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

To date we have placed more than 200 Assistance Dogs, free of charge, across Australia. 1 in 6 (18%) of people in Australian have a disability with social care needs far outweighing available resource. Through our work, we see first-hand the dramatic difference an assistance dog bring to their new owners, boosting long term quality of life, improving mental health and increasing mobility, freedom and independence. Assistance Dogs reduce reliance on human caregivers and act as a social ice-breaker to help relieve social isolation, anxieties and loneliness and promote greater social inclusion in their community. Eligible clients include people with congenital or acquired physical disability who require a wheelchair for mobility, children with autism and our ex-servicemen and women and first responders living with post-traumatic stress disorder. 

We have an estimated waiting time of up to two years to receive a dog. We receive no government funding, relying on the generosity of supporters to fund our work. The dedicated contribution of over 300 community volunteers provides a huge boost to the work of our 36 employees and national work program each year.