Registered or unregistered supplier?
What to ask before buying a robotic pet from a registered or unregistered NDIS provider in 2026, with 8 questions for suppliers and 4 for plan managers.
Robotic companion pets are sold in Australia by NDIS registered providers, by specialist disability and aged care retailers that are not registered, and by general online shops. Some specialist retailers publish an NDIS registration number on their website. Which of these your plan can pay depends on how the plan is managed, and the NDIS sets those rules. This page does not give a ruling on your plan. It lists what to ask so you get a clear answer before you buy.
Does registration matter for a robotic pet?
It can. The answer depends on your plan management type and on current NDIS rules, which change from time to time. Confirm with your plan manager, your support coordinator or the NDIA before paying a deposit or placing an order. If the NDIA manages your plan, ask this question before you choose a supplier.
What should I ask the supplier?
| Question for the supplier | Why ask |
|---|---|
| Are you a registered NDIS provider, and what is your registration number? | Lets your plan manager check it |
| Will you invoice my plan manager directly? | Avoids paying upfront and claiming back |
| Which NDIS support item number do you quote for this product? | Your plan manager confirms it before paying |
| Does the price include GST and delivery? | Keeps the total under the low-cost AT limit |
| What warranty applies, and who handles faults? | Tells you who to call if it stops working |
| Are batteries or a charger included? | Ongoing costs add up |
| How long is delivery to our area? | Regional delivery can take longer |
| Can the invoice show the participant’s name? | Needed for most claims |
What should I ask my plan manager or coordinator?
- Can my plan pay this supplier, given how my plan is managed?
- How much is left in the Consumables budget?
- Do you want the therapist recommendation before you pay the invoice?
- Which support item number will you use?
How the two options differ in practice
| Point to check | Registered provider | Unregistered supplier |
|---|---|---|
| Registration number | Ask for it and check it | None to check |
| Invoicing a plan manager | Ask; confirm before ordering | Ask; some do, some do not |
| Plan types it may suit | Confirm with your plan manager | Confirm with your plan manager |
| Price | Set by the supplier; compare listings | Set by the supplier; compare listings |
Price alone does not tell you which is better. A companion cat is listed at $259 to $300 across Australian specialist retailers, whether registered or not.
Next step
When you send an enquiry, tell us your plan management type. We pass it to a supplier that sells to NDIS participants, and they quote you directly. See how to claim from Consumables for the payment steps.