Western Australian Assistance and Therapy Dogs (WAAT Dogs) are an assistance and therapy dog training organisation which works to support individuals with disabilities to access their own assistance and therapy dogs. The team at WAAT Dogs include skilled Dog Trainers, as well as Therapists.

We work with individuals with their own dogs, in an owner-training support role and we also purchase and train our own dogs that we place with individuals with disabilities once they are fully trained.

We rely on Puppy Raisers who are individuals/families in the community who volunteer their home and time to raise a puppy. We have various dogs who require 'puppy raising' including WAAT Dogs owned dogs and also owner-trained dogs who need short-term care.

We require Puppy Raisers all across Western Australia, including inside the metropolitan area and into rural/remote areas. We require a database of puppy raisers who can offer short-term emergency care options, to longer term stays.

The role of the puppy raisers is to positively help prospective assistance dogs learn the skills they need to do their job. All expenses for the dogs in care is 100% covered including formal training. Puppy raisers are required to participate in 1:1 training sessions (paid for and take place at a location convenient to yourself), and 1 group training class per week.

Each home is assessed for suitability and matched to a suitable prospect. As puppies take alot of commitment then someone who is home more than away/work is preferable however we also understand that many individuals will need to work and take this into consideration. Additionally, we are open to households with existing dogs however these dogs must be sociable, with instructions provided on how to facilitate positive interactions between the dogs.

Individuals interested are encouraged to apply or request a further discussion.