About us.

We're always on the move, but our vision and mission have remained the same since 1957.
A person standing in front of a building holding their white cane. The person is smiling at the camera.

The story behind the services.

We have done since 1957. Since then, our services have grown far beyond just the dogs themselves to include a wide range of community initiatives, and training and education programs.

We work to ensure people with low vision or blindness are active and involved members of the community. We do this by teaching practical skills to help children and adults reach their personal potential: regardless of when or how they became affected by low vision or blindness. These skills are developed under our Orientation & Mobility training programs and with the support of Occupational Therapists.

A black labrador Guide Dog seated against a grey background. The Guide Dog is in harness and is looking to the right of the camera.

From maintaining a home, to eating at a restaurant, or attending work, school or university — we empower people to achieve their unique goals with whatever mobility aids or training is necessary.

We help you explore and achieve your personal potential.

Our services are provided at no direct cost to our clients on an ongoing basis. Given that we receive less than 13% of our funding needs from the government, we are dependent upon generous community support.

We are proud to have been named Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Charity for seven years, including 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020.

To be a leader in breaking down barriers so people can live the life of their choosing.

The International Guide Dog Federation

Guide Dogs Victoria (GDV) is proud to be a member of the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), the most significant industry-selected peak body for Guide Dogs associations globally. IGDF is responsible for the development, monitoring and evaluation of standards applied within all IGDF-member organisations in order to ensure high-quality service to Guide Dog users and Handlers around the world.

The strength of our relationship with IGDF has ensured that we continue to improve outcomes for the people we support with our first-class Guide Dogs. Our Guide Dog breeding lines have been developed with the support of IGDF Members and peers from around the globe including the UK, US, Japan and France. Through our association with IGDF, we have also been in a position to reciprocate with those countries and more including New Zealand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

2022-2023 Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

At GDV, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

Our 2022-2023 Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is led by the GDV RAP Working Group together with our RAP Consultant Bonnie Chew, a proud Wadawurrung woman who runs Murriyu Consulting. Our Reflect RAP helps us to lay the foundations for future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives.

We acknowledge that reconciliation is not one single act, but a journey that requires a commitment from non-Indigenous Australians to take ownership and responsibility for their own learning and their role in the process of reconciliation. Our 2022-2023 RAP is just one step in this journey towards working together to improve vision outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Who was the very first Guide Dog in Australia? Where was the first specially-designed Guide Dog centre? What is the history behind Guide Dogs Victoria? Get to know our proud history and learn the story behind the support services.
Three eight week old labrador puppies looking at the camera. They are outside with their front paws perched on a small ledge. There are multi coloured balls in the background.
We are able to offer an internationally renowned standard of Guide Dogs thanks to our world class puppy treatment and facilities. Learn more about CuteHQ, where every puppy meets the world.
Two people, one adult & one older person, sitting on a couch looking at each other laughing.
Every person in our organisation shares a set of common values. These guiding principles inform the way we behave and interact; both with each other and the community.

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