Ongoing Projects
At the Working Animals Federation of Australia (WAFA), we are proud to lead a range of pioneering initiatives that support best practice, innovation, and inclusion across the working animal sector. In addition to our national membership and credentialing systems, we’re actively working on a number of high-impact projects that will benefit individuals, organisations, and the broader community.
Here are some of the current projects we are working on:
Individual and Peer Advocacy Support Programs
WAFA is developing individual advocacy and peer-led support programs to assist people who are experiencing discrimination, access issues, or challenges navigating complex systems like the NDIS. These services will provide rights-based support and sector-specific knowledge, helping individuals and families advocate for themselves and their animals with confidence.
Peer Support Mentor Training
Recognising the unique value of lived experience, WAFA is developing a dedicated training and endorsement pathway for Peer Support Mentors in the working animal space. This includes formal recognition of lived experience, practical mentoring skills, and foundational knowledge in advocacy, accessibility, and trauma-informed practice. Imagine, as a seasoned assistance animal handler being able to share your knowledge and experience with novice handlers.
Credential Program Expansion
We are extending our WAFA Credential Program to cover a broader range of disciplines across the working animal sector. Future credentials will include streams for:
- Therapy Animal Training
- Detection Animal Training
These programs will set national benchmarks for ethical practice, animal welfare, and professional development in these emerging fields.
World-First University Degrees
WAFA is producing the first comprehensive textbook dedicated to the multidisciplinary field of working animal partnerships. This resource will combine the latest research, legislation, real-world case studies, and lived experience to support professional education, policy development, and sector-wide learning.
Endorsement for Qualifications and CPD
WAFA is creating a national endorsement framework for short courses, micro-credentials, and sector-relevant qualifications that align with our values and standards. This endorsement will help individuals identify high-quality training and continuing education options, and support providers to demonstrate alignment with national best practices.
These projects reflect WAFA’s commitment to education, inclusion, and ethical leadership in the working animal sector. Our work is grounded in lived experience, built on evidence, and designed to create lasting impact for both humans and animals.
Stay tuned for updates, launch announcements, and opportunities to get involved.