Perth is set for an extra dose of puppy love next week as Guide Dogs WA marks International Guide Dog Day and celebrates 75 years since the first guide dog school in Australia began right here in Western Australia.
International Guide Dog Day Events
On Wednesday, April 29, International Guide Dog Day will shine a spotlight on the life-changing work of these amazing animals, highlighting the joy, independence, and confidence they bring to people with low or no vision, disability, or illness. In Perth, the heart of the celebrations will be at Murray Street Mall, where the public can meet ambassador dogs and puppies in training, with plenty of pats and cuddles encouraged.
The Bell Tower and Council House will glow orange in the evening, while a sold-out trivia night at The Camfield will kick off the night before. In regional WA, Busselton Central Shopping Centre will welcome an Ambassador Dog and a team of adorable puppies for walk-through appearances, and the Port Hedland overpass will be illuminated in orange to mark the special occasion.
A Legacy of Service
Guide Dogs WA Chief Executive Anna Presser said the day was about recognising just how amazing these dogs truly are. “These incredible dogs help people by enhancing independence, quality of life and giving people with low or no vision the support to get out into the community,” she said. Behind these hardworking pups lies years of care, training, and love. It typically takes two years and extensive resources to breed, raise, and train a Guide or Assistance dog. Community donations, a legion of passionate volunteers, and state government support for the local breeding program make this journey possible.
The organisation currently has close to 200 dogs either supporting West Australians or learning what it takes to become a guide dog. Beyond the cuteness, Ms Presser said the work relies heavily on community support, fundraising, and volunteers willing to help raise the next generation of guide dogs. “What you do hear from our puppy raisers is that they become a community of their own,” she said. “For people who are wanting to connect with their community, it’s a great way to do that with a shared purpose.”
How to Get Involved
Whether it’s donating, volunteering, or simply stopping by for a cuddle, Western Australians are being called to get involved. “Whether it’s by volunteering with the training program or just popping spare change into an iconic collection dog at the shops, there are so many ways people can get involved,” Ms Presser said. “If you can’t make it to the event, you can still get involved by making an online donation; or even do your own fundraising for International Guide Dog Day with our ready-made resources, all available on our website. We are also looking for volunteers and International Guide Dog Day is a great way to find out more information.”
Global and Local Impact
Globally, the International Guide Dog Federation has reported that in 2025 there were almost 15,000 working guide dogs worldwide and 47,853 individual volunteers contributing their time and experience to IGDF member organisations last year. “We think it’s very special that guide dogs in Australia started right here in Perth,” Ms Presser said. This year’s celebration is even more meaningful, marking 75 incredible years since the first Guide Dog school in the country was established, with its first training centre having an incredible backstory. A special celebration later in the year will honour this legacy.
“They had two old trams, and the training centre was in one, and the actual trainer was living in the other,” Ms Presser said. From its humble beginnings, the organisation has grown into a state-wide network, with people now training pups in the South West. “We have a training hub down in Busselton as well and have volunteers and dogs being trained as well,” Ms Presser said. For more information on how to get involved or to donate, visit the Guide Dogs WA website.
