Climate change is increasingly influencing the environments in which people and animals live, work and participate.

For assistance animal organisations, climate change creates new considerations relating to:

• animal health and welfare;
• workplace safety;
• community access;
• emergency preparedness;
• service delivery;
• infrastructure;
• resource management; and
• long-term sustainability planning.

Working animals are often required to operate across a variety of environments, including:

• urban areas;
• public spaces;
• workplaces;
• transport systems;
• community facilities;
• outdoor environments; and
• client homes.

Changing environmental conditions may affect how assistance animal teams safely participate in daily activities.

Sustainable assistance animal practice requires organisations to consider not only current operational needs, but also future environmental challenges.

Understanding Climate Change and Its Relevance to Assistance Animal Practice

Climate change refers to long-term changes in environmental conditions, including changes in:

• temperature;
• weather patterns;
• rainfall;
• extreme weather events;
• natural environments; and
• ecosystem conditions.

These changes can influence:

• where services can safely operate;
• how animals are managed;
• how facilities are designed;
• how emergencies are planned;
• how resources are used.

For assistance animal professionals, understanding climate-related risks supports proactive planning and responsible practice.

Climate-Related Risks in Assistance Animal Practice

Climate change may create a range of risks for assistance animal teams.

These may include:

• extreme heat;
• bushfires;
• floods;
• storms;
• drought;
• changing disease patterns;
• environmental hazards;
• disruption to transport;
• reduced access to services.

Risks will vary depending on:

• geographic location;
• workplace environment;
• animal role;
• client circumstances;
• service delivery model.

A sustainable organisation considers local environmental risks rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Heat and Assistance Animal Welfare

Understanding Heat Risk

Assistance animals may be exposed to heat risks during:

• community access;
• travel;
• training;
• outdoor activities;
• waiting periods;
• public transport use.

Heat-related risks may be influenced by:

• temperature;
• humidity;
• duration of exposure;
• surface temperatures;
• animal size;
• coat type;
• health status;
• workload;
• access to water and shade.

Supporting Animal Welfare During Heat Events

Strategies may include:

• planning activities around cooler times of day;
• monitoring environmental conditions;
• providing access to water;
• identifying signs of heat stress;
• modifying workloads;
• ensuring appropriate rest periods;
• considering suitable environments;
• educating handlers.

Sustainable practice requires recognising that environmental conditions directly affect animal wellbeing.

Heat Stress Recognition

Signs of heat stress may include:

• excessive panting;
• difficulty settling;
• distress;
• weakness;
• reduced coordination;
• collapse;
• changes in behaviour.

Workers and handlers should understand when activities need to be modified or stopped.

Animal welfare must always take priority over completing a planned activity.

Climate Change and Workplace Safety

Climate-related risks may also affect human safety.

Considerations include:

• worker exposure to heat;
• unsafe outdoor conditions;
• emergency situations;
• travel risks;
• changes to work environments.

Organisations may need to review:

• workplace procedures;
• risk assessments;
• training;
• emergency plans;
• communication systems.

Climate Change and Community Access

Assistance animal teams often rely on community environments being accessible and safe.

Environmental changes may create barriers such as:

• extreme weather preventing travel;
• damaged infrastructure;
• reduced transport availability;
• unsafe public spaces.

Professionals should consider how environmental changes may affect:

• occupational participation;
• independence;
• access;
• routine;
• wellbeing.

This aligns strongly with occupational therapy principles of supporting participation within meaningful environments.

Climate Change and Emergency Preparedness

Sustainable organisations recognise that climate-related emergencies require preparation.

Emergency planning may consider:

Bushfires

Potential considerations:

• evacuation planning;
• animal identification;
• emergency supplies;
• transport arrangements;
• communication strategies.

Floods and Storms

Potential considerations:

• safe relocation;
• access to medication and supplies;
• communication pathways;
• alternative service arrangements.

Extreme Weather

Potential considerations:

• modifying activities;
• workplace closures;
• alternative service delivery;
• checking on vulnerable clients and animals.

Emergency Preparedness Resources for Assistance Animal Teams

Organisations may consider developing:

• emergency preparedness guides;
• handler checklists;
• animal emergency kits;
• evacuation plans;
• contact lists;
• identification resources.

Sustainability includes resilience — the ability of people, animals and organisations to adapt to changing circumstances.

Climate-Conscious Service Delivery

Organisations may reduce climate impacts while maintaining effective services.

Strategies may include:

Transport Planning

Considering:

• efficient scheduling;
• reducing unnecessary travel;
• grouping appointments where appropriate;
• virtual communication where suitable.

Facility Planning

Considering:

• energy efficiency;
• climate-responsive design;
• appropriate ventilation;
• safe environments.

Flexible Practice

Considering:

• alternative service delivery methods;
• adapting activities during extreme weather;
• responding to environmental changes.

Climate Change and Animal Health

Environmental changes may influence animal health considerations.

Potential concerns may include:

• increased parasite risks;
• changing disease patterns;
• environmental allergens;
• altered seasonal conditions.

Assistance animal professionals should work collaboratively with appropriate veterinary professionals and remain aware of emerging risks.

Climate Change, Equity and Inclusion

Climate impacts are not experienced equally.

Some assistance animal handlers may face additional barriers due to:

• disability;
• health conditions;
• financial limitations;
• housing circumstances;
• limited transport options;
• reduced access to resources.

Sustainable practice requires consideration of:

• accessibility;
• equity;
• inclusion;
• support needs.

Environmental planning should not unintentionally create additional barriers for people relying on assistance animals.

Building Climate-Resilient Assistance Animal Organisations

Climate resilience involves preparing organisations to adapt and continue operating during changing conditions.

Strategies include:

• identifying climate-related risks;
• reviewing emergency plans;
• educating workers;
• maintaining flexible systems;
• monitoring environmental changes;
• strengthening community partnerships.

A resilient organisation is prepared to respond while continuing to protect:

• animals;
• people;
• services;
• communities.

Climate Change and Ethical Decision-Making

Climate-related decisions often involve balancing competing priorities.

Examples:

• reducing travel while maintaining client access;
• reducing resource use while maintaining hygiene;
• changing activities while supporting participation;
• managing costs while improving sustainability.

Ethical sustainability requires thoughtful consideration of:

• evidence;
• welfare;
• accessibility;
• safety;
• environmental responsibility.

Applying Climate Sustainability in Assistance Animal Practice

Examples include:

For Organisations

• developing climate risk assessments;
• reviewing emergency procedures;
• improving facilities;
• educating workers.

For Professionals

• considering environmental barriers;
• supporting adaptive practice;
• educating handlers.

For Handlers and Teams

• planning safe activities;
• preparing emergency resources;
• recognising environmental risks.