Robotic pets as NDIS low-cost assistive technology
How NDIS participants can buy a robotic companion pet as low-cost assistive technology. Read the rules, compare the products sold in Australia, and get a quote from a supplier who sells to NDIS participants.
The low-cost AT limit and current prices
The NDIS treats low-risk assistive technology under $1,500 as low cost. No quote, assessment or prior approval is needed, and the item is usually paid from the Consumables budget. It still has to relate to the participant's disability and a goal in their plan. The NDIS does not fund pets or toys, and nobody can promise a particular purchase will be accepted.
- Companion cat: $259 to $300
- Companion pup: $269 to $315
- MetaCat: $349 to $399
Who we help
Companion cats and pups for NDIS participants
Robotic cats, pups and MetaCat compared for NDIS participants, with Australian retail prices and what to check first.
For support coordinators and plan managers
Send one enquiry for a participant's robotic pet and get a quote and invoice from a supplier who sells to NDIS participants.
Robotic pet options for OTs and therapists
Product details and supplier quotes for therapists writing a robotic pet recommendation for an NDIS participant.
Robotic pets for autism and anxiety
Calming robots and companion pets for autistic children and adults with anxiety, with a plain account of the evidence.
Robotic pets for people with MS, MND or Huntington's disease
Companion pets for NDIS participants with MS, MND or Huntington's disease, chosen for weight, grip, speech and changing needs.
Robotic pets for people living with acquired brain injury
Companion pets for NDIS participants with acquired brain injury, chosen around fatigue, memory, noise and therapy goals.
Robotic pets for people with intellectual disability, including Down syndrome
Companion pets for NDIS participants with intellectual disability, including Down syndrome and dementia in later life.
Robotic pets for younger people with dementia
Companion cats and pups for younger NDIS participants living with dementia at home, and what the research supports.
NDIS guides
- Can the NDIS fund a robotic pet?
- Is a robotic pet GST-free for an NDIS participant?
- Can NDIS funds hire or trial a robotic pet?
- Claiming a robotic pet from Consumables
- If the NDIA says no to a robotic pet: internal review and tribunal
- Goal link and OT recommendation checklist
- Registered or unregistered supplier?
- Robotic pet picks and prices for NDIS participants
- Robotic pet, assistance dog or therapy animal: how the NDIS treats each
- Robotic pets and psychosocial disability: common questions
- What the NDIS supports lists say about robotic pets
- Robotic pets for children on the NDIS: a safety checklist
- NDIS participants in residential aged care: who pays for a robotic pet?
- Choosing a robotic pet for a teenager or young adult
- Robotic pets in NDIS behaviour support plans and restrictive practice rules
- Robotic pets in Supported Independent Living homes
- Talking to your local area coordinator or planner about a robotic pet
- Turning 65 on the NDIS: staying on or moving to aged care
- Weighted and sensory items or a robotic pet: how the low-cost AT rules apply
What the evidence covers
Most research on robotic pets comes from dementia care. In a Queensland trial across 28 aged care facilities, a robotic seal reduced agitation compared with usual care and improved engagement. We have not found published trials in autism, so for autistic children and adults the decision rests with the person, their family and their therapist.
Support at Home is a different program
Support at Home began on 1 November 2025, replacing Home Care Packages for older Australians. Its assistive technology list does not include robotic pets. This site covers NDIS purchases only.
Frequently asked questions
- Will the NDIS pay for a robotic pet?
It might, and nobody can promise it will. The NDIS does not fund pets or toys. A robotic pet can be bought as low-cost assistive technology when it relates to the participant's disability, supports a goal in their plan and is safe to use. A short recommendation from an OT or other therapist helps show that.
- Do I need a quote or NDIA approval first?
For low-risk assistive technology under the low-cost limit, the NDIS says no quote, assessment or prior approval is needed. The purchase is usually paid from the Consumables budget. The participant, nominee or plan manager is still responsible for checking it fits the rules.
- Do robotic pets help autistic children?
We have not found published trials of robotic pets with autistic children. The research we summarise was done in dementia care, where robotic pets reduced agitation compared with usual care and improved engagement. A therapist who knows the child is the best person to judge whether one is worth trying.
- Can Support at Home pay for a robotic pet?
Do not count on it. The Support at Home list of approved assistive technology does not include robotic or companion pets, and it excludes products that stimulate the senses by touch. Ask your provider in writing before buying.
- Are you an NDIS provider?
No. NDIS Robot Pets is an information and enquiry service operated by Yes Right Pty Ltd. We do not sell, invoice or make NDIS claims. We pass your enquiry to an Australian supplier that sells to NDIS participants, and the supplier quotes you directly.
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