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Animal Related Supports - Animal Therapy

Updated

The following information is to provide you with examples of what the NDIS may fund. It’s important to note that this is only a guide to assist you make an informed decision. Only your My NDIS Contact, an NDIS Delegate, or the explicit written information in a current NDIS plan serves as the source of truth. The NDIS considers requests based on whether the support is related to your disability and whether it meets the NDIS Reasonable and Necessary Guidelines.

Animal-assisted supports, such as therapy with horses or dogs, can be beneficial to many people. However, the NDIS will only fund animal-related supports under specific conditions, in line with the updated legislation from October 2024.

This article explains what animal therapy supports may be funded under the NDIS, and what is considered not claimable.

✅ Therapy Support with an Animal (Conditions Apply)

Animal therapy is generally not funded by the NDIS unless specifically included in a participant’s plan as a therapy modality with clear evidence of its therapeutic benefit. Therapy involving an animal can be considered an NDIS-funded support only when delivered by a provider who is also a recognised therapist and the primary purpose is to delivery the therapeutic support, such as:

  • Psychologist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Counsellor

The therapy must meet the criteria outlined in the NDIS Guideline: Reasonable and Necessary Supports. The cost of the activity is not covered by the NDIS, only the therapeutic support. This should be claimed as the primary therapy, such as psychology, not animal related therapy.  

✅ Partially Claimable: Support Worker Assistance to Access Activities 

While the cost of the animal-based activity is not claimable, the NDIS may fund a support worker to assist a participant to attend such an activity. This support must:

Support worker hours can be claimed under Core – Assistance with Social and Community Participation, not the cost of the activity itself.

⚠️ Claiming Support Under ‘Other Professional’

If the support is being claimed under Assessment, Recommendation, Therapy or Training – Other Professional, the provider must supply written confirmation from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission confirming they have the professional competencies to claim this support. 

❌ What Is Not Funded: Social, Recreational, or Animal Activities 

The NDIS does not fund costs related to:

  • Equine or horse riding activities
  • Animal handling experiences
  • Recreational farm visits

These are considered personal and lifestyle choices, not disability-related supports. This includes charges for the activity itself, venue entry fees, or animal care costs. As per the NDIS FAQs about Legislation, participants are responsible for the cost of the activity.

The List of supports that are not NDIS Supports PDF (p.7) states that animal therapy such as puppy therapy or goat therapy is not evidence-based under standard guidelines. The use of equine therapy is also considered a support the NDIS does not fund. However, if the support is listed as an approved activity in your NDIS plan, it would be funded. 

Participant Responsibilities

NDIS participants are responsible for ensuring their supports align with the goals and budgets outlined in their plans. Key responsibilities include:

✅ Know Your Goals: Supports must contribute to achieving the goals stated in your plan.
✅ Understand Budget Categories: Each support category has specific rules.
✅ Be Aware of Stated Supports: Some plans specify exactly what supports are covered.
✅ Know the Funding Periods: Understand how your funding is spread across the duration of the plan.
✅ Spend in Line with NDIS Guidelines: All supports must meet the Reasonable and Necessary test.

Want to Get a Support Funded?

The best way to confirm whether a support is eligible for NDIS funding is to:

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