Assistance Dogs in other Australian states:
Alongside your GHAD PAT accreditation via the Queensland government (acknowledged in Qld., NSW & Vic.) you should also have:
- Victoria – an Assistance Animal Pass is required and issued by Public Transport Victoria permitting assistance animals to travel on public transport. The pass is valid for 3 years.
- Western Australia – The Public Transport Authority doesn’t require permits for assistance animals to travel on public transport. There is local government legislation providing for animals to have an ID card and a dog coat/harness.
- Queensland – A Handler’s Identity Card is valid for 5 years allowing travel on public transport. Also, Translink (South East Queensland Transport Authority) issues an Animal Pass provided the dog meets certain standards of behaviour in public.
- South Australia – The Dog and Cat Management Board issues a Disability Dog Pass that is valid indefinitely.
- New South Wales – An Assistance Animal Permit is required for access to public transport, however Guide dogs and Hearing dogs do not require a permit. The permit must be renewed annually.
- Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory and Tasmania – no system of accreditation exists and no specific passes issued.
If you feel you have been discriminated against because of your Assistance Dog, you may wish to take it further. Here is a suggested link: disability discrimination legal service