Miracles do happen! i'm getting a service dog!

[maddog]

Bubz, the links above may help to clarify, but in essence, in order to receive legal public access with your dog, it needs to be certified as Nicolette has linked above, either through a registered assistance dog training programme or by a licensed assessor in your state. Otherwise the dog does not have legal access to public places and facilities.

Certified assistance dog expenses count against your out-of-pocket medical expenses from a tax perspective and can therefore be claimed if they are greater than $2000 annually, or whatever the arbitrary figure the ATO decides to throw the pin at. This includes any and all expenses, ie, food, vet bills, registration etc. Some local councils provide free registration for desexed, microchipped, certified service dogs, again with proof of certification required.

Happy to answer any other questions you may have - I have a guide dog and live in Aus.

Maddog

 

[Nicolette]

if they are greater than $2000 annually,

I've heard it will be increased to $5000 annually from next year.

 

[Nicolette]

Oh, and only 20% of the amount over the threshold is deductible.

 

[HëllaBubz]

Well, I have 2 places that I was looking at having the dog certified through.

I just mentioned about 'that' organization because apparently people have been paying money for dogs and memberships, and not receiving the dog at all, to name one of many other things that have happened.

The dog that I'm getting is only 12 months old, but he will have his full certification hopefully by this time next year, as they cannot be certified below the age of 18-20 months.

I will most certainly look at the registration costs as well, although I'm not sure if that's a good thing, I still need to come up with his shipping fees first!

Thank you maddog, I will most certainly keep you in mind if I have any questions.

 

[Barberian]

Congratulations. :tup: I hope it goes well for you.

I'd say more, but my brain is fried, and I'm on painkillers tonight.

 

[maddog]

Increasing to $5000? Really? Good grief!! I hadn't heard, but am hardly surprised. And yes, I forgot the small yet critical detail about the 20% thing - mostly it's hardly worth the bother.

Maddog

 

[Nicolette]

$5000 is only what I've heard - think it was in the budget but don't take it as gospel.

 

[HëllaBubz]

Pretty much!

Had a bit of a hiccup this afternoon, I had shown my other half a picture of the breed of dog I'm getting, and for some reason he thought it was more like the size of a fox hound or small collie......

Although it wasn't really funny, I have to admit I had a bit of an internal giggle once he realized the actual size of the dog.

So far I've managed to find a way to shave about $200+ off the price of shipping him down, by taking a country link train instead of flying him down.....may just work, and I can use that extra time to bond with him and work on some of his tasks.

The registration cost for a dog in my council (for pensioners) is $12.50, which isn't so bad, and vet checkups aren't too bad either, as I go to the Lort Smith Animal Hospital.

Have just discovered that the eldest brother in law is getting married here in Melbourne in August.

Kind of blind sided by it, and it's really put my anxiety up, because the last time I saw the oldest brother was when my father in law died, 2 years ago, and another 2 years prior to that where he made my life a misery.

Have yet to meet the army bicycle (wife to be) he was cheating on his first wife with for the entire first marriage, and I don't have much time for someone like her.

I think I'll stay away because I won't be able to deal with a whole heap of entire strangers whilst 6 months pregnant, off medication.
And if I bring Gremlin, they will make my life hell.....but I'll see.

Having a Service Dog turns an invisible illness into a very visible, tail wagging one.

 

[JustBe]

Yes it does! Since I've had Kira I can't hide from it anymore but I think that's a good thing. People used to think I was stand offish. Now I find less need to explain myself.

 

[amethist]

Having a Service Dog turns an invisible illness into a very visible, tail wagging one.

That's one reason I am looking into getting hubby one. It will make people see he is ill and not just putting it on. Grrr

 

[WillThereBeCake]

Speaking of gremlins, I think I'll call my dog Gremlin, because there won't be any in the closet when he comes!
And....he's coming to help me deal with my own gremlins too!

I named my first adopted cat Gizmo from The Gremlins. Probably for similar reasons ;)

 

[HëllaBubz]

Before I heard from the charity that is getting me Gremlin, i contacted a breeder of white swiss shepherds.

I just heard back from them today, and they want to give me a puppy for whatever I can pay, whenever I can pay.

I'm blown away, but perhaps this is a way of repaying the charity that is helping me out.

The puppies are 8 weeks old, and they want me to pick her up tomorrow.