Frequently Asked Questions

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Endex Service Dogs, operated by Endex Australia Limited, is a registered Australian not-for-profit charity dedicated to training and placing highly skilled Service Dogs with individuals living with physical and/or psychosocial disabilities. Our dogs are sourced from ethical breeders, rescues or rehomes, and transformed into life-changing partners that empower people to live with greater independence, confidence, and connection. Our work is grounded in ethical training and decision-making, and driven by genuine passion to make a meaningful, real-life impact for people living with disabilities.  

Endex Service Dogs supports Australians aged 17 and over who are living with a diagnosed 

physical and/or psychosocial disability. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have a formal diagnosis of a disability that can be supported by an Endex Service Dog
   
• Demonstrate the capacity to care for and manage a Service Dog
   
• Be committed to participating in the handler training and integration process
   
• Live in a stable, supportive environment that meets the needs of a Service Dog
   
• Show that a Service Dog would meaningfully improve their independence, safety, and wellbeing
   

Each application is carefully assessed to ensure the most appropriate and effective match between the Service Dog and the prospective handler. Endex Service Dogs does not operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, placements are determined according to a range of factors, including:

• The nature and extent of the applicant’s disability-related support needs
   
• The suitability of the dog’s temperament, training, and skillset to meet those needs
   
• The applicant’s demonstrated commitment and progress throughout the assessment and applicant training phase
   

This strategic placement process is designed to uphold the safety, wellbeing, and long-term success of both the Service Dog and the recipient, ensuring that partnerships are ethical, sustainable, and impactful.

• PTSD Service Dogs
• Psychosocial Service Dogs 
• Mobility Service Dogs

We currently do NOT train dogs for:

• Guide
• Hearing
• Medical Alert for Epilepsy, Diabetes, or Anaphylaxis
• Anyone under 17 years of age

The terms "Service Dog" and "Assistance Dog" are often used interchangeably in Australia, and they have specific legal and functional distinctions compared to Therapy or Emotional Support Dogs. 

Service Dog / Assistance Dog:
In Australia, these terms refer to a highly trained dog that performs specific tasks to assist a person with a disability. These dogs are legally protected under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and are granted public access rights. Endex Service Dogs uses the term "Service" instead of "Assistance" as we found many people who use the dogs prefer the term "Service".

Guide Dog:
A Guide Dog is specifically trained to support individuals who are blind or visually impaired. These dogs are highly trained to help their handlers navigate safely and independently. Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), Guide Dogs are legally recognised and are granted full public access rights throughout Australia. 

Therapy Dog:
A Therapy Dog provides comfort, companionship, or emotional support to groups of people in settings like hospitals, schools, or aged care facilities. They are usually handled by a professional or volunteer, not by the person receiving the support. Therapy Dogs are not individually task-trained for disability support and do not have public access rights outside of the facility they provide Therapy services, under Australian law. 

Emotional Support Dog / Support Dog:
These dogs provide emotional comfort simply through their presence. While they may be deeply important to their owner’s wellbeing, they do not have legal public access rights. In Australia, Emotional Support Dogs are treated the same as pets under the law. 

We understand the anticipation and anxiety applicants may be feeling whilst waiting to find out if their application will be progressing to the next stage, so we aim to notify applicants within two weeks of submitting their application whether they have progressed to the interview stage of the process. This interview involves an in-person or online discussion, where we take the time to get to know you, understand your needs, and explore how an Endex Service Dog could support your independence, safety and wellbeing.

If, following this discussion, both Endex Service Dogs and the applicant agree that a Service Dog partnership may be suitable, the next steps are briefly outlined on The Process page. This may involve matching with a dog already in training or sourcing a new dog to begin tailored training.

Throughout the process, we are committed to clear and transparent communication to ensure the best outcome for both the applicant and the dog.

While the cost to raise, socialise, train and place an Endex Service Dog is approximately $70,000, the majority of this is funded by donations, sponsorships, grants, events we run, and public fundraising. We ask for assistance with fundraising (such as helping with a fundraising event) and we require a donation of $5000 from the successful applicant.  This contribution represents a shared commitment to the partnership and helps ensure the handler is actively invested in the process. 

Yes! Endex Australia Limited, trading as Endex Service Dogs, is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) by the Australian Taxation Office. All donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible within Australia. 

No. We do not train or certify owner-trained or owner sourced dogs.  

We are based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, and operate nationally. We welcome applications and support from all across Australia.