NT Services - Guide Dog Services

Guide Dog Development Program

Any person who is blind or vision impaired can be considered for a Guide Dog to assist them with their mobility needs and to enhance their independence.

Every client request is assessed by an internationally qualified Guide Dog Instructor. The assessment process ensures that both the client and a guide dog will achieve the most successful mobility outcomes for independence.

Every client application is treated individually to determine suitability. When assessed as suitable a client will be matched as soon as possible to a fully trained guide dog - this is when they become a 'team'.

The client and guide dog are trained either in a residential or domiciliary setting. The first initial weeks are the opportunity for the client and guide dog to build a relationship and begin the journey of sharing their lives together - just like any other relationship in life.

Both training programs are conducted generally over a four week period. The team will learn how to travel safely together across a range of community environments, including public transport and through busy city streets.

In the first year together, the team will receive regular follow up visits after the first, third, sixth and twelfth month. This is to enhance the team's performance, and reinforce all training aspects to ensure optimum safety.

After the first year, the team is assessed annually throughout the dog's life;
the average working life of a guide dog is 10 years.

The costs are high but the rewards are priceless

We can't place a value on the independence of people who are blind or vision impaired, but we can let you know just how much it costs to raise a puppy to become a guide dog.

To bring a guide dog puppy into the guide dog family
$2,500

From 8 weeks to 1 year
Our puppy is under the care of a puppy raiser. All costs are covered including vet visits, collars, leads, bowls, brushes and food
$6,000

12 months - 16 months
Our puppy commences guide dog training. Expenses include comprehensive health checks including specialist visits to assess bone structure and eye health. Ongoing expenses include new harness, leads, food, and any special equipment required to fulfil their training.
$8,000

16 -17 months
The puppy has now graduated as a guide dog. They are matched with a person who is blind or vision impaired and their new relationship begins. Both undergo training either in a residential setting or at home and requires intensive support by their guide dog instructor
$6,000

Follow up Visits - First year
Visits are undertaken at 1, 3 6 and 9 months by our Guide Dog Instructor to ensure that the relationship is happy, safe, and achieving every goal that was set.
$2,500

TOTAL COST $25,000

You can help by co-sponsoring a Guide Dog Puppy. Find our more by visiting our Guide Dog Puppy Love page.