Collection Dogs

The iconic status of Guide Dogs Victoria (GDV) collection dogs has grown over the past four decades and today, they generate more funds than ever before. There are several thousand hard working collection dogs throughout metropolitan and regional Victoria and their income is invested directly in our specialist mobility services including Guide Dogs.

GDV receives under nine per cent of its funding from the government and relies heavily on the generosity of individual donors, supporters and businesses to continue its important work. All those individuals who place spare change and notes in our collection dogs also make a substantial contribution to GDV.

The collection dog program enables businesses to support GDV at no cost, other than a small amount of counter or floor space.

Download the Collection Dog Brochure here.

Large Collection dogs

GDV's large collection dogs are floor standing and are approximately 85 centimetres in height. They are best suited to high volume traffic areas where they can capture passing trade - for example, supermarkets, garden centres, pets shops and large variety and hardware stores.

Small Collection dogs

Our small collection dogs are approximately 28 centimetres in height and stand on counters adjacent to the point of sale in hotels, clubs, convenience stores, newsagents and other smaller stores.

 
Our collection dogs are all Golden Labradors, labelled with the Guide Dogs Victoria logo, our phone number and website address. Any other colour dogs belong to another agency that has no connection with GDV.

Maintenance

Collection dogs are cleared regularly. Large collection dogs are emptied, cleaned and maintained on site and their valuable contents taken back to Guide Dogs Victoria in Kew for counting and receipting. Small collection dogs are replaced on a new for old basis. The existing dog is removed for emptying, counting, receipting and recycling and a replacement dog is left at the same time.

 
Collectors always present an official GDV identification badge before removing the dog or its contents. After the dogs' contents are counted at GDV, an appreciation letter and receipt is forwarded.  This letter can also be displayed to publicise your community involvement.

 
Please join the thousands of businesses who support the important work of GDV by installing your own collection dog. You can help provide the precious gift of freedom and independence to vision impaired Victorians.

 
For further information contact Guide Dogs Victoria on (03) 9854 4444, toll free on 1800 804 805 or email collections@guidedogsvictoria.com.au

 
"I have a real affinity with Guide Dogs Victoria and I know the difference they can make to someone who is vision impaired. I really admire the puppy raisers who come into the hotel's restaurant to socialise their pups - they do such an amazing job. ' Ralph' (our collection dog) is our way of contributing. He's been a permanent fixture on our bar for years and he's well known to our patrons. We tell them, 'Ralph' says 'Woof' to thank you every time you put money in." Rini Dominguez, Harp of Erin Hotel