AUSTRALIAN COBBERDOG SOCIETY
WHERE STANDARDS MATTER
Therapy & Assistance Dog Recognition Program
Celebrating the real-world impact of Cobberdogs
Overview
The Australian Cobberdog Society proudly offers an official Recognition Program for Australian Cobberdogs working in Animal-Assisted Therapies and Assistance roles. Whether providing comfort in aged care, emotional support in schools, or practical help to individuals with disabilities, we honour their contributions with Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum recognition awards.
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Eligibility
To be eligible, Australian Cobberdogs must be registered with the ACS. If your dog is registered with another society, you can join the ACS and submit your dog for registration and recognition. This program is designed to complement the great work already being done by owners, handlers, and therapy organisations.
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Categories
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Therapy Dogs: providing comfort and companionship in settings such as schools, aged care, hospitals, and clinics.
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Assistance Dogs: supporting their owners with daily tasks, including medical alert, emotional regulation, retrieval, and mobility aid.
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School Well-being Dogs: offering emotional support and connection to students and staff in education environments.
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Award Levels
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Bronze: Early stages of work, introductory impact
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Silver: Ongoing service and recognised involvement
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Gold: Significant long-term contribution and influence
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Platinum: Exceptional and sustained service with broad community impact and outstanding legacy
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Recognition
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BRONZE - Certificate & Bronze Medallion
SILVER - Certificate, Silver Medallion & Feature on ACS Social Media
GOLD - Certificate, Gold Medallion & Inclusion in Hall of Fame
PLATINUM - Framed Certificate, Medallion, & inclusion in the Hall of Fame
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*Hall of Fame recognition includes featuring on ACS Social Media
Note: This is a flexible, owner-led recognition program based on real-life work and dedication. It's not a certification or accreditation process.
For further information and an application form please email president@australiancobberdogsociety.com
Frequently Asked Questions – ACS Therapy & Assistance Dog Recognition Program
Who can apply for recognition?
Any Australian Cobberdog that is currently working or training in a Therapy, Assistance, or School Wellbeing role may be eligible for recognition. The dog must be registered with the ACS. Dogs registered with other societies are welcome to join the ACS to participate.
My dog is not registered with the ACS — can I still apply?
Yes! If your dog is registered with another organisation (such as MDBA, ACC, etc.), you are welcome to apply for ACS registration first (in the Animal - Assisted Therapy Registry), and once that is complete, you can submit your application for the recognition program.
What are the recognition categories?
There are three categories of recognition:
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Therapy Dogs – Working in structured therapeutic environments (e.g., hospitals, aged care, clinics)
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Assistance Dogs – Providing direct support to their handler with tasks like medical alerts, pressure therapy, or mobility aid
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School Wellbeing Dogs – Supporting emotional wellbeing, regulation, and engagement in educational settings
What levels of recognition are available?
Dogs can be recognised at the following levels:
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Bronze – Early or developing stages of involvement
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Silver – Regular involvement and consistent contribution
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Gold – Significant, sustained service
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Platinum – Outstanding, long-term impact and community reach
Is this a certification or a training program?
No. This is a recognition program, not a certification or accreditation. It honours dogs for the work they are already doing. It is flexible and owner-led, with a focus on real-life contribution rather than formal training pathways.
What documents do I need to include?
Full details of the assessment process can be obtained from the Society and differ depending which criteria you are applying.
Examples of evidence for submission may include:
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A copy of your Cobberdog’s ACS registration certificate
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A written summary of your dog’s role and impact
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A log of service (dates, locations, frequency)
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Video/photo evidence (if possible)
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A testimonial or statement from a third party (optional but encouraged)
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A health clearance
What does the dog receive?
Recognised dogs will receive:
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A formal ACS Recognition Certificate or/and Medallion
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Their name and achievement listed (with consent) on the ACS website
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