{"id":3818,"date":"2023-09-28T09:45:03","date_gmt":"2023-09-28T09:45:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/workinganimals.com.au\/?page_id=3818"},"modified":"2024-08-30T01:57:44","modified_gmt":"2024-08-30T01:57:44","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/workinganimals.com.au\/en_us\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"3818\" class=\"elementor elementor-3818\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a101dd7 elementor-section-height-min-height elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-items-middle\" data-id=\"a101dd7\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-41d9592\" data-id=\"41d9592\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2990b64 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2990b64\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">FAQs<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a057130 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"a057130\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3e3c99a\" data-id=\"3e3c99a\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-83b61c2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"83b61c2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The most common <span style=\"color: var( --e-global-color-accent )\">questions<\/span> we get are<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aae82b2 custom-faqs elementor-widget elementor-widget-accordion\" data-id=\"aae82b2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1791\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1791\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Is WAFA a charity? <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1791\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1791\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Welcome to the Working Animals Federation of Australia (WAFA)\u2013 where we believe in a world where all working animals, their handlers, trainers, assessors, and other professionals receive the support and recognition they deserve.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We are a social enterprise and a proud part of the Animal Welfare Union. Our mission is to provide comprehensive support and education to individuals and communities involved in the working animals sphere. This includes assistance, therapy, detection, and education animals, as well as their dedicated handlers, trainers, assessors, and other key professionals.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the Working Animals Federation of Australia, we have a vision of a world where assistance animals no longer face discrimination and where every Australian community is aware of their rights. We envision a world where animal-assisted therapy is accessible to everyone, and these animals receive the legal recognition they deserve.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our commitment to this vision drives us to provide essential resources, education, and advocacy for working animals and their human partners. We work tirelessly to ensure that the vital role these animals play in our society is acknowledged and respected.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1792\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1792\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Who runs WAFA?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1792\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1792\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the Working Animals Federation of Australia, we take pride in our team.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All our staff members are individuals with disabilities and lived experience. This means that we not only understand the challenges faced by our community, but we also bring a unique perspective to our work.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our team members are not just employees; they are empowered individuals who have overcome obstacles and are now contributing their skills and expertise to our mission. Our diverse team brings a wealth of perspectives and ideas to the table, fostering creativity and innovation. We believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive, and by providing meaningful employment, we&#8217;re creating tangible change in the lives of individuals in our community.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our steering committee will not be announced until early 2024, but in the interim if you contact us you may speak with Angie, Tatum or Jackyleen our admin team and social media gurus.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1793\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1793\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why is our ABN\/business name unsearchable? <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1793\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1793\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u200b\u200b<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our ABN and business name are suppressed in line with relevant laws that require our founder&#8217;s identity to be withheld for her personal safety and due to ongoing threats.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1794\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1794\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What standards do we have?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1794\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1794\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WAFA was initially established by an industry expert, however is operating as a collective of experts who form the Governing Body. We operate under the following:<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Charter*<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Professional Standards*<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Code of Conduct*<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Code of Ethics*<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Code of Practice*<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">*These are under review by our steering committee, with the latest version to be released to the public in early 2024<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our official Governing Body will be announced in 2024, when we officially open to the public.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We are a social enterprise, and therefore have the freedom to operate in a number of sectors, working with a range of experts including:<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disability experts<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Animal trainers and breeders<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Educational professionals<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therapy and assistance trainers<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allied health professionals<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compliance and Governance professionals<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Category specific (e.g. guide, hearing, detection) handlers<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our 2024 &#8211; 2029 Strategic Plan will be released to the public in early 2024.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1795\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1795\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What tests do we use? <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1795\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1795\"><p><b>At the Working Animals Federation of Australia, we take pride in pioneering advancements that promote the safety and well-being of working animals and their handlers, while also fostering harmonious relationships within our communities.<\/b><\/p><p><b>Our Holistic Public Access Test (H-PAT) has been meticulously developed based on globally recognised standards set forth by ADI (Assistance Dogs International),, IGDF (International Guide Dog Federation) and GHAD. Additionally, between 2018 and 2023, WAFA conducted extensive research to further enhance the PAT. These enhancements have been designed to elevate the safety of both assistance dogs and their handlers, as well as the communities they serve.<\/b><\/p><p><b>The PAT has undergone a robust validation process that includes three sets of peer reviews and has been opened for public consultation. We&#8217;ve also engaged alpha and beta testers to ensure its effectiveness and practicality in real-world scenarios.<\/b><\/p><p><b>We are thrilled to announce that the Holistic Public Access Test (PAT) will officially launch in early 2024. This groundbreaking assessment will set new standards for the industry, ensuring that assistance animals and their handlers are equipped to deliver the highest level of service and safety.<\/b><\/p><p><b>In addition to the PAT, WAFA is proud to introduce the Holistic Therapy Access Test (H-TAT), which mirrors the PAT but is specifically tailored for therapy animals. Just like the PAT, the TAT has undergone rigorous development and testing phases, including alpha and beta testing with valuable input from experts and stakeholders.<\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Holistic Public Access Test (PAT) was developed based on GHAD, ADI and IGDF standards, as well as research conducted by WAFA between 2018-2023 with additions made to increase safety of ADs and handlers as well as communities. Have gone through 3 sets of peer review and been opened for public consultation. We have also run alpha and beta testers through it and will officially open in early 2024. TAT is the PAT but for TDs. We have also run alpha and beta testers through it and will officially open in early 2024. <\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1796\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"6\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1796\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Which animals do you recognise?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1796\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"6\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1796\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the Working Animals Federation of Australia, we take a comprehensive and inclusive approach to recognising animals. We believe that all animals, regardless of species or breed, can play vital roles in providing assistance and therapy when owned and used legally within relevant federal and state laws.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our recognition extends to a wide range of animals, including but not limited to:<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assistance Animals:<\/span><\/p><ol><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Dogs<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Cats<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Parrots<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Geese<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Miniature Horses<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Pigs<\/span><\/li><\/ol><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therapy Animals:<\/span><\/p><ol><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Cats<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Chickens<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Rodents<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Dogs<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Horses<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Goats<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Cows<\/span><\/li><\/ol><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please note that our recognition is not limited to the specific species listed above. We acknowledge and support the use of any species or breed as long as it complies with all relevant federal and state laws. We are committed to promoting the responsible and ethical use of animals for assistance and therapy purposes.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exceptions:<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are specific exceptions to our accreditation policy:<\/span><\/p><ol><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> We will not register an animal listed by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) or other international or national lists as endangered, or are otherwise prohibited. For example, we will not register a native (e.g. possum) or exotic (e.g. primate) species as these species cannot be legally owned by individuals within Australia.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ol><ol start=\"2\"><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> We may refrain from registering certain breeds, species or individuals if their use is deemed unethical, poses a potential safety concern, or is otherwise problematic. Our commitment to the welfare of animals and the safety of communities guides our decisions in these cases. For example, we will not register prohibited breeds of dogs or declared dangerous or menacing dogs.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ol><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At WAFA, our primary goal is to ensure that animals are worked ethically, responsibly, and safely to benefit individuals and communities. We are dedicated to fostering a harmonious relationship between animals, their handlers, and the wider community while upholding legal and ethical standards.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1797\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"7\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1797\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Are we legally recognised? <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1797\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"7\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1797\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As an independent organisation, the Working Animals Federation of Australia (WAFA) is not a government agency, and our accreditation system is not an official government program.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While WAFA may not have official government recognition, we are working towards establishing a nationally recognisable symbol for working animals which holds substantial legitimacy within the community and industry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The fact that some states and territories are considering adopting our system is a positive sign of recognition and potential acceptance within the broader community. It suggests that our standards and practices are seen as valuable and align with the goals of promoting the well-being of assistance and therapy animals.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1798\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"8\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1798\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\"> Is it compulsory? <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1798\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"8\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1798\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Australian law does not require an assistance or therapy animal to be registered or accredited by any government or non-government body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similar to state- or territory-based accreditation in Australia, participation in WAFA&#8217;s recognition system is entirely voluntary.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The primary legal requirement governing assistance animals in Australia is the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).\u00a0 Compliance with the DDA is mandatory. Some states and territories offer optional recognition schemes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WAFA serves as an optional opportunity for individuals, handlers, and organisations who aim to excel in their standards beyond the basic legal requirements. It offers a way for those who want to meet the highest available standards of training, behaviour, and professionalism to do so voluntarily.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the advantages of WAFA&#8217;s system is that it operates at the national level, providing a consistent standard across the country, rather than being restricted to a specific state or territory. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals and organisations that operate across different regions of Australia.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1799\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"9\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1799\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What are the benefits of WAFA? <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1799\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"9\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1799\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a free member, you receive the following benefits:<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Access to the moderated social media group<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Free courses<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Free resources<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a paid member, you get additional resources, including:<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use of our logo<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional education and professional resources<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Access to additional programs, for example community educator and education programs*<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">*some of these incur an additional one-off fee, please contact us for more information<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our expects also offer additional services, such as advocacy, consultation and individual guidance, however, this is managed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for more information, if you require these services.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-17910\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"10\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-17910\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Is WAFA accepted for airline travel?  <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-17910\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"10\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-17910\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is responsible for advising airlines on the carriage of assistance animals in Australia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WAFA is currently working with CASA and various airlines to ensure carriage of WAFA accredited assistance animals in the future.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learn more here:<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.casa.gov.au\/operations-safety-and-travel\/travel-and-passengers\/passengers-disability-and-reduced-mobility\/travel-assistance-animals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.casa.gov.au\/operations-safety-and-travel\/travel-and-passengers\/passengers-disability-and-reduced-mobility\/travel-assistance-animals<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-17911\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"11\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-17911\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">How to access AD Ambassador Course?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-17911\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"11\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-17911\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accessing the Assistance Animal Ambassador Program can be done following these steps:\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Start by becoming a member of the Working Animals Federation of Australia (WAFA) for free. Membership provides access to various resources, including the AD Ambassador Course.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Once you are a registered member, log in to your WAFA account.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Navigate to the AD Ambassador Course section or registration page.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; As a WAFA member and course participant, you gain access to free resources. These resources may include educational materials, guides, and templates related to assistance animals.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; WAFA offers a valuable resource for its members: access cards outlining current federal law for assistance dog access. You can apply for up to 10 of these cards.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; These cards are useful for members of the public who may challenge your access rights while accompanied by an assistance dog. They help educate others about your rights under the law.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; WAFA provides its members with a free logo and certificate as part of the AD Ambassador program.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; These assets can help you promote your commitment to assistance dog advocacy and education on social media.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; After completing the AD Ambassador Course, you can play a crucial role in educating businesses and organisations about assistance dog access rights.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Encourage local businesses to take the course to ensure they are aware of the law and can provide the proper accommodations to individuals with assistance dogs.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-17912\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"12\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-17912\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What is our Accreditation? <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-17912\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"12\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-17912\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accreditation with the Working Animals Federation of Australia is a prestigious recognition reserved for current individuals working within the assistance animal and animal-assisted therapy industry. This accreditation program is distinct from membership and is designed to ensure that individuals and organisations meet and maintain the highest professional standards.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accreditation is open to individuals and organisations actively involved in the assistance animal and animal-assisted therapy industry. It is designed for those who are committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. To pursue accreditation, you must first be a member of the WAFA.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The accreditation process is based on the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) course, ensuring that accredited individuals and organisations have a strong foundation in the field. In addition to the ASQA course, accreditation involves meeting additional requirements, which may include:<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Submitting policies and procedures related to your field of work.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Demonstrating qualifications and certifications such as mental health and senior first aid, animal first aid, and other relevant training.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Obtaining a Working with Children Check (WWCC) and undergoing police checks for individuals involved in the industry.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Completing a skillset specific to assistance animals and animal-assisted therapy.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Successfully completing in-house theory and practical assessments to showcase your expertise.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accredited individuals and organisations enjoy several benefits, including:<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Listing on WAFA&#8217;s Website: Accredited entities are featured on WAFA&#8217;s website, increasing their visibility within the industry and to the public.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Use of Logos: Accredited entities have the privilege of using WAFA&#8217;s public access and therapy access logos, signifying their adherence to high professional standards.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Enhanced Credibility: Accreditation with WAFA enhances your credibility and demonstrates your commitment to excellence in the field.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recognition: Being accredited by WAFA signals to clients, partners, and stakeholders that you meet the organisation&#8217;s rigorous standards.&#8221;<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We have specifically split membership and accreditation as individuals then have access to multiple accreditation systems if they so choose, and individuals can also become members and support our work without completing accreditations if they choose. The one-off cost for accreditation covers the cost of our staff to assess the submission and provide feedback. There is no additional cost should the first submission be unsuccessful.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are no hidden fees, although there are costs involved in completing some requirements such as Certificate 4 Animal Behaviour and training through an RTO which is mandatory for trainers.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-17913\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"13\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-17913\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">How do I get my animal certified so I can take him to shopping centres?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-17913\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"13\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-17913\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a starting point, you will need to be assessed as to whether your disability meets the definition provided by Part 4 of the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth).<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Your animal will also need to meet the criteria given by Section 9(2)(c) of this legislation.\u00a0 Some States and Territories have their own legislation, which individuals can work under, however the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can be applied to all states and territories.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most assistance animals and their handlers complete a Public Access Test (PAT) at the end of their training which identifies that the team has met these requirements. Although this is not currently a legal requirement, it is considered to be best practice and is highly recommended. Please note that the quality of any PAT is dependent upon both the person who authored the test and the person assessing the test. As such, the quality of such tests varies greatly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We understand that assistance animals can be a difficult realm to navigate, so we have developed a free short course which outlines these requirements in detail.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please visit our Assistance Animals Ambassador Program which can be accessed through our free membership option.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-17914\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"14\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-17914\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Where can my qualified assistance animal go? <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-17914\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"14\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-17914\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assistance animals can accompany their handler in all locations that members of the public can go which includes (but is not limited to) hospitals, rentals, hotels, public transport, universities, schools, supermarkets and restaurants.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, assistance animals are unable to attend sterile surgical environments, quarantine facilities and food preparation areas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some states and territories offer a transport pass for assistance animals to be able to accompany their handler on public transport. Although this is not legally required to be held, it is highly recommended to help you to navigate public access with ease.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We understand that assistance animals can be a difficult realm to navigate, so we have developed a free short course that outlines these requirements in detail.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please visit our Assistance Animals Ambassador Program which can be accessed through our free membership option.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FAQs The most common questions we get are Is WAFA a charity? Welcome to the Working Animals Federation of Australia (WAFA)\u2013 where we believe in a world where all working animals, their handlers, trainers, assessors, and other professionals receive the support and recognition they deserve. We are a social enterprise and a proud part of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3818","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/workinganimals.com.au\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3818","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/workinganimals.com.au\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/workinganimals.com.au\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/workinganimals.com.au\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/workinganimals.com.au\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3818"}],"version-history":[{"count":40,"href":"https:\/\/workinganimals.com.au\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3818\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4870,"href":"https:\/\/workinganimals.com.au\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3818\/revisions\/4870"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/workinganimals.com.au\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3818"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}