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.

In our almost 30 year history, we have placed more than 500 Assistance Dogs, free of charge, across Australia. 1 in 12 (approx. 8%) Australians have severe disability with social care needs far outweighing available resource. Through our work, we see first-hand the dramatic difference an Assistance Dog brings to the person they support, by empowering connection, inclusion and independence. These remarkable dogs are life-changing and offer hope, dignity and freedom. 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. 

Demand far outweighs supply for these highly skilled Assistance Dogs, and with little government funding, we rely on the generosity of supporters to power our work. The dedicated contribution of over 300 community volunteers provides a huge boost to the work of our experienced trainers.