Frequently Asked Questions

This page is designed to provide clear and helpful answers to the most common queries about our Assistance Dogs Program, Dog Squad, and other initiatives. Whether you're seeking support, looking to get involved, or want to learn more about what we do, you'll find the information you need right here.

General Information

Young Diggers is a not-for-profit, ex-service charity run entirely by volunteers. We provide support and services to current and former members of the Australian Defence Force, First Responders, and Custodial Correctional Officers. We focus on helping those dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation through our ‘Dog Squad’ program. We receive no funding from DVA or the government, we raise money through fundraisers and donations.

Assistance Dog Program

The Dog Squad advocates for handlers to train their own Assistance Dog, allowing the handler to actively participate in the psychosocial process. The dogs are trained to provide support through socialisation, participation, and companionship, aiding in the handlers' rehabilitation and mental health.

Veterans, First Responders, and Custodial Correctional Officers diagnosed with PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, or other mental health conditions are eligible to apply.

Yes, if your dog meets the suitability requirements, you can bring your dog to be trained as an Assistance Dog.

If you wish to bring your own dog onboard the cost begins with a $110 suitability assessment fee. After that, there is a $300 annual fee. For those who wish for Young Diggers (YD) to help acquire a suitable dog, the dog will remain YD property until such time as the handler and Assistance Dog pass the Public Access Test (PAT). Once this is achieved, YD will gift the dog to the handler. We understand the current financial climate and strive to keep costs low, offering case-by-case reviews for those who need financial assistance.

The training process for our Assistance Dogs program includes basic obedience, socialisation, and specific tasks tailored to the needs of the handler. Once you have passed suitability or received a pup from YD, you will begin basic obedience training in relation to your location.

The training process can vary depending on the dog and handler. It typically takes 18 months to reach PAT level. However, this could be less as training is customised to meet the unique needs of each handler.

We assist our handlers to teach their Assistance Dogs to perform various tasks, including but not limited to providing emotional support, interrupting anxiety attacks or nightmares, and helping with daily routines. The specific tasks are tailored to the handler’s needs.

As a volunteer-run organisation, majority of our team members are also a part of the Dog Squad and manage their own mental health challenges. We do our best to process applications and match Assistance Dogs as quickly as possible, but because we have no full-time staff, we cannot provide a definitive timeline for when you will receive your pup. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to support each applicant as soon as we can.

If an Assistance Dog doesn’t pass the PAT, we will work with you to address the areas that need improvement and retest when ready. If you wish to withdraw from the Dog Squad program before reaching PAT and you have a YD acquired dog, they will return to the care of YD.

While we love to receive periodic updates on the well-being of both the handler and the Assistance Dog, our goal is to support handlers in gaining their independence and autonomy. As such, we understand that handlers may have intermitted interaction with YD once the Assistance Dog is placed and PAT is reached. The Handler and the Assistance Dog will need to have a PAT reassessment every 12months.

Ongoing support for family members, events, social gatherings and connections to other services.

On a case by case basis we have family members join the Dog Squad program with their own dog.

If you find yourself unable to care for your Assistance Dog, please contact us immediately. We will work with you to find a suitable solution, whether rehoming or providing additional support.

Getting Involved

We are always looking for volunteers to help, if you're interested in volunteering either your time or your skills, please visit our Get Involved Page to learn how to apply.

Yes, your donations help us continue our vital work. You can make a donation by visiting our Donate Page. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.

Absolutely! We welcome volunteers from all walks of life to support our program. Whether through fundraising, event organisation, or administrative help, your contribution can make a difference.

Additional Resources

We have a range of resources available on our Mental Health Resources Page. You can also find links to external organisations that provide in-depth information and support for mental health.

If you have any other questions or need more help, you can contact us via our Contact Us Page or call us directly on 0435 195 745. Our team is here to support you in the best way we can.

Young Diggers provides a variety of support services and programs to help serving and ex-serving personnel of the Australian Defence Force, First Responders and Custodial Correctional Officers.

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