About Guide Dogs WA

Two black labrador dogs look at the cameraGuide Dogs WA is the only Western Australian based provider of Guide Dog training services in the community. Guide Dogs WA provides life-changing Guide Dogs and Autism Assistance Dogs.

It takes over two years and costs more than $50,000 to train a Guide or Assistance Dog. Guide Dogs WA relies on the support of the community to provide these life-changing services to Western Australians living with low vision, disability or illness.

Show your su-PAW-t today. You can fundraise with us, donate or find out how to sponsor a Guide or Assistance Dog.

Elsie Mead with Guide Dog Beau
Elsie Mead with Guide Dog Beau

Our History

Guide Dogs WA is the original home of Guide Dogs in Australia. The first professionally trained and registered Guide Dog, Dreena, was brought to Australia from England in 1950 by Dr. Arnold Cook; a visionary West Australian who also happened to be blind.  

After this, Dr. Cook established Australia’s first Guide Dog organisation in Perth in 1951. Within the first year, the first professionally Australian-trained Guide Dog, Beau, was working with his owner Elsie Mead. 

Read more about the early history of Guide Dogs WA and Dr Arnold Cook.

You can also find out more in the book TO GUIDE AND GUARD, An early history of Guide Dogs in Australia, by Alexandra Hasluck. (opens in a new window).

EverAbility Group Limited

Guide Dogs WA is owned and operated by EverAbility Group Limited. Annual Reports, details of the Board and Executive Team and our policies can be found on the EverAbility website (link opens in new window).

EverAbility Group is honoured to have His Excellency The Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia and his wife Mrs Darrilyn Dawson as its official Patrons.

The future we’re creating

Achieving maximum ability for our clients through our exceptional services.

Our Values

  • Collaboration: we achieve more when we work together and value other’s differences.
  • Excellence: we continually grow and develop through expanding our capabilities whilst striving to be our best.
  • Respect: we respect our stakeholders, who are at the centre of everything we do.

We all have the right to live the life we want. To connect with others. To pursue our goals and dreams. To live a rewarding, independent life.

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