- Eighteen dogs are the latest to graduate from Guide Dogs WA's two-year training program
- Cook Government's $5 million investment is helping to address growing community need for locally raised and trained dogs
- Guide and Assistance Dogs empower people with low or no vision, and those living with disabilities to lead lives of greater independence and inclusion
Eighteen new Guide and Assistance Dogs are ready to change the lives of Western Australians after graduating from Guide Dogs WA's world-class breeding and training program.
Local Government and Disability Services Minister Hannah Beazley celebrated the milestone today, recognising the significant impact Guide and Assistance Dogs make on the community.
Guide Dogs WA is the only State-based organisation that breeds, raises and trains Guide, Autism Assistance, Therapy, Companion and Facility Dogs to support Western Australians.
As well as providing support for people who have low or no vision, the dogs also support individuals living with other disabilities, including autism, and provide Dog-Assisted Therapy to those experiencing developmental delay or trauma.
The Cook Government is committed to supporting the success of this leading breeding and training program, delivering $5 million to expand the program in 2021 and committing a further $5 million in 2025.
With the 2021 funding boost, more than 150 puppies have been delivered and have gone on to empower Western Australians to lead lives of greater independence and inclusion.
The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the 18 dogs and their handlers after two years of rigorous socialisation, development and training.
The graduates comprised nine Guide Dogs, eight Companion Dogs, and one Facility Dog, that will undertake therapy tasks in facilities such as hospitals, courts and schools.
The special dogs are cared for and trained by a dedicated team of community volunteers and highly specialised staff at Guide Dogs WA.
The WA Government investment in this program is helping to create more jobs for Guide Dog trainers locally, reducing the need to outsource from other states and overseas.
As stated by Local Government and Disability Services Minister Hannah Beazley:
"Preparing our four-legged graduates for careers as Guide and Assistance Dogs takes passion and patience, and I commend all the hardworking Guide Dogs WA handlers, volunteers and staff for the care they have shown these amazing animals along their training journey.
"These Guide and Assistance Dogs will go on to make a life-changing difference to people with disability, empowering them to lead more independent and inclusive lives to the benefit of the entire community.
"The Cook Government is proud to be supporting Guide Dogs WA to continue to grow its world-class breeding and cadet training program, so the organisation can continue to meet growing demand in WA."
Comments attributed to Guide Dogs WA CEO Anna Presser:
"Today marks a significant milestone for our 18 graduates as they embark on their new roles as Guide Dogs, Facility Dogs, and Companion Dogs.
"With the support of the State Government, we are dedicated to breeding and training life-changing Guide and Assistance Dogs that bring joy and independence to the Western Australian community."
