Understanding NDIS Funding for Animal-Assisted Therapy and Enhancing Community Participation and engagement with therapists

Many people involved with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) hear planners say, "we don't fund Animal Therapy," and wonder what that really means. This statement often causes confusion and frustration for participants and their families who see the benefits of Animal Assisted Therapies (AAT). The truth is more nuanced. The NDIS does not typically fund animal therapy as a standalone service, but it does fund therapeutic supports and community participation activities that can include animals as part of a broader, evidence-based approach. This post explains how Animal Assisted Therapies fit within NDIS funding rules, what kinds of services are funded, and how therapy in natural settings like farms can support participants who prefer alternatives to traditional clinical environments.

What NDIS Means by "We Don't Fund Animal Therapy"

When planners say they do not fund "Animal Therapy," they usually mean that the NDIS does not cover therapy that is solely focused on interacting with animals without a clear therapeutic goal or evidence base. The NDIS requires funded supports to be reasonable and necessary, linked to a participant’s goals, and delivered by qualified professionals or under their supervision.

Animal Assisted Therapy can be part of a funded therapy if it is integrated into a broader therapeutic plan led by allied health professionals such as psychologists, occupational therapists, behaviour practitioners, social workers, or counsellors. The therapy must have clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and be supported by evidence showing its effectiveness in improving functional skills or wellbeing.

How Animal Assisted Therapies Can Be Funded

Animal Assisted Therapies can be funded under the NDIS in two main ways:

• Therapeutic Supports: These include psychology, occupational therapy, counselling, and social work services that use animals as part of their therapy sessions. For example, a psychologist might conduct capacity building sessions on emotional regulation or social skills in a farm environment with therapy animals present to create a calming and engaging setting.

  
  

• Core Supports through Social and Community Participation: This includes funding for transport to and from therapy sessions, assistance with participating in community activities, and skill-building programs. For example, a participant might attend a work skills program or volunteer at a farm where they engage with animals as part of learning responsibility, communication, and teamwork.

  
  

Why Natural Settings Matter for Therapy

Many participants do not feel comfortable or motivated to engage in therapy or assessments in traditional clinical environments. Natural settings such as farms or outdoor community spaces offer a relaxed, less clinical atmosphere that can improve engagement and outcomes. Allied health professionals and their therapy assistants can conduct skill assessments, functional behaviour assessments, and capacity building sessions in these environments.

For example, a social worker might observe a participant’s interaction with animals and others during a volunteering activity to assess social skills and provide coaching. An occupational therapist might work on fine motor skills or sensory integration while the participant cares for animals or performs farm tasks.

Examples of Funded Activities Involving Animals

• Volunteering at a community farm: Participants build work skills, social connections, and confidence while engaging with animals under supervision.

  
  

• Skill-building programs: Occupational therapists, Psychologists or Behaviour Practitioners run sessions on daily living skills or emotional regulation with animals present to reduce anxiety and increase motivation.

  
  

• Functional behaviour assessments: Psychologists, Allied Health Assistants and Behaviour Practitioners observe behaviours in natural settings, including interactions with animals, to develop tailored positive behaviour support plans.

  
  

• Transport and support: Funding covers getting participants to and from sessions and assistance during activities, ensuring they can fully engage.

  
  

What Evidence Supports Animal Assisted Therapy?

Research shows that Animal Assisted Therapies can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and increase social interaction for people with disabilities. However, the NDIS requires that therapy be evidence-based and delivered by qualified professionals. This means therapy involving animals must be part of a structured program with clear goals and measurable outcomes, not just casual interaction with animals.

How to Discuss Animal Assisted Therapy with Your NDIS Planner

When planning supports, it helps to:

• Clearly explain how animal-assisted activities fit into your therapy goals.

  
  

• Provide evidence or reports from allied health professionals recommending therapy in natural settings.

  
  

• Show how therapy with animals supports skill development, social participation, or mental health.

  
  

• Ask about funding for transport and support to access these activities.