A significant component of certifying a guide, hearing or assistance dog under the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 (the Act) is the successful completion of a Public Access Test (PAT) form Public Access Test (PAT) form .
The PAT establishes a minimum standard for guide, hearing and assistance dogs certified under this legislation.
The PAT aims to ensure that the objectives of the Act are fulfilled and is designed to assess if a guide, hearing or assistance dog is:
- safe and effective in a public place or public passenger vehicle; and
- able to be controlled by the handler of the dog.
The PAT can only be conducted by an approved trainer or an employee trainer of an approved training institution approved under the Act.
In order for a prospective handler to be issued with a Handler Identity Card, their dog must pass a PAT within seven (7) days of the dog being certified.