ABOUT ASSISTANCE DOGS AUSTRALIA
Transforming lives through the power of dogs and people
Since 1996, Assistance Dogs Australia has trained and placed life-changing dogs with people who need them most. Each dog brings independence, confidence and connection while remaining completely free of charge to their new owner.
How it all started
Over 20 years ago in the USA, a young girl in a wheelchair said, “Mum, I can do anything with this dog by my side!” Those words inspired Hannie and Robert Biggs OAM to bring the idea of Assistance Dogs to Australia.
After visiting a charity in California that paired dogs with people living with disabilities, Hannie knew this was something Australia needed. On the flight home, she told Robert, “This is something we have to do.”
In 1996, Assistance Dogs Australia was born. Today, Hannie, Robert and their family remain deeply involved, and their vision has grown to help thousands of Australians.
Our story
Humans and dogs have always shared a special bond. For us, that bond is most powerful when a dog helps someone in need.
We train and place dogs to support people with physical disabilities, autism and PTSD. Our dogs provide independence, confidence and connection – transforming not just individual lives, but whole families and communities.
Each dog takes two years to train and costs over $60,000. Yet every Assistance Dog is placed free of charge, thanks to the generosity of the public.
Our Vision, Our Purpose and Our Values
Integrity
We act honestly, transparently and with a commitment to do what is right
Respect
We embrace individual differences, recognise other’s rights and their unique perspectives
Care
We act with care, compassion, empathy and kindness to the people we serve
Accountability
We take responsibility, we act consistently, and we are responsive to others
Collaboration
We are a united team, acting with courage, supporting each other to deliver excellence, and growing together towards a shared goal
30-years of Assistance Dogs Australia
A visit to a US-based service dog organisation inspired Bob and Hannie Biggs to create an Australian organisation that would change lives through the partnership of highly trained Assistance Dogs and the people who need them. Known then as Assistance Dogs for Independence.
Just one year after being founded, ADA sent Andrew Biggs to the US for three months to learn more about Assistance Dogs, marking the beginning of a life-changing journey for Australians with disability.
With a new CEO joining the organisation, a team of three staff and one prison training program, ADA was laying the foundations for future growth.
ADA became the first organisation in the Southern Hemisphere to achieve accreditation from Assistance Dogs International, demonstrating a commitment to world-class training and client outcomes.
The fundraising team was established, beginning with a single volunteer whose efforts helped grow the support needed to expand programs and reach more Australians. As of 2026, we’ve grown our volunteer network to more than 400!
The first Assistance Dog was placed in a school, opening new opportunities for students to learn, engage and thrive in the classroom environment.
The first PTSD Assistance Dog was placed, launching a program that would go on to support veterans and first responders experiencing the impacts of trauma.
The first class of Assistance Dogs graduated in Western Australia, with five dogs placed and a new chapter of national growth underway.
The official Educational Support Dog program commenced, bringing the unique benefits of Assistance Dogs into schools and learning environments.
The first Courthouse Dog was placed, helping provide emotional support and reassurance to vulnerable people navigating the legal system.
Operations commenced at Orchard Hills following the purchase of land, creating a dedicated home for future generations of Assistance Dogs.
The opening of the National Training Centre at Orchard Hills marked the completion of Phase One of Assistance Dogs Australia's long-term vision, creating a world-class facility dedicated to breeding, raising and training life-changing Assistance Dogs.
Why your support matters
We rely on donations to continue our work. With demand higher than ever, some people wait up to two years for a dog.
Your support helps us:
- Place Assistance Dogs with people with disabilities – free of charge.
- Provide a lifetime of support.
- Maintain the highest standards of training.
Together, we can change lives – one dog at a time.