Pets in NDIS supported housing
Whether you can keep a pet in NDIS supported housing, how it depends on your agreement and household, and how assistance animals are treated differently
Can I keep a pet in supported housing?
Who is responsible for the pet?
How are assistance animals different?
Why pets can matter for wellbeing
Making a pet work in a shared home
Planning so a pet is sustainable
Renting rules and pets in supported housing
Frequently asked questions
Can my housemates stop me having a pet?
In a shared home, your housemates' comfort and safety genuinely matter — allergies, fears or the property's rules can all affect whether a pet works. It's not a simple veto, but a pet needs to work for the whole household, so it's best agreed openly with housemates and the provider rather than assumed.
Will support workers help look after my pet?
Not automatically. NDIS support and support workers are for your disability-related needs, not pet care, so you're generally responsible for feeding, walking, vet care and cleaning up. If you'd need help to care for a pet, plan realistically for how that will happen before taking one on.
Does the NDIS pay for a pet or its costs?
No — the everyday costs of a companion pet are your responsibility, not an NDIS support. Assistance animals are different: as a recognised disability support, they can involve NDIS considerations subject to the rules around training and accreditation, but an ordinary pet's food and vet bills come from your own income.
Can I have a pet in NDIS supported housing?
Often yes, but it depends on your housing agreement and, in shared homes, your housemates — not on your NDIS plan. A tenancy or residency agreement may have pet rules, housemates' comfort and safety matter, and the property needs to suit a pet. Raise it early so it's agreed, not assumed.
Who looks after my pet in supported housing?
You're generally responsible for your pet's care, feeding, exercise, vet bills and behaviour. NDIS support and support workers are for your disability-related needs, not automatically for pet care, so don't assume workers will look after your animal.
Do my housemates get a say about a pet?
In a shared home, yes — your housemates' comfort and safety matter, so keeping a pet needs to work for the household. It's best to discuss it with them and your provider early rather than assuming it will be fine.
Are assistance animals treated like pets?
No. Assistance animals trained to help with your disability are treated differently from ordinary pets and generally have stronger rights of access and accommodation. They're a recognised disability support, with requirements around training and accreditation.
Does the NDIS pay for my pet?
The NDIS funds disability supports, not the ordinary costs of a companion pet, which are your responsibility. Assistance animals are different — as a recognised disability support they can involve their own NDIS considerations, subject to the rules around them.