03_900100155_0130_1_1
Assistance Dog (Including Guide Dog) Ongoing Costs

Line Item Description

This NDIS support item, 03_900100155_0130_1_1 Assistance Dog (Including Guide Dog) Ongoing Costs, provides funding for the necessary maintenance and upkeep expenses associated with a participant's accredited assistance dog.

Support Purpose and Category This line item falls under the Core Support Purpose and is specifically within the Consumables Support Category (03). The registration group is Assistance Animals (0130).

What is Covered This support item covers the extra ongoing costs required to maintain a specially trained assistance dog (including guide dogs) that meets the NDIS's policy and accreditation requirements. The funding addresses the costs above and beyond those for an equivalent companion animal or pet.


Covered ongoing costs include:

Pet Food

Routine Veterinary Care (e.g., annual checkups, vaccinations)

Grooming

Medication (extra costs)

Annual Accreditation Reviews/Training Refreshers (to ensure the dog remains effective and qualified)

Exclusions This funding is not for the costs associated with initial assessment, purchase, or initial intensive training of the assistance animal, as these are typically funded separately under the Capital - Assistive Technology budget. It also does not fund animals that are not formally trained and accredited, such as emotional support animals or therapy dogs.

Participant Outcomes By funding the ongoing care, this support item ensures the assistance animal remains healthy, well-maintained, and continuously capable of performing its task-based supports, which are necessary due to the participant's disability. This sustained support helps the participant to maintain their independence, confidence, community access, and overall well-being.

Unit of Measure The unit of measure for this item is typically Month (N), reflecting the regular, ongoing nature of the expense. This is a Quotable support item, meaning the provider and participant should agree on a reasonable price.