At the Working Animal Federation of Australia (WAFA), we foster a diverse and supportive community of individuals, professionals, and organisations dedicated to the welfare of working animals. Our membership tiers cater to people at all stages of their journey—from raising awareness to advancing careers in the working animal sector. Whether you’re an advocate, industry participant, or aspiring credentialed professional, WAFA offers a membership pathway to match your goals.
Tier 1: Supporters Membership for Individuals and Organisations
Our Supporters Membership is ideal for individuals and organisations who are passionate about assistance animals and want to help raise awareness and promote understanding of their vital role in society. This free membership provides an entry point into the WAFA community and connects like-minded supporters across Australia.
Benefits of Supporter Membership:
- Access to exclusive supporter-only content and resources
- Invitations to members-only events, webinars, and awareness campaigns
- Receive WAFA news and updates through our exclusive members portal
- Enrolment in your choice of available programs:
- Assistance Animal Ambassador Program (for handlers)
- Assistance Animal Ally Program (for supporters and advocates)
- Kind is Cool Program (ideal for handlers, trainers, and professionals)
- Introduction to Animal First Aid (for assistance and therapy animal handlers only)
Tier 2: Associates Membership for Individuals
The Associates Membership is designed for individuals who wish to deepen their knowledge and skills within the working animal sector. This tier provides access to specialised training and professional development opportunities focused on animal welfare, public access, and inclusive community education.
Benefits of Associate Membership:
- Digital membership certificate
- Access to exclusive content, events, and resources
- Receive WAFA news and updates through our quarterly members newsletter
- Exclusive access to our private members-only Facebook group
- Enrolment in your choice of available training programs:
- Animal First Aid Program (ideal for trainers, assessors, and industry professionals)
- Community Educator Program (for handlers and supporters who have completed the Ambassador or Ally Programs)
- Assistance Animal Aware Program (for those representing public-facing organisations who have completed the Ally Program) *Additional programs may be available for a fee
- Pre-qualify for Tier 3 Membership (subject to eligibility)
- Exclusive use of WAFA professional digital badges and post-nominals
- All Tier 1 benefits included
- The opportunity to contribute to the direction of WAFA’s advocacy and campaigns
Ongoing Requirements:
- Graduates of the First Aid and Community Educator Programs must engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- All graduates must complete an annual refresher course and quiz to ensure continued competence
- Members must adhere to WAFA’s governance documents and be subject to ethical conduct review
- Fulfil any requirements specific to the relevant program or credential
- Maintain financial membership in good standing to continue accessing benefits
Who Should Join?
- Individuals seeking to build specialist knowledge in working animals, public access, and community inclusion
- Trainers, assessors, educators, and allied health professionals expanding their impact
- Handlers and advocates interested in strengthening public understanding
- People preparing for credentialed roles or further professional pathways
- Members of public-facing organisations aiming to build awareness and accessibility
Tier 3: Professional Membership for Individuals
(Organisational membership coming soon)
The Professional Membership is for individuals seeking formal credentials and recognition as qualified professionals in the working animal sector. This tier provides access to accredited training leading to nationally recognised qualifications.
Benefits of Professional Membership:
- Digital graduation certificate
- Exclusive use of WAFA’s professional digital badge/s and post-nominals
- Access to exclusive professional resources, events, and content
- Receive WAFA news and updates through our monthly members newsletter
- Exclusive access to our credentials Facebook group
- Enrolment in your choice of current credential programs:
- Certified Assistance Animal Trainer (CAAT)
- Certified Assistance Animal Occupational Therapist (CAAOT)
- *Additional credentials available for an additional fee
- Pre-qualify for Tier 4 Endorsed Membership (subject to eligibility)
- All Tier 1 and Tier 2 benefits included
- Contribute to the development of WAFA campaigns, education, and standards
Ongoing Requirements:
- Participate in professional supervision to reflect on practice, build ethical competence, and ensure the welfare and safety of both animals and handlers
- Engage in ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to stay current in the field
- Complete an annual refresher quiz and course to maintain up-to-date practice
- Comply with WAFA’s governance and ethical conduct requirements
- Fulfil any credential-specific obligations
- Maintain financial membership in good standing
Who Should Join?
- Individuals pursuing formal credentials in assistance animal training, therapy, or related fields
- Practitioners committed to professional growth and ethical leadership
- Professionals supporting best practice and development in the working animal sector
Tier 4: Endorsed Professional Membership for Individuals
(Organisational membership coming soon)
The Endorsed Professional Membership is designed for individuals who have achieved advanced qualifications and wish to be recognised as leaders in the working animal sector. This tier supports those pursuing specialised certifications, such as assessors or expert practitioners.
Benefits of Endorsed Professional Membership:
- Digital graduation certificate
- Exclusive use of WAFA’s endorsed digital badge/s and post-nominals
- Access to exclusive content, events, and leadership opportunities
- Enrolment in your choice of current endorsement tracks*:
- Assistance Animal Public Access Test (PAT) Assessor
- *Additional endorsements available for an additional fee
- Contribute to national discussions and the evolution of WAFA’s advocacy, policies, and standards
- All Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 benefits included
Ongoing Requirements:
- Engage in professional supervision to support reflective practice, uphold ethical standards, and promote welfare
- Maintain Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in alignment with your area of endorsement
- Pass an annual refresher quiz and course to confirm ongoing competence
- Comply with WAFA’s ethical and governance frameworks
- Meet all endorsement-specific obligations
- Remain a financial WAFA member in good standing
Who Should Join?
- Experienced professionals seeking advanced certifications in the working animal field
- Individuals wishing to specialise as assessors, mentors, or educators
- Experts committed to raising standards and strengthening ethics within the sector