FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

They’re working! Touching, talking to or distracting an Assistance Dog in any way may prevent them from assisting their handler. Always ask permission before interacting.

We have our own breeding program but occasionally accept puppies from Registered Breeders. We require detailed health and pedigree information before accepting any puppy. 

Some of the acceptance criteria includes:

• Certified Pedigree for the puppy 
• Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Evaluation Report for Dame and Sire 
• DNA/Genetic Analysis Report (including Exercise Induced Collapse and Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration) for Dame and Sire

We do not condone puppy farming and will not purchase puppies from puppy farms.

Yes. From time to time, some dogs in our training program are rehomed from becoming Assistance Dogs. While they may not go on to a working role, they still have so much to offer — they’re friendly, well-socialised, and have had an excellent foundation in training and care.

Assistance Dogs usually retire around age 10. We ensure they find a loving forever home, often with their handler or a trusted person within their network.

Each dog costs over $60,000 to train, covering everything from breeding, food, vaccinations, training and placement with their human.

Our dogs are provided free of charge to people in need. We do not receive government funding and therefore rely on the generosity of individuals, corporate and philanthropic organisations to provide our vital services to the community.

Our dogs are Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Golden Retriever crosses, at this time. We cannot recommend a particular breeder.

Training is fun! Our dogs enjoy group classes and one-on-one training while visiting different community environments. Our trainers and Puppy Volunteers use positive reinforcement methods to elicit and motivate desired behaviours.

For further information on stages of training, please click here.