Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:53 AM AWST

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Assess prospective handler's suitability for an assistance dog

Assess prospective handler's suitability for an assistance dog

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMADT401
State Code
OED14
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
16/07/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
21/09/2022
Field of Education
061309 - Community Health
Original Release Date
21/09/2022
Nominal Hours
70
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to determine and assess a prospective handler's suitability for an assistance dog.The unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources, and complete activities that require empathy and behavioural analysis of prospective handlers and dogs.All work must be carried out to comply with Commonwealth and state/territory health and safety and animal welfare regulations.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine the prospective handler's assistance needs
  • 1.1 Review health care professional referral and other information to gain an indication of prospective handler's personal care support requirements
  • 1.2 Discuss purpose of care needs assessment with parties involved, including prospective handler and/or carer and/or family, referencing the role assistance dogs can play
  • 1.3 Identify prospective handler's household situation, other pets, other household members and any allergies that may be impacted
  • 1.4 Assess prospective handler's expectations, noting limitations of an assistance dog's assistive behaviour, and discuss human and assistance dog bond
  • 1.5 Gather and record information according to workplace policies and procedures
2. Determine if an assistance dog would improve prospective handler's personal welfare and explain the process
  • 2.1 Discussenvironmental riskassessment issues for functions associated with prospective handler's care needs
  • 2.2 Liaise with prospective handler regarding issues that may be relevant to their circumstances
  • 2.3 Liaise with prospective handler to assess if an assistance dog would improve their personal welfare
  • 2.4 Explain process of attaining an assistance dog, and manage prospective handler's expectations of the types of support an assistance dog can provide
3. Determine the prospective handler's ability to care for an assistance dog
  • 3.1 Discuss needs of assistance dog with prospective handler, and contingency planning for dog's care when required
  • 3.2 Determine prospective handler's ability to meet assistance dog's nutritional and housing needs, and enrich dog's physical, emotional and mental health and lifestyle needs
  • 3.3 Determine if prospective handler can satisfy animal welfare regulatory/legislative requirements
  • 3.4 Determine if prospective handler is motivated for a long-term reciprocal relationship with a dog beyond the assistive tasks it can provide
  • 3.5 Assess possible distractions and/or challenges to the dog's needs and in relation to the dog providing required in-home and/or public access assistance
4. Determine if a dog is suitable as an assistance dog
  • 4.1 Determine if being an assistance dog is in the welfare interests of the dog
  • 4.2 Determine if a dog’s temperament, needs, health, capability and behaviour are suited to a handler’s assistive requirements and public access, if required
5. Make assessment and complete documentation
  • 5.1 Use information gathered to determine the prospective handler's suitability for an assistance dog
  • 5.2 Discuss findings with the prospective handler
  • 5.3 Complete prospective handler suitability assessment documentation for an assistance dog according to personal requirements and workplace procedures
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