Reclassified Dogs
Due to the exceptionally high standards required for Guide Dog work, Guide Dogs Victoria has a number of dogs who are unsuitable for intensive Guide Dog training. These reclassified dogs make perfect companions for individuals and families.
Pets As Therapy Program
Guide Dogs Victoria's Pets As Therapy Program provides appropriate reclassified dogs for children and young adults who have a vision impairment. Dogs can play an important role in the emotional and physical development of children. They provide a source of love and companionship and an opportunity for children to learn first hand about responsibility. Many of these children with a vision impairment may also progress on to being full time Guide Dog handlers as adults.
To ensure the best possible match, the Pets As Therapy coordinator visits the family and the young person with a vision impairment. This enables the family to ask questions about the program while providing the coordinator with an opportunity to determine the best possible type of dog that would fit into that family environment. To ensure the family and child feel a sense of responsibility, at the time of the dog's permanent placement, the ownership of the dog is transferred from Guide Dogs Victoria to the family.
To find out more about the Pets As Therapy program and applying for a PAT dog, call Guide Dogs Victoria on (03) 9854 4444 or email referrals@guidedogsvictoria.com.au
Companion Dogs
Guide Dogs Victoria also places a limited number of Companion Dogs with children, adolescents and adults with a physical or intellectual impairment. Companion Dogs are reclassified, lovable Labrador Retrievers who are highly suitable for this work.
It is rewarding for all concerned to place these excellent dogs as special companions for people and observe the happiness and joy it brings them.
The dogs bring enjoyment not only to the person with the impairment, but also the whole family. Companion dogs offer unconditional love to their owner and the benefit of regular exercise, as they enjoy a daily walk together.
To find out more about the Companion Dog program and applying for a Companion Dog, call Guide Dogs Victoria on (03) 9854 4444 or email referrals@guidedogsvictoria.com.au Please note the Companion Dog waiting list is temporarily closed.
A new home for Reclassified Dogs
A limited number of Reclassified Dogs are offered for sale to the general public. These dogs are generally aged between 12 to 18 months and are neutered. They have been socialised by volunteer puppy raisers, are well mannered and house-trained. Guide Dogs Victoria prefers to offer reclassified dogs to homes that are similar to their puppy raising home, as there is a strong possibility that the dog could become bored if it does not receive regular contact with its new family. Therefore, dogs are not sold to households where they will be left alone for more than 3-4 hours a day - and any children in the house should be over 5 years of age.
Due to excess demand, applications for Reclassified Dogs have been suspended until further notice. To apply for a Reclassified Dog when applications are again being accepted, phone Guide Dogs Victoria on 9854 4444 for an application form. Applicants are asked to provide detailed information about their lifestyle, previous dog experience and the environment in which the dog would live. Every endeavour is made to match a dog with an environment that would best suit its individual temperament.
