About ECU

Dogs on campus

Dogs are sometimes present on ECU campuses, supporting accessibility, wellbeing and connection for students, staff and visitors. These dogs are working and fall into two categories: Assistance Dogs and Wellness Dogs.

Assistance Dogs

Assistance dogs are a valued part of campus life, supporting students, staff and visitors with disability to access, participate and engage in all aspects of university life.

An Assistance Dog is a working animal that supports a person with disability. These animals are not pets – they are highly trained disability‑support services that enable their handler to safely participate in everyday life. Assistance Animals may undertake years of training for their job.

It is important that you do not try to touch, feed or otherwise distract an assistance animal. Touching, feeding or distracting an Assistance Dog can interrupt the work they are doing. These dogs may be providing important medical assistance, and distractions could put their handler’s safety at risk.

These specially trained dogs are recognised under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) (DDA) and must be given full access to public facilities.

Assistance Dogs are allowed access everywhere their handler goes. This means you may see Assistance Dogs in:

• libraries
• classrooms and lecture theatres
• cafés and restaurants
• University events and activities

There may be restrictions in some specialised spaces, such as laboratories or restricted health facilities.

How to act around an Assistance Dog

People often wonder what to do when they see an Assistance Dog on campus. The answer is simple:
Act normally and let the dog and handler go about their work.

You can help keep handlers safe by following these guidelines:

• Always talk to the handler—not the dog.
  Assistance Dogs must stay focused on their handler’s cues.
• If you think someone needs help, ask first.
  Do not touch the person, the dog, or the dog’s harness or coat without permission.
• Keep your pet dog on a lead and under control in public areas. If possible, move your pet away from an Assistance Dog.
• Never feed an Assistance Dog.
• Do not pat or distract an Assistance Dog with noises, gestures, or attempts to get its attention. Assistance Dogs are similar to medical equipment, and a distraction could be life-threatening.
• Do not assume a dog that seems to be napping is off duty. Assistance Dogs may rest while waiting, but they are still working, so all the above rules still apply.

Generally, Assistance Dogs will have some kind of jacket or harness that will help identify them as a working dog. Please see below some examples of this, taken from the Guide Dogs WA website.

Bringing an Assistance Dog to campus

If you are a student who is looking to bring an Assistance Animal onto campus, please contact Access and Inclusion.

If you are a staff member who is looking to bring an Assistance Animal onto campus, please contact your line manager or People and Culture.

Wellness Dogs

ECU’s Wellness dogs' presence helps improve mood, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of connection among students. You may see dogs such as Watson, Edi or Harper around our Joondalup, City and Bunbury campuses, especially during busy periods such as Orientation and Exams.

Interacting with Wellness Dogs

Unlike Assistance Dogs, Wellness Dogs are available for interaction and are happy receive pats. You should always ask before touching or interacting with a dog on campus.

You can check the News and Events page to see updates on when they may be visiting the Library or Living Room.

If you need support during your studies or are feeling stressed, ECU offers a range of supports in addition to its Wellness Dog program. Visit the Support homepage for more information about the range of services we offer.

You can learn more about ECU research into the benefits of Wellness dogs in court facilities and in paramedicine classroom settings. , or follow Watson’s adventures on Instagram @watsononyourmind