{"id":5619,"date":"2025-09-08T02:02:48","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T02:02:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/workinganimals.com.au\/?page_id=5619"},"modified":"2025-09-08T02:58:43","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T02:58:43","slug":"terminology","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/workinganimals.com.au\/en_us\/terminology\/","title":{"rendered":"Terminology"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Terminology<\/h1>\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\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Working Animals Terminology<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Working Animal:<\/strong> A Working Animal is defined as any animal with a job, including assistance animals, therapy animals, detection animals, search and rescue animals, herding animals and many more.<\/p>

Companion Animal:<\/strong> A Companion Animal is generally referred to as a Pet, provides emotional support and companionship to their owners. Unlike Working Animals, they are not trained to perform specific tasks. Unlike state and territory law, the WAFA does not restrict the definition of Companion Animal to dogs and cats, instead recognising animals of all species which are Pets. To learn more about Companion Animals visit our sister organisation at www.companionanimals.com.au<\/a><\/p>

Working Animal Team:<\/strong> A Working Animal Team comprises of the working animal and its handler. One example would be an Assistance Animal and the disabled individual who they support.<\/p>

Law: <\/strong>Australian Law comprises of both Legislation (Statute) and Case Law (Common Law).<\/p>

Legislation:<\/strong> Legislation refers to the body of laws formally enacted by a legislative body such as a parliament or congress. These laws are written statutes that establish legal obligations, rights, and frameworks for governing society. For examples, the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth). Legislation also includes Regulations which accompany Acts.<\/p>

Case Law:<\/strong> Case law is created through judicial decisions in individual court cases. As courts interpret and apply legislation to specific situations, these decisions set precedents that guide future judicial rulings. This evolving body of law is also known as common law or judicial precedent. For example, Mulligan v Virgin Australia Airlines Pty Ltd [2015] FCA 954.\u00a0<\/p>

Working Animal Prospect:<\/strong> A Prospect is any animal who is undertaking basic obedience training with a view to progress to a working animal role. This may include prospect assistance, therapy or detection animals of any breed or species. Canines, for example, are typically classed as a Prospect until they reach 6 months of age or have completed 6 months of foundation obedience training. At this stage WAFA requires that the animal undergo a Preliminary Assessment (PA), which for Assistance Animal Prospects, is known as the Preliminary Public Access Test (pPAT). This is to ensure the animal has foundational obedience and the team does not pose any harm to themselves, the environment or the community. Prospect Assistance Animals should not be trained in public places where animals are prohibited until they have successfully passed the pPAT. Depending on the animal\u2019s history, breed, species and function, they may progress through this stage faster or slower.<\/p>

Working Animal in Training:<\/strong> A Working Animal-in-Training (WAiT) is an animal who has progressed beyond Prospect by passing a Preliminary Assessment (PA), which for Assistance Animal Prospects, is known as the Preliminary Public Access Test (pPAT). An Assistance Animal-in-Training (AAiT) may access public spaces where animals are traditionally prohibited for the purposes of training. Canines typically take 12-18 months to fully complete training and progress beyond AAiT by passing a Qualifying Assessment (QA) which, for assistance animals is known as a Qualifying Public Access Test (qPAT). Depending on the animal\u2019s history, breed, species and function, they may progress through this stage faster or slower.<\/p>

Preliminary Assessment:<\/strong> The Preliminary Assessment (PA) is the initial assessment undertaken to ensure the animal h meets WAFA Professional Standards in terms of foundational obedience and ensuring that the team does not pose any harm to themselves, the environment or the community. Once the PA is complete, the working animal team are able to train in public spaces, in line with legal requirements.<\/p>

Qualifying Assessment:<\/strong> The Qualifying Assessment (QA) is the final assessment undertaken to ensure the animal meets WAFA Professional Standards and is capable of performing their role competently and safely in the community. Once the QA is complete, the working animal team are able to work in public spaces, in line with legal requirements.<\/p>

Retired:<\/strong> A Working Animal that is no longer able to work due to old age, injury, illness or inappropriate, unresolvable behaviour is retired. This animal may live as a pet with its former handler or be rehomed as a pet. The WAFA requires that all Working Animals must be required upon recommendation by 2 veterinarians and\/or 2 professionally qualified, WAFA accredited and experienced trainers, where circumstances require.<\/p>

Washed:<\/strong> Any animal who \u2018washes out\u2019 is one that is cut from a Working Animal training program due to unsuitability prior to completing the QA. This animal may live as a pet with its former handler or be rehomed as a pet. The WAFA requires that all Prospects and Working-Animals-in-Training be washed if they are unable to complete the pPAT or qPAT respectively in 3 attempts within 3 years of commencing training, unless extenuating circumstances apply.<\/p>

Primary Handler:<\/strong> A Primary Handler, also known as a Handler, is the individual who is primarily responsible for the care, training, and management of a working animal. This role includes overseeing the animal’s well-being, ensuring proper training and behaviour, facilitating task performance, and maintaining the animal’s physical and emotional health. The Primary Handler is typically the person the animal is bonded with and responds to, and they play a critical role in reinforcing skills, addressing behavioural cues, and advocating for the animal’s access rights and welfare. In terms of an Assistance Animal, the Primary Handler refers to the individual whose disability meets the definition given by Part 4 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) whose animal is trained to mitigate or alleviate their disability.<\/p>

Secondary Handler:<\/strong> A Secondary Handler is an individual who supports the Primary Handler in managing or working a Working Animal. Their role may involve providing physical or verbal guidance, assisting with tasks, and ensuring the animal’s well-being when the Primary Handler requires support to do so. While the Secondary Handler does not hold primary responsibility for the animal’s training and care, their support is essential in maintaining the animal’s effectiveness and comfort in performing its duties. In terms of an Assistance Animal, the Secondary Handler refers to the individual who supports the individual with the disability which is being mitigated or alleviated by the Assistance Animal. The Secondary Handler must be present when the Assistance Animal is being worked. Examples may include a parent or guardian of a child handler or individual who is unable to work their Assistance Animal independently due to their disability.<\/p>

Alternate Handler:<\/strong> An Alternate Handler is an individual who temporarily assumes responsibility for managing or working with a Working Animal in place of the Primary Handler. This role involves handling the animal, reinforcing training, and ensuring the animal\u2019s well-beingand performance during periods when the Primary Handler is unavailable. The Alternate Handler must be familiar with the animal’s tasks, behaviours, and needs to provide consistent support and maintain the animal\u2019s effectiveness in its role. The Alternate Handler may take responsibility for a Working Animal whilst the Primary Handler is away on holiday or is incapacitated. In terms of an Assistance Animal, the Alternate Handler refers to the individual who takes the support of the Primary or Secondary Handler for periods of time. For example, ta teacher\u2019s aide may take on responsibility for the Assistance Animal that attends school with their child handler during school hours, or a Support Worker who may walk or toilet the Assistance Animal on behalf of the Primary Handler.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Assistance Animals Terminology<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Assistance Animal: <\/strong>An Assistance Animal is specially trained to perform tasks that support individuals with disabilities, helping them live more independently. This includes animals who support individuals who are:<\/p>

  • Vision impaired or blind (commonly known as Dog Guides, Guide Dogs or Seeing-Eye Dogs)<\/li>
  • Hearing impaired or Deaf (commonly known as Hearing Dogs)<\/li>
  • All other disabilities (commonly known as Service Dogs)<\/li><\/ul>

    Assistance Animals have public access rights which are protected by Australian federal, and in some cases state and territory, legislation. The term Assistance Animal is used instead of “Assistance Dog” or “Psychiatric Service Dog” to be more inclusive of species beyond dogs and to encompass a broader range of disabilities and functions. This inclusive language helps improve public access recognition and reduces discrimination against individuals who rely on non-traditional species for support. This is also the terminology utilised by the federal Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and recommended by Howell et al. (2022).<\/p>

    Once an AAiT passes a qPAT, they are considered to be a fully-fledged Assistance Animal, which are welcome to accompany their handler in all public places where pets are not allowed, with few exceptions. Assistance Animals are recognised under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and are considered to be a piece of Assistive Technology akin to a wheelchair or walking frame. To learn more about Assistance Animals, enrol in our FREE Assistance Animals Ambassador Program.<\/p>

    Assistance Animal Team: <\/b>The Assistance Animal Team comprises the Assistance Animal and its primary handler, plus any secondary or alternate handler.<\/p>

    Public Access Rights: <\/strong>Once an Assistance Animal completes the pPAT, it can legally enter all public spaces where animals are traditionally prohibited. Exceptions to this include quarantine areas, food preparation areas, sterile surgical suites, and areas where the animal may be in danger (e.g., roller coaster). Handlers who are prevented or refused access when accompanied by their Assistance Animal-in-Training or qualified Assistance Animal are able to make a complaint of discrimination to the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), or state\/territory counterpart. The WAFA requires that an Assistance Animal pass a qPAT every 24 months to maintain public access rights.<\/p>

    Preliminary Public Access Test: <\/strong>Assistance Animal Prospects must successfully pass the Preliminary Public Access Test (pPAT) before they are able to train in public spaces where animals are prohibited.<\/p>

    Public Access Test (PAT): <\/strong>An Assistance Animal traditionally completes its first PAT at 2 years of age after 2 years of training. Although not required by law, it is considered by most peak bodies to be best practice to ensure teams are suitable to safely work in public spaces. The PAT traditionally signifies the end of training and the beginning of the animal\u2019s working life.<\/p>

    Qualifying Public Access Test: <\/strong>Assistance Animals-in-Training must successfully pass the Qualifying Public Access Test (qPAT) which signifies that the animal has successfully completed training and commenced its working life. Once the qPAT is complete, the team are able to work in public spaces, in line with legal requirements.<\/p>

    Prospective Assistance Animal Handler: <\/strong>A Prospective Handler is an individual who is in the process of:<\/p>

    • Exploring whether an Assistance Animal would be beneficial for their disability-related needs<\/li>
    • Handling a Prospect (an animal being evaluated for assistance work)<\/li>
    • Awaiting the placement of a Pre-Trained Assistance Animal

      Trainee Handler:<\/strong> A Trainee Handler is an individual actively working with an Assistance Animal in Training (AAiT) with the goal of completing the Qualifying Public Access Test (qPAT). For a Pre-Trained Assistance Animal, this phase involves the initial pairing and training of the handler and animal to meet PAT standards. For a Self-Trained Assistance Animal, this phase focuses on training the animal to develop the necessary skills and behaviour to pass the PAT.<\/p>

      Pre-Trained (or Program Trained) Assistance Animal:<\/strong> An Assistance Animal who receives the majority of their training prior to being placed with its handler is known as a Pre-trained Assistance Animal. Once paired with a handler, the handler team receives joint training before passing a PAT as a team.<\/p>

      Self-Trained (or Owner-Trained) Assistance Animal:<\/strong> An Assistance Animal who is paired with its handler prior to formal training as a Prospect is known as a Self-Trained Assistance Animal. As a team, the handler works with a professional trainer to take the animal through the stages of Prospect and AAiT before completing a qPAT which qualifies the animal as a fully-fledged Assistance Animal.<\/p>

      Guide Animal:<\/strong> An Assistance Animal whose primary function is to guide a handler who is considered to be legally blind. These animals are also known as Seeing-Eye Animals or Animal Guides. Guide Animals are a category of Assistance Animal.<\/p>

      Hearing Animal:<\/strong> An Assistance Animal whose primary function is to guide a handler who is considered to be Deaf or hearing impaired. Hearing Animals are a category of Assistance Animal.<\/p>

      Service Animal: <\/strong>An Assistance Animal whose primary function is not as a Guide- or Hearing-Animal. This category includes Assistance Animals who aid individuals whose disability falls into any of the following sub-categories: <\/p><\/li>

    • Developmental, e.g. autism, down syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder<\/li><\/ul>
      • Physical\/Mobility, e.g. cerebral palsy, spina bifida, amputation<\/li>
      • Psychosocial, e.g. PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder<\/li>
      • Medical Alert, e.g. glucose (diabetes), allergy<\/li>
      • Medical Response, e.g. seizures<\/li>
      • Cognitive, e.g. dementia, intellectual disability

        <\/li><\/ul>

        These animals have a variety of functions and associated names; however, Service Animals are a category of Assistance Animal.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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        Therapy Animals Terminology<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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        Therapy Animals:<\/strong> Therapy Animals provide emotional support, comfort, and companionship in settings like hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. They are typically part of structured programs and may only enter public spaces with the permission of the establishment. They do not have public access rights. However, Therapy Animals do not receive any legal recognition.<\/p>

        Therapy Animal Team:<\/strong> The Assistance Animal Team comprises the Therapy Animal and its primary handler, plus any secondary or alternate handler.<\/p>

        Emotional Support Animal:<\/strong> An Emotional Support Animals (ESA) provides comfort and support to individuals experiencing mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. ESA are restricted to the USA.<\/p>

        Personal Support Animal:<\/strong> A Personal Support Animal (PSA) is a type of Therapy Animal that provides support or assistance to an individual with a disability or mental health condition, inside their own residence or other private settings. They provide emotional support and companionship and may be trained to perform tasks within the home (e.g., remove socks). A PSA does not have public access rights to accompany their handler into public spaces, and is not recognised under Australian law.<\/p>

        Preliminary Therapy Access Test:<\/strong> Therapy Animal Prospects must successfully pass the Preliminary Therapy Access Test (pPAT) before they are able to train in therapy spaces with the permission of the proprietor.<\/p>

        Qualifying Therapy Access Test:<\/strong> Therapy Animals-in-Training must successfully pass the Qualifying Therapy Access Test (qTAT) which signifies that the animal has successfully completed training and commenced its working life. Once the qTAT is complete, the team are able to work in therapy roles, in line with legal requirements.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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        Detection Animal:<\/strong> Detection Animals are trained to identify specific scents, substances, or conditions. These animals work in fields such as law enforcement, search and rescue, and medical (e.g., detecting cancer or COVID-19), water (e.g., detecting water leaks) or conservation (e.g., detecting invasive species or injured wildlife). Examples include drug-sniffing dogs and mine-detection rats.<\/p>

        Detection Animal Team:<\/strong> The Assistance Animal Team comprises the Detection Animal and its primary handler, plus any secondary or alternate handler.<\/p>

        Preliminary Detection Access Test:<\/strong> Detection Animal Prospects must successfully pass the Preliminary Detection Access Test (pDAT) before they are able to train in detection spaces with the permission of the proprietor.<\/p>

        Qualifying Detection Access Test:<\/strong> Detection Animals-in-Training must successfully pass the Qualifying Detection Access Test (qDAT) which signifies that the animal has successfully completed training and commenced its working life. Once the qDAT is complete, the team are able to work in detection roles, in line with legal requirements.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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        Qualification: <\/strong>A qualification is a formal certification awarded when an individual successfully completes an accredited course or training program that meets the standards set by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). In Australia, qualifications are regulated by two key bodies:<\/p>

        • ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority) \u2013 Oversees vocational education and training (VET) qualifications, e.g. Certificate IV Animal Behaviour and Training.<\/li>
        • TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency) \u2013 Regulates higher education qualifications, such as university degrees, e.g. Bachelor of Health Sciences.

          <\/li><\/ul>

          Membership: <\/strong>WAFA offers a structured four-tier membership system to recognise and support individuals and professionals in the working animal community. Each tier reflects different levels of involvement, qualifications, and expertise. The tiers are:<\/p>

          – Supporting Member
          – Professional Member
          – Credentialed Member
          – Endorsed Member<\/p>

          Credential: <\/strong>A Credential is a documented industry-specific certification that verifies an individual\u2019s competence, skills, and expertise in a specific sub-section of the working animal\u2019s field. Credentials are issued by recognised professional bodies, such as the WAFA, and serve as proof that the holder has met certain theory and practical standards. For example, the WAFA Assistance Animal Trainer credential indicates that the holder has acquired the necessary knowledge, practical experience, and ethical standards required to perform their roles effectively and safely in line with WAFA Professional Standards.<\/p>

          Endorsement: <\/strong>A WAFA Endorsement is an advanced recognition awarded to individuals who have achieved a higher level of expertise, experience, and responsibility within their field, beyond their initial WAFA Credential. It signifies specialisation and the ability to assess or guide others. In the context of assistance animals, an endorsed individual not only holds a Credentialed Member status (e.g., Assistance Animal Trainer) but has demonstrated the skills, knowledge, and ethical practice required to assess others, such as completing the WAFA Public Access Test credential pathway once they have graduated from the WAFA credential.<\/p>

          Credential Stream: <\/strong>A Credential Stream refers to a structured pathway where an individual first achieves a base Credential and then progresses to one or more Endorsements, signifying advanced specialisation and authority within their field. For example, a WAFA certified Assistance Animal Trainer may go on to complete a WAFA PAT Endorsement to act as a WAFA PAT Assessor. The PAT Assessor Endorsement is part of the Assistance Animal Credential Stream as it requires pre-requisite completion of the Assistance Animal Trainer Credential.<\/p>

          Continuing Professional Development (CPD): <\/strong>CPD is an ongoing process where WAFA certified members enhance their skills, knowledge, and expertise to maintain high standards in animal training and welfare. CPD is essential for trainers to stay current with advancements in training techniques, animal behaviour science, disability rights legislation, disability practice, and ethical practices.<\/p>

          CPD Activities may include:<\/p>

          • Attending workshops, seminars, or conferences.<\/li>
          • Completing accredited courses in animal behavior, welfare, and disability support.<\/li>
          • Participating in mentorship or peer review programs.<\/li>
          • Conducting research or contributing to industry publications.<\/li>
          • Gaining practical experience with different species and disabilities.

            <\/li><\/ul>

            WAFA requires that Credential Holders participate in regular CPD activities to maintain their credential.<\/p>

            Supervision: <\/strong>Supervision provides a structured support system for WAFA credential holders to ensure they meet ethical and professional standards while prioritising the well-being of both the animal and the handler. Supervision can occur in various forms, including:<\/p>

            • Direct Supervision: An experienced trainer observes and provides feedback during training sessions.<\/li>
            • Peer Supervision: Collaborative review and discussion with other trainers to share insights and address challenges.<\/li>
            • Mentorship: Guidance from a more experienced trainer or behaviorist to improve skills and handle complex cases.<\/li>
            • Reflective Practice: Self-assessment and evaluation of training methods to enhance effectiveness and address any ethical concerns.

              <\/li><\/ul>

              WAFA requires that Credential Holders participate in regular Supervision activities to maintain their credential.\u00a0<\/p>

              Assistance Animal Ambassador:<\/strong> An Ambassador has completed the WAFA Ambassador Program, which is a free, short course designed to educate people about the roles and rights of assistance dogs. Upon successful completion of the program, participants earn the Ambassador logo, which they can use to demonstrate their certification and spread awareness of assistance dog public access rights and related topics. Ambassadors actively engage in community outreach, promoting understanding and education regarding the vital role of assistance dogs in the lives of individuals with disabilities.\u00a0

              Community Educator:<\/strong> An individual who has completed the WAFA Community Education Program and earned the qualifying logo, signifying their expertise in educating the public about assistance animal public access rights, specifically regarding public access. Community Educators use their qualifications to organise and deliver community education seminars to raise awareness about the training of, and the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities who rely on these animals. This may involve engaging with groups such as Occupational Therapy (OT) students, community events, or local organisations, fostering greater public understanding and support for assistance animal access.<\/p>\t\t\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>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              Terminology Working Animals Terminology Working Animal: A Working Animal is defined as any animal with a job, including assistance animals, therapy animals, detection animals, search and rescue animals, herding animals and many more. Companion Animal: A Companion Animal is generally referred to as a Pet, provides emotional support and companionship to their owners. Unlike Working […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":165,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5619","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/workinganimals.com.au\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5619","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\/165"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/workinganimals.com.au\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5619"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/workinganimals.com.au\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5619\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5625,"href":"https:\/\/workinganimals.com.au\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5619\/revisions\/5625"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/workinganimals.com.au\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5619"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}