Pups, purpose and 75 years: Guide Dogs WA gears up for adorable celebrations this International Guide Dog Day

Perth is set to give an extra dose of puppy love next week as Guide Dogs WA celebrates International Guide Dog day and marks 75 years since the first guide dog school in Australia started right here in WA.

On Wednesday, April 29, International Guide Dog day will shine a light on the life-changing work of amazing guide dogs and the joy, independence and confidence they bring to people with low or no vision, disabilities or illness.

In Perth, the heart of the celebrations will be at Murray Street shopping centre, where members of the public can meet ambassador dogs and puppies in training and lots of petting and cuddles are encouraged.

The Belfry and Council House will glow orange in the evening, while a sold-out trivia night will kick off at Camfield the night before.

In regional WA, Busselton Central Shopping Center will welcome an Ambassador Dog and a team of adorable pups for outings and the Port Hedland flyover will be lit up in orange to celebrate the special day.

Guide Dogs WA general manager Anna Presser said the day was about realizing just how amazing these dogs really are.

“Guide Dogs International is where we realize how special these dogs are,” he said.

“These incredible dogs help people by improving independence, quality of life and supporting people with low or no vision to enter society.”

These hard-working puppies have years of care, training and love behind them.

Raising, training and training a Guide or Assistance dog usually takes two years and extensive resources. Community donations, an army of passionate volunteers and State government support for the local breeding program make this journey possible.

The organization currently has nearly 200 dogs supporting Western Australians or learning what it takes to become a guide dog.

Beyond the cuteness, Ms. Presser said their work relies heavily on community support, fundraising and volunteers willing to help train the next generation of guide dogs.

“You hear from our puppy raisers that they have become a community of their own,” Ms. Presser said.

“For people looking to connect with their community, this is a great way to do so with a shared purpose.”

Whether…or donateWest Australians who drop by as volunteers or just for a hug are being invited to take part.

“There are many ways people can get involved, whether by volunteering in the training program or giving spare money for the iconic collectible dog in stores,” Ms Presser said.

“If you can’t attend the event, you can still participate by making an online donation – you can even make your own donation 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 learn more.”

Globally, the International Guide Dog Federation reports that there will be approximately 15,000 working guide dogs worldwide in 2025, with 47,853 individual volunteers contributing their time and experience to IGDF member organizations last year.

“We think it’s very special that guide dogs in Australia are starting here in Perth,” Ms Presser said.

This year’s celebration is even more meaningful; It marks 75 incredible years since the establishment of the first Guide Dog school in the country, with the first training center having an incredible history. A special celebration later in the year will honor this legacy.

“They had two old trams and one had the training center and the other one had the original coach living in it,” Ms. Presser said.

From its humble beginnings the organization has grown into a statewide network and people are now training pups across the South West.

“We also have a training center in Busselton and our volunteers and dogs are also trained,” Ms Presser said.

Visit Guide Dogs WA for more information on how to get involved or donate. website.