Random question. Was pretty suprised about this. I recently heard that the NDIS might cover some aspects of pet care or animal therapy, which I found quite intriguing. Can anyone share insights or experiences about how the NDIS supports these areas?
Hi Kevin, great topic! 
It’s important to note that while the NDIS may fund specific therapeutic supports involving animals, general pet care is usually not covered unless the pet is a certified assistance animal. For those pets that qualify, the companionship really improve quality of life… Especially for people who feel lonely or struggle to make friends. It can also help with giving people a sense of purpose with looking after the animal if they struggle with purpose too.
So, if its something you feel would benefit you (even if you don’t have any issues making friends), animal therapy can be a really unique way to reduce stress and redirect your focus.
Yes, it’s true. The NDIS can cover animal therapy if it’s proven to be a beneficial part of your therapy plan. For instance, equine therapy (horse riding) has been included in some people’s plans to help with physical and mental health. It’s all about how these activities help achieve your specific goals.
Hello Kevin! In addition to therapeutic activities, if a pet is specifically trained to assist with disability-related needs, some costs related to the care of the animal may be covered. This includes things like training, food, and vet care for assistance dogs.
I know someone who used NDIS funding for animal therapy.
I’ve benefited from pet therapy, where my plan included sessions to work with therapy animals to help manage anxiety and improve social skills. It’s definitely something to discuss with your planner if you think it could help with your therapeutic needs.
So random. In a good way, that is. The NDIS rabbit hole goes deeper and deeper. They need like a course on this stuff for participants. Its honestly crazy.
100%
NDIS definitely very broad. Its broad nature is probably contributing to its unsustainability, but thats a whole other topic.