Apply for an Assistance Animal Permit
Introduction
Your assistance animal can travel with you on public transport free of charge, but you must have valid accreditation. This accreditation allows your animal to ride with you, free of charge on all metro, train, bus, ferry, light rail, taxi, private bus and private ferry services.
The accepted types of valid accreditation are:
- Assistance Animal Permit issued by TfNSW
- Accreditation from organisations endorsed by TfNSW
- Interstate accreditation recognised by TfNSW
You must carry your accreditation with you at all times as proof of entitlement. If you cannot provide valid accreditation when requested, you may be denied access to public transport.
Eligibility
To obtain an Assistance Animal Permit from Transport for NSW, you will need to provide the following:
- A medical certificate confirming that you have a disability within the meaning of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth);
- Documentation showing that the assistance animal (where relevant) has been registered with the handler’s local Council;
- A colour photograph of your assistance animal;
- Documentation dated within the last six months from either:
- An organisation/trainer registered with Transport for NSW; or
- An organisation/trainer NOT registered with Transport for NSW; or
- Yourself.
This documentation must detail the skills and actions that your animal has been trained to exhibit by stating:
- How these skills and actions alleviate the effects of your disability; and
- How these skills and actions meet the appropriate behaviour and hygiene standards for a public place; and
- How you control the animal.
Your Transport for NSW Assistance Animal Permit has a photo of the approved assistance animal on it and cannot be used for another animal.
Apply for an Assistance Animal Permit
- NSW residents: Complete the Assistance Animal Permit - NSW Application/Renewal form (PDF, 263.2KB).
- Interstate residents: Complete the Assistance Animal Permit - Interstate Application/Renewal form (PDF, 269.3KB).
Submit your completed form and supporting documents online via the Concessions application form.
Important information before applying:
- You must provide supporting documentation for the conditions of use, so ensure you have a photocopy or scan of your supporting documents ready.
- Permits are issued free of charge and are valid for 24 months. After this period, you will need to renew your accreditation and provide evidence that both you and your animal have completed refresher training within the last 6 months.
- To renew your Assistance Animal Permit, fill out the appropriate section in the applicable form listed above.
Replace a lost card
For a replacement Transport for NSW Assistance Animal permit, you can either:
- Call 131 500
- Submit a completed application form with your supporting documents online via the Concessions application form.
Please note: A replacement fee may apply.
Registered organisations
Ensure that you provide an assessment letter or report from a Registered Organisation:
Assistance Dogs Australia
Phone: 1800 668 364
Centre for Service and Therapy Dogs of Australia Pty Ltd
Phone: 0458 458 541
Email: info@cstda.com.au
Hans van Heesbeen t/a Service Dog Training
Phone: (03) 8362 3091
Email: hans@vanheesbeen.com
Integra Service Dogs Australia
Phone: 0412 547 889
Email: benjohnson@isda.com.au
K9 Tales Pty Ltd
Phone: 0478 600 379
Website: http://www.facebook.com/K9TalesTraining/
National Assistance Animals Training Group (T/A In Paws We Trust) NAATG
Email: inpawswetrust@gmail.com
Pat Dogs Australia
Phone: 1300 007 364
Email: admin@patdogs.org.au
Personal Assistance Dog Solutions
Phone: 0458 755 757
Email: adele@pads-australia.org
Pets Education Training Support
Phone: 0431 853 451
Email: petedu78@gmail.com
Smart Pups Assistance Dogs for Special Needs Children Inc
Phone: (07) 5485 0031
Register your organisation
If you would like your organisation to be registered with Transport for NSW, please complete the Organisations and Trainers Registration form (PDF, 280.6KB).
Once completed, please submit your completed form and supporting documents online via the Concessions application portal
Self-training your animal
If you are self-training your animal on NSW public transport, you can apply for a Temporary Training Permit before submitting an application for an Assistance Animal Permit.
How to apply:
- Complete the Temporary Training Application form (PDF, 275.5KB)
- Prepare your supporting documents
Submit your application and documents online via the Concessions application portal.
Related documents
- Apply for an Assistance Animal Permit as a NSW resident (PDF, 263.2KB)
- Apply for an Assistance Animal Permit as an Interstate resident (PDF, 269.3KB)
- Organisations and Trainers Registration form (PDF, 280.6KB)
- Temporary Training Application form (PDF, 275.5KB)
- Transport for NSW Assistance Animal Policy (PDF, 1.3MB)
- Assistance Animal accepted types of accreditation (PDF, 972.8KB)