Therapy and Service Dog Training &
Certification
Dog Training Organisation
for Certification Australia-Wide
Sensible, friendly, and comprehensive
for dogs that are ready to make a difference.
We make therapy and assistance dog training & certification affordable, accessible, and officially recognised. Whether you're working with a puppy or an experienced therapy animal, we help you move forward with confidence, without forcing you into long or expensive training if your dog already meets the standard.
Therapy Dog Certification Program
Train and certify your therapy dog team for school, clinic, aged care, or private settings. Perfect for Volunteer therapy dog roles, Clinical therapy assistance animals or Corporate and healthcare support
✔ Facility Dogs ✔ School Programs ✔ Clinicians
Emotional Support Dog Registration
To some the service dog training and assessment can require too much training and perhaps too costly. An alternative is gaining a emotional support dog , which is relatively quick to achieve (same as a therapy dog) and considerably cheaper ($495). You are issued with a Therapy Dog ID badge and have your wear a 'personal therapy dog' vest. You may then upon asking and receiving permission enter various public facilities.
✔ Formal Documentation ✔ Training & Support
Service Dog Training & Public Access Test Certification
Support for owner-trained assistance dogs, including preparation for the Public Access Test (PAT). Behaviour and task-based evaluations; Official assistance dog training pathway; Full PAT certification and handler support
✔ PAT ✔ Government Recognised ✔ Owner Trained
Paws For Support Upcoming Events
Group Information session
Black Rock Civic Hall
Cnr College Gve, Balcombe Rd,
Black Rock VIC 3193
7pm Tuesday 23th September
Simply text Alan on 0411 705 686 to reserve your spot. Feel free to bring your dog for a free a 'pre-assessment'
Not local to Bayside Melbourne?
Simply register your name for more information
and temperament checklist and perhaps
register for our next Webinars.
Group Therapy Dog Certification
29th Sept/6th October
10th Nov/17th Nov
Register for an upcoming webinar
7pm - 8pm Thursday 25th Sept
9am - 10am Saturday 27th Sept
Register your interest and we will send you a Google invitation to attend
Why Choose Paws For Support?
If your dog already meets the required standards, we can certify them without putting you through expensive, time-consuming training programs. Based in Cheltenham, VIC, and serving clients across Melbourne and Australia-wide through both in-person and online assessments, we help individuals, therapists, volunteers, and schools bring the comfort and support of therapy dogs ESA and Assistance Dogs to the people who need them most.
Government-recognized dog training organisation and official Therapy Dog certification
Accredited Members of the Australian Association of Professional Dog Trainers.
Experienced Trainer: Our lead dog trainer has 30+ years' experience helping dogs and handlers succeed.
Balanced training philosophy, positive reinforcement with clear guidance
Flexible Options: Train in person at Cheltenham, VIC, or online via our Zoom programs, available nationally.
Supportive and Affordable: Certify your dog without costly, unnecessary courses if they’re already prepared.
Proven Methods: We use proven training methods that build trust, clear communication, and calm behaviour, and training professionals that empower owners to train & certify their dog
Fast turnaround times
“Not in Melbourne? No problem. We offer virtual meetings, online assessments, and video submissions so you can get certified from anywhere in Australia.
+
+
Dog Program's
Online and In Person Delivery
Approved School Well Being Dogs Facilitors
Puppy and older dog training classes available through Secret Dogs Business.
We’re the official Melbourne assessor for Story Dogs Literacy Program
Member Australian Assoc. of Professional Dog Trainers. Government Approved Dog Training Organisation
Affiliated with Miracle Paws for short-term Visiting Therapy Dog programs
Hear From Happy therapy team Handlers
Bowie my now therapy dog attends psychotherapy sessions along side me... Thank you Alan, your support has been excellent.
Alan, as a gifted trainer, has provided the support and guidance that have enabled me and my dog to learn together.
I just got my 7 year old golden retriever, Archie, accredited as a Therapy Dog, and we are beyond impressed...
Happy Handlers
Paws For Support Story
See More Success Stories & Articles
FAQ – Quick Answers for New Handlers
Therapy dogs offer support in community and clinical spaces. Assistance dogs are trained for tasks and have legal public access. ESA dogs provide comfort at home and may qualify for documentation.
You can book a free pre-assessment or use our potential therapy dog checklist to see if your dog meets the standards.
Not at all. We welcome all dog and owner teams, from everyday pet lovers to health professionals and educators. You don’t need to be a qualified animal-assisted therapist or have professional development training.
Assistance dogs can be trained for a wide range of support tasks. These include hearing and assistance, mobility aid, psychiatric assistance dogs, and more. Whether you need your dog to retrieve items, provide alerts, or support emotional regulation, we tailor a plan based on your needs.
At Paws For Support, we combine flexible online and in-person formats with a focus on certification if the animal already possesses the necessary skills. The expert facilitators at Paws for Support have a mission to make animal assisted services more accessible. We’re a government certification provider and members of the Australian Association of Professional Dog Trainers. We empower clients through a wide range of training options, from training school to custom dog training plans.
Yes! Whether you're in a city or remote area, we offer dog training and certification across Australia, with both in-person and virtual pathways.
Therapy dog certification typically ranges from $495 to $895 depending on the type (school, personal, or volunteer). Assistance Dog programs vary depending on your dog's current skill level and the tasks needed.
Yes. Many handlers train their own dog with guidance from our experts. We support you through every step, offering personalised training and accreditation, dog training classes, and preparation for assessments.
We recommend puppy training to build early confidence, focus, and obedience. Starting young often provides better outcomes and quicker progression into advanced training and formal therapy and assistance dog programs. It's also important that the owner has a keen willingness to learn.
Yes, our process aligns with AAI, AAT, and animal-assisted education. We support schools health professionals, therapists and community volunteers across Australia.
Ready to Empower
Your Dog?
We help individuals, families, and schools train their dog to become fully certified for therapy, service, or emotional support roles.
