A Guide Dog offers a dynamic form of independent mobility, safely guiding their handler wherever they need to go. Guide Dog Mobility enables the handler to walk freely and feel confident knowing their Guide Dog will not only recognise obstacles in their path but guide safely around them. Guide Dogs will also stop at kerbs and assist the handler to cross the road safely.

A person with vision impairment using a Guide Dog has legal access rights to travel on all forms of public transport and enter all public places. This includes taxis, planes, food shops and restaurants, ensuring that the Guide Dog handler enjoys the same rights as a person with full vision.

Who Could Benefit?

You don’t have to lose your confidence and independence. Anyone who is experiencing difficulty with their mobility as a result of vision loss can benefit from a Guide Dog.

People do not have to be totally blind to be eligible for Guide Dog Mobility. In fact, only a small percentage of our Guide Dog handlers are totally blind, with the majority having varying degrees of residual vision.

There is no age limit for prospective Guide Dog handlers. Guide Dogs Victoria train school aged and university students, parents with young families, people who are employed full time, part time or not in the work force. We also train seniors and people from non-English speaking backgrounds. However, prospective handlers should be sufficiently mature to provide the Guide Dog with the necessary leadership and be physically able to manage and care for the dog.

The Perfect Partnership

The working life of a Guide Dog is, on average, eight to ten years. Guide Dogs will provide constant support and companionship during this time, so it is vital that a strong relationship is formed between the dog and its handler. Guide Dogs must also complement the handler’s personal characteristics and suit their individual mobility needs.

Guide Dogs Victoria prides itself in creating strong partnerships and ultimately, successful working Guide Dog teams. Time and care is taken to profile the behavioural traits of each dog in training to ensure that every Guide Dog match forms the perfect partnership.

Training - The New Team

Guide Dog Mobility training will be conducted in what is mutually agreed to be the most appropriate training environment based on individual’s needs. This training may take place on a domiciliary basis around the person’s home environment, in our residential training facility, or a combination of both.

The Guide Dog handler will progressively develop the skills and confidence they need to work successfully with their Guide Dog. Through a combination of practical and educational sessions, they will learn how to care for their dog and gain its respect so the dog works willingly for them. Together, the team develops an incredible bond of trust that will last a lifetime.

All of our training programs are entirely dependent on the person’s needs and abilities, with our experienced Guide Dog Mobility Instructors committed to helping them achieve their personal mobility goals.

Follow up and support is provided throughout the working life of each Guide Dog. Guide Dog Mobility Instructors are also available to help the Guide Dog team address other mobility challenges such as a change of environment in a new home or job.

We provide professional and prompt services right across metropolitan and regional Victoria. Our dedicated team of staff travel to every corner of the state to assist people in and around their home environments.

How Much Does it Cost the Client?

All Guide Dogs Victoria training programs are provided entirely free of charge to clients. Each Guide Dog costs the organisation around $30,000 but thanks to community support, we can provide Guide Dogs, training and ongoing follow up services free of charge. The Guide Dog handler is responsible for their Guide Dog's ongoing veterinary care and maintenance.

We Are Here to Help:

Guide Dogs Victoria is dedicated to supporting the individual needs and goals of all Victorians who are blind or vision impaired. The primary aim of our services is to enhance clients’ safety, independence and quality of life at every stage of their journey.

We welcome all enquiries from individuals, family members and health professionals.
For further information, please contact:

Referrals Officer
Phone: (03) 9854 4444

Email: referrals@guidedogsvictoria.com.au

Private Bag 13
Chandler Highway
Kew Victoria 3101

Click here for more information on Guide Dog Access Rights.

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