Western Australian citizens who are over 17 years of age and have significant vision loss can apply for a Guide Dog. Applicants are assessed using internationally recognised assessment criteria.

Our Guide Dog Instructors assess each applicant to determine their suitability and readiness for a Guide Dog, and whether a Guide Dog will help them achieve their mobility goals.

As a general guideline, applicants for Guide Dogs need to:

Be motivated to work consistently
Be capable of controlling a dog and taking on a leadership role
Be able to house a dog in a safe environment (including the workplace)
Have sufficient purposeful work to warrant a dog
Walk approximately two to three kilometres a day
Be healthy and have good exercise tolerance, strength, reflexes and balance.
Be a confident, independent traveller and know their travel routes well.

When matching Guide Dogs to applicants, we consider individual lifestyles, personality (person and dog), mobility needs and physical attributes.

Applicants should also consider the cost of ongoing dog maintenance. It costs approximately $10 - $20 per week to maintain a Guide Dog and this cost will continue throughout the dog's life (10 -12 years). Common costs include food, veterinary expenses, bedding, and husbandry items. Additional unexpected costs such as specialised veterinary care are also quite common and can be very expensive.

For more information or to apply for a Guide Dog please contact us to speak to a Guide Dog Instructor.