K9 ASSISTANCE AUSTRALIA

Your specialist provider of Animal-Assisted Services and K9 Team Education & Governance

Proudly Established 2018

Empowering Partnerships, Inspiring Change

At K9 Assistance Australia (K9AA), we’re more than a bridge between humans and dogs; we’re pioneers in fostering reciprocal relationships that transform lives. Under the careful guidance of the leadership team, K9AA has established itself as a leader in the realm of animal-assisted services, distinguished by our unwavering commitment to mutual respect, innovative governance, and transformative educational programs.

A Unique Blend of Expertise and Compassion

Our foundation is built on the diverse expertise and profound dedication of our team. Claire Turner brings her unparalleled journey from explosive detection (K9 Unit) to the animal-assisted services sector (with lived experience of disability), underscoring the depth of our commitment to empowerment and healing. Craig Turner, with his distinguished service to country and exceptional leadership and business skills, enriches our programs with insights into resilience and the importance of structured support. Emily Wilson, our Governance & Intake Coordinator, ensures that K9AA not only adheres to the highest standards of governance but also leads with innovation in service delivery and organisational excellence.

Our Mission: Cultivating Reciprocal Growth

We are dedicated to creating enduring, reciprocal relationships that benefit both humans, and dogs. Our approach is grounded in the belief that a healthy partnership yields mutual growth, understanding of self and others and improved quality of life . 

By focusing on governance, we also ensure K9AA accredited handlers and K9 Teams practices not only meet but exceed industry standards, setting K9AA apart as a trusted leader in the field in supporting animal-human teams and those that cross their paths.

Innovative Programs Tailored for Diverse Needs

K9AA offers a broad spectrum of programs designed to cater to various audiences, from those seeking assistance animals to professionals aiming to integrate animal-assisted interventions into their practice.

We specialise in educating human handlers, providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to form successful partnerships with their K9 counterparts.

For organisations that focus on training dogs, we offer partnership opportunities to enhance their programs by focusing on the human element, ensuring a holistic approach to training and support and ensuring the best possible team success in the long-term.

Join Our Visionary Movement

We invite you to become part of K9AA’s transformative journey. Whether you’re seeking a partnership with a dog, looking to refine your professional expertise, or represent an organisation aiming to elevate your animal-assisted services or understanding of the sector, K9AA offers the tools, knowledge, and support needed to succeed.

Explore What Sets Us Apart:

  • K9 Handler Courses: Training programs that lay the foundation for successful, respectful partnerships between humans and dogs. Our courses are meticulously designed to foster a understanding and skill set for handlers, ensuring every partnership is grounded in mutual respect and effective communication.
  • Professional Training Packages: Tailored for workplaces and professionals, these packages are ideal for organisations looking to integrate animal-assisted interventions seamlessly into their operations. Whether it’s part of mandatory training, induction for new staff, or introducing a specialised K9 unit to your service, our training packages are crafted to elevate knowledge, skills, and understanding of animal-assisted services and the governance required to be successful.
  • Online Mentoring & Support: Leveraging the power of digital platforms, we offer accessible mentoring and support, providing a lifeline of guidance, education, and community for those integrating animals into their personal or professional lives. This service ensures ongoing development and support, making expertise and advice readily available to our community.
  • Professional Supervision: An extension of our commitment to professional development, we offer supervision services that support the continuous growth and ethical practice of professionals in the animal-assisted services field. This supervision ensures that handlers not only maintain high standards of practice but also have opportunities for reflective learning and professional growth.
  • Consultation: for or organsations exploring the introduction of animal-assisted services or looking to enhance their current programs, K9AA offers specialist consultation. Our team can assist with program design, implementation strategies, and governance frameworks to ensure the success and sustainability of your animal-assisted services.
  • Referral option: K9AA is proud to serve as a referral option for organisations and professionals who recognise the potential benefits of animal-assisted interventions for their clients but may not have the resources to provide these services directly. We welcome referrals and are committed to delivering the highest standard of care and support to those referred to our program.
  • Guest Speaking Engagements: Highlighting the impact and potential of reciprocal K9 partnerships, our leaders, including Founder Claire Turner, are available for guest speaking engagements across various forums. These sessions aim to inspire and educate a broader audience about the transformative power and profound benefits of animal-assisted services through lived experience.
  • Strategic Partnerships for Organisations: We extend our expertise to organisations training dogs, offering them an opportunity to partner with K9AA to support/compliment their offerings through enhancing the handler education element of their programs. Our aim is to ensure a holistic approach to training and support, enhancing the effectiveness and depth of animal-assisted services across the board.

Claire Turner

A Beacon of Innovation and Resilience

Claire Turner’s journey from an accomplished Explosive Detection Canine Handler to the empathetic pioneer of K9 Assistance Australia is a story of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Her professional achievements in high-stakes environments laid a solid foundation for her profound understanding of K9 capabilities. However, it was her personal battles with PTSD, ADHD, and Autism that fuelled her passion for exploring the therapeutic potential of animal-human partnerships.

Claire founded K9AA with a vision to share the life-changing benefits of animals, drawing on her unique blend of professional acumen and personal experience to inspire and lead the organisation.

At K9AA, Claire’s vision is to blend tales of courage with the science of animal-assisted services, striving for disability inclusion and crafting innovative program designs. She stands as a source of inspiration, demonstrating the profound impact resilience and dedication can have in transforming lives.

Read Claire’s Full Profile Here

Craig Turner

Leadership Grounded in Service and Commitment

K9 Assistance Australia (K9AA) is honored to have Craig Turner as our CEO and Veteran Liaison. Embarking on a new chapter in 2017 after a distinguished 24-year career in the Australian Army, Craig brings a wealth of experience in leadership, operational strategy, and a profound dedication to service. 

His military background, enriched with command roles and strategic positions, alongside his academic credentials, forms the bedrock of his approach to leadership at K9AA.

Craig’s commitment extends beyond the military and first responder communities, embodying a vision to support all individuals seeking the therapeutic companionship of a K9. His leadership ensures our programs are inclusive, empathetic, and tailored, reflecting the highest standards of support for a diverse clientele.

Under Craig’s stewardship, K9AA champions the virtues of service, commitment, and community, striving to offer transformative services that are a testament to our collective respect and gratitude for all who have served, in any capacity. His goal is to see every individual benefit from the healing power of animal-human partnerships, guided by a spirit of service.

Read Craig’s Full Profile Here

Emily Wilson

Ensuring Excellence and Accessibility

At the heart of K9 Assistance Australia’s commitment to exceptional national service is Emily Wilson, our dedicated Governance & Intake Coordinator.

With a rich 15-year background in regulatory and organisational roles within state and federal health regulation departments, Emily’s expertise spans from palliative care support to governance and training of leadership teams across various national boards. Her ability to navigate complex legislative frameworks and deliver results within strict timeframes has made her an indispensable part of our team.

Emily’s role at K9AA goes beyond compliance; she enhances the quality and accessibility of our services, ensuring we remain well-resourced, supported, and seamlessly connected. Her forward-thinking management was pivotal during our transition to remote working amidst COVID-19, demonstrating her adaptability and commitment to maintaining our high standards of service without disruption.

Emily’s passion and expertise, continue to drive K9AA forward, ensuring we stay at the forefront of service and support in the animal-assisted services sector.

Read Emily’s Full Profile Here

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