Every person who needs an Assistance Dog deserves the chance to experience greater independence, connection and inclusion. But demand is far outpacing supply.

Founded in 1996, Assistance Dogs Australia is the only national charity in Australia providing internationally accredited Assistance Dogs across a diverse range of disability needs.

In our 30-year history, we have placed more than 500 Assistance Dogs across Australia. There are many more people waiting for the life-changing support these highly skilled dogs can provide. With 1 in 5 Australians¹ with a disability and social care needs far outweighing available resources, the need for practical, personalised support is significant.

An Assistance Dog can be transformative. These remarkable dogs can help people with disability live with greater independence, dignity and confidence. They can reduce reliance on human caregivers, provide a sense of security and companionship, help ease social isolation and anxiety, and create opportunities for greater connection and participation in the community.

Our eligible clients include people physical disability, children and young adults with autism, and ex-servicemen and women and first responders living with post-traumatic stress disorder.

We cannot meet this growing need alone. With limited government funding, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to breed, train and place more Assistance Dogs with the people who need them.

Our dedicated community of more than 400 volunteers also plays a vital role, providing thousands of hours of support alongside our experienced trainers.

¹ Australian Bureau of Statistics (2023), Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Summary of Findings, 2022.