News

Why now is a good time to think about a Guide Dog

February 27, 2024

A broad selection of dog types are available
Due to our incredibly successful and world-leading breeding program, we have a wide selection of dogs to match with you for a perfect partnership. It’s a misconception that there’s a huge wait list. We’ve catered for demand and now is a great time to consider a Guide Dog.
‘Upgrade’ from a white cane
Many of our Clients who have gone from a white cane to being matched with a Guide Dog say it’s a huge “upgrade”. Cane use has its shortcomings. It only gives you a small area of grace when walking, it doesn’t help you navigate low-hanging branches, or stop you when a silent electric car zooms past you at a crossing.
Companionship
It can be isolating having vision loss. For example, you might continue talking to someone who has left the room. A Guide Dog is a hugely beneficial partnership. For many, the presence of a loving animal is hugely reassuring. For others, it makes them social butterflies as lots of people come up and engage with you and your dog. They’re with you 24/7, and they truly look out for you. It’s a magical bond. Dogs really are humans’ best friends.
On-site training and accommodation
We are revamping our Guide Dog Handler training. You will be the first to make use of our state-of-the-art accessible accommodation during the two-week intensive training for you and your Guide Dog. Once you graduate, we also provide check-ins at one month, three months, six months and a year, before it becomes annual. Of course, if you can’t attend our offices, home training is still an option.
Funding is available
Like getting a white cane or entering into Orientation and Mobility training, getting a Guide Dog is usually fully funded by the government. Whether you have NDIS or My Aged Care funding, there are no out-of-pocket costs to you to be matched with a Guide Dog. If you don’t qualify for those funding streams, we also provide options courtesy of philanthropic donations.