Petcover welcomes Pat Dogs Australia as a valued partner

At Petcover, we’re passionate about supporting the incredible work of organisations that make a real difference in people’s lives. That’s why we’re proud to announce our partnership with Pat Dogs Australia, a registered provider dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with mental illness and autism through the training and certification of Assistance Dogs.

Who is Pat Dogs Australia?

Pat Dogs Australia specialises in training Mental Health Assistance Dogs (also known as Psychiatric Assistance Dogs) and Autism Assistance Dogs to support individuals with specific needs. These dogs are not just companions—they are highly trained medical aids that help people regain independence, confidence, and connection with the community.

Whether it’s helping someone navigate daily life with anxiety or supporting a child with autism in developing vital social and life skills, Pat Dogs’ tailored training programs offer life-changing support through the power of the human-animal bond.

Empowering people through specialised training

Pat Dogs Australia offers structured and personalised training, enabling individuals to train and certify their own dogs as Assistance Dogs. Their comprehensive services include:

• Personalised guidance and structured online training courses
• Assistance with accessing NDIS funding through their Canine Capacity Building Program
• Support for Animal Assistance Permit applications with Transport for NSW
• Help securing public access rights, including Virgin Australia flight travel and local council registration

All dogs certified by Pat Dogs Australia are granted full Public Access Rights under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, ensuring they can accompany their handlers in most public places and on public transport.

How assistance dogs help

Assistance Dogs trained by Pat Dogs Australia help their handlers in two key ways:

Advanced skills training

Each dog is trained over a period of up to two years to master:

• General obedience under distraction and in a variety of settings
• Public access skills such as navigating lifts, stairs, and crowded environments
• Disability-related tasks tailored to the individual—such as interrupting harmful behaviours, retrieving medication, or providing pressure therapy during moments of distress

The power of the human-animal bond

Beyond trained skills, the deep bond between a handler and their dog plays a vital role in promoting emotional safety and psychological well-being. This calming presence helps reduce anxiety, increase community engagement, and restore a sense of normalcy and independence.

A shared mission

At Petcover, we recognise and champion the positive impact that Assistance Dogs have on mental health and daily functioning. Partnering with Pat Dogs Australia aligns with our commitment to supporting the broader pet-loving community—not just through pet insurance, but by working with organisations that use the power of animals to change lives.

To learn more about Pat Dogs Australia and the incredible work they do, visit their website here.