4.5.40.1 Assistance dog services
WorkSafe may pay the reasonable costs of a vision or hearing assistance dog when required as a result of a work related injury or illness in accordance with Victorian workers’ compensation legislation.
An established evidence base exists to support the effectiveness of vision and hearing assistance dogs, and they can be funded as an established service under the Assistance dog services policy. Other types of assistance dogs are considered non-established, new or emerging treatments or services (NeNETS).
When determining a worker’s eligibility for an assistance dog claim Agents should consider the requirements outlined in the Assistance dog services policy in conjunction with the Non-established New or Emerging Treatments and Services (NeNETS) policy and the Equipment and related services policy.
See the Assistance dog services policy for more information on:
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types of assistance dogs that can be funded by WorkSafe
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guidelines for providing vision or hearing assistance dogs to injured workers
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requirements to consider paying for vision or hearing assistance dogs
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vision or hearing assistance dog providers and WorkSafe’s expectations for service delivery
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expenses WorkSafe may pay for.
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training to become an assistance dog/animal
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any other costs associated with an assistance dog or other dog/animal.