Does the NDIS Pay for Pet Sitting?
The NDIS may fund disability-related supports to help you take care of your pet, but not the cost of the pet itself.
All pet owners have a legal duty of care and responsibility to care for their pets regardless of whether or not they are a participant of the NDIA. Pet sitting is not regarded as a disability specific support and would not be considered a reasonable and necessary support in the majority of requests for it to be included in a participant’s statement of supports. Part 5 of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Supports for Participants) Rules 2013 advises that a support cannot be funded if it relates to day-to-day living costs that are not attributable to a participant’s disability support needs.
If however, the support is identified as a support and a cost that is ancillary to another NDIS funded support then this may be considered. In the case of a Participant being admitted to hospital or institution they can complete a ‘Change in Circumstances’ plan review request form and email it to enquiries@ndis.gov.au along with any supporting evidence to ensure requests for supports are considered within the legislative framework. A participant’s Local Area Coordinator (LAC) Partner or Support Coordinator can also assist with this process as required and they can also provide any advice requiring an immediate short term response.
The NDIA encourages all participants to discuss all support requirements at their Plan Review Meeting so that support needs can be accurately assessed.
A participant’s individual circumstances guide the supports that are able to be funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).