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Companion Animals

BrockovichNew Contributor

Companion Animals

Hi All,

I need advice (NSW specific) about how to go about registering my dog as an official companion animal.

All of my research says he would need to be trained by an organization which costs thousands of dollars I can not afford.

I have complex post traumatic stress disorder and dissassociative identity disorder and I struggle to leave my house without my dog. He is small & fluffy so I carry him everywhere. I've trained him to hug me when he is carried (one paw either side of my neck with his chest resting on mine) it makes me feel safe & able to go about my day.

Today however, I was yelled at by a stranger for having him inside a shopping centre with me (not someone who worked there, the workers love him. Just an old lady walking past me) I burst into tears & left straight away.

People don't understand that he is not just a 'dog' to me. He is a therapy aid!

Is there anyway I can get him registered as a companion animal without paying thousands to have him trained by an official organization?

2 replies

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In response to: Companion Animals

Fancy_PantsSenior Contributor

Re: Companion Animals

Hi @Brockovich,

Welcome to the Sane Forums! 🙂

I am not overly sure but my google search suggested that the Guide Dogs assocciation (website here) 02 9412 9300 islooking after it in NSW. From your story it sounds like you would be eligible and that it would be very helpful.

there is also a great article posted by @Former-Member about the benefits of dog therapy here

And as a fellow dog lover I definetely believe in the theraputic power of their support so I hope it works out, Please let us know!

In response to: Companion Animals

pipSenior Contributor

Re: Companion Animals

Hi @Brockovich. Another thought comes to mind here. Try talking to your Dr, get him to give you some sort of notification about how you were before you got the dog, and how your life has changed for the better since you acquired the dog. I know 'seeing eye dogs' need to be registered as such, perhaps a dog for therapeutic purposes could get some sort of similar recognition. Obviously you would need some sort of i.d for the dog being a therapeutic aid, but with a Dr's note, plus contact the police for any info they may have.
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