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More life-changing guide and assistance dogs will be bred and trained in Western Australia thanks to $5 million in WA Government funding to support Guide Dogs WA’s world-class breeding and cadet program.

The funding will support Guide Dogs WA to deliver more guide and assistance dogs to support the changing needs of the Western Australian community.

Guide Dogs WA is the only State-based organisation to locally breed and train these life-changing companions that support people with low or no vision, individuals living with disability or illness, and those experiencing trauma.

This includes specially trained autism assistance, companion and therapy dogs, as well as highly skilled facility dogs which provide comfort and support in schools, courts and prisons.

The new funding delivered through the 2025-26 State Budget will enable Guide Dogs WA to further expand its breeding and cadet training programs which were made possible by a $5 million WA Government grant in 2021.

Guide Dogs WA has since established specialised breeding and training locations across WA which have delivered more than 150 dogs to support Western Australians in need.

With help from dedicated volunteers, the puppies undergo two years of socialisation, development and training before embarking on their careers of service.

The funds will also support the Cadet Training Program which is boosting the number of highly qualified dog trainers and guide dog mobility instructors in WA, reducing the need to outsource these professionals from other states or overseas.

The WA Government's continued investment in this program is helping to create more local jobs for the next generation of guide dog trainers.