonderful news! Thank you so much for sharing 😊
In response to: Wonderful news! My assistance dog passed her PAT!
Unknown userMember
oh @Former-Member congratulations to you and your service dog ❤️
I imagine it's been a real weight off your shoulders.
Forgive my ignorance, but what was the process like?
In response to: Re: Wonderful news! My assistance dog passed her PAT!
Unknown userMember
@Former-Member In a word, the process was “long”, but I am thinking of the 18 months I’ve been training my dog for! The actual PAT is very stressful, but doesn’t take long. You need to demonstrate the dog can behave adequately calmly in public settings and won’t scavenge etc., plus you need to demonstrate at least three disability mitigating tasks.
The fact is, her training will continue for quite some time and I would have preferred to not do the PAT for another few months when she would be more mature, but need drove us to it. It’s a bit scandalous that the Victorian government allows dogs in training on buses IF their handler is deaf or blind, but won’t allow other people with disabilities the same.
In response to: Re: Wonderful news! My assistance dog passed her PAT!
Unknown userMember
@Former-Member what a huge effort for the both of you then! Your determination has really paid off for you ❤️ I'm very excited for you.
And yes, that is so scandalous! It seems like a very strange rule based on a misunderstanding of how varied the needs of people.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
You’ll soon be able to use one secure login to access all SANE services.
For added security, members are now required to log in with their email address and password - member names are no longer supported for logging in.
If you had a Forums account before 19 May 2026 and haven’t set up your new login yet, you'll be prompted to set up your new secure login when you sign-in.
Fields marked * are required
