Adita

Assistance Dogs in Training Australia (ADiTA) is an Australian peak body that provides information and support to people with disabilities, their carers, qualified trainers and organisations involved in assistance dog training. It helps people explore options for training an Assistance Dog in Training (ADiT), including training a dog themselves with support from a qualified trainer or training organisation, or purchasing a fully trained Assistance Dog. ADiTA also supports service providers working with people and dogs in training.

Beyond individual guidance, ADiTA works to strengthen the wider sector through research, information sharing, policy development, advocacy and sector development. It provides advice to individuals, organisations and government service providers, and promotes community understanding, acceptance and inclusion of people with assistance dogs. Its work also raises awareness of appropriate protocols for Assistance Dogs and Assistance Dogs in Training.

Assistance dogs are trained to perform tasks for people whose physical, mental, emotional or psychosocial disability affects daily life. They may also support confidence, independence and self-esteem.