- More life-changing guide and assistance dogs to be bred and trained in Western Australia thanks to $5 million in Cook Government funding
- Guide Dogs WA has delivered more than 150 dogs over four years which will go on to empower people to live more independently and confidently
- WA Government investment boosting the number of local, highly skilled dog trainers
Guide Dogs WA's world-class breeding and cadet training program will continue to grow with a further $5 million investment from the Cook Government.
The funding will support Guide Dogs WA to deliver more guide and assistance dogs to support the changing needs of the Western Australian community.
Guide Dogs WA is the only State-based organisation to locally breed and train these life-changing companions that support people with low or no vision, individuals living with disability or illness, and those experiencing trauma.
This includes specially trained autism assistance, companion and therapy dogs, as well as highly skilled facility dogs which provide comfort and support in schools, courts and prisons.
The new funding delivered through the 2025-26 State Budget will enable Guide Dogs WA to further expand its breeding and cadet training programs which were made possible by a $5 million grant from the WA Labor Government in 2021.
Guide Dogs WA has since established specialised breeding and training locations across WA which have delivered more than 150 dogs to support Western Australians in need.
With help from dedicated volunteers, the puppies undergo two years of socialisation, development and training before embarking on their careers of service.
The funds will also support the Cadet Training Program which is boosting the number of highly qualified dog trainers and guide dog mobility instructors in WA, reducing the need to outsource these professionals from other States or overseas.
The Cook Government's continued investment in this program is helping to create more local jobs for the next generation of guide dog trainers.
As stated by Local Government and Disability Services Minister Hannah Beazley:
"The Cook Government is proud to continue its support for Guide Dogs WA's world-class breeding and training program which is having a lasting impact on the lives of Western Australians.
"Our community benefits when everyone can fully participate in society and these highly skilled dogs are empowering people in so many ways to live more independently and confidently.
"We're committed to creating a more inclusive future for our State and an important part of this is ensuring those in our community experiencing low or no vision, disability or trauma can access these life-changing companions locally.
"This funding boost will also meet the need for more highly qualified guide dog trainers who, with the help of Guide Dogs WA's volunteer base, are giving these special animals the best possible start to life."
As stated by Guide Dogs WA Chief Executive Officer Anna Presser:
"We are proud to be the only organisation in Western Australia that breeds and trains these remarkable dogs locally.
"These dogs not only transform the lives of those they directly support, but they also provide comfort, companionship, and a sense of well-being to entire communities.
"The program also creates meaningful employment and volunteering opportunities, strengthening the social fabric of Western Australia.
"We are incredibly grateful to the Western Australian Government's ongoing support.
"This funding ensures we can continue to meet the growing demand for guide and assistance dogs in WA, while also investing in the future of our workforce and the well-being of our community."
