See Differently Guide Dogs
Experience the
world differently
A See Differently guide dog truly allows someone who is legally blind to experience the world differently.
Our guide dogs are highly accomplished, transforming lives with confidence, independence and love.
What’s on this page?
We are proud to be one of Australia’s leading Guide and Assistance Dog Schools, breeding, training, matching and training See Differently Guide Dogs for people who are legally blind and OPK9 Assistance Dogs for veterans living with PTSD.
Meet Michael.
Michael’s guide dogs Roy and Stirling completely rebuilt his confidence and ability to get around after losing his vision suddenly and unexpectedly. Find out how Michael sees differently.
Is the Guide Dog Program right for you?
Working with a guide dog is life changing, but of course it also takes work to care for the dog and an investment in the training to become a competent guide dog handler.
Our guide dog team and our wider mobility team are there to support you.
If you are wondering how to get a guide dog, our team is here to help get you the support you need. To be eligible for a guide dog you need to be legally blind and over 16 years of age.
Our team will work with you to understand the eligibility criteria;
What is involved in caring for a guide dog, and the funding options that could be available to you, including NDIS funding for anyone aged under 65. This process can take a few months, but it’s an important part of the journey.
Our guide dogs are individually matched to meet clients needs and personalities.
We try and help people access a guide dog as quickly as possible, but there can be a wait time. Of course, our team works with our clients at every step of the process so everyone knows what is happening and when.
It starts with a conversation
If you think a See Differently Guide Dog could change your life, get in touch and we’ll make a time for a conversation, either in person at one of our offices, or over the phone.
Become a puppy volunteer today.
Tomorrow’s heroes need your help today. We offer flexible volunteering roles whether you have a little time or a lot. Join our life-changing guide dog training program with all costs covered and a supportive team by your side. Help out as a bed and breakfast boarder for ‘teen’ guide dogs or volunteer with guide dogs as a puppy educator.
A life changing program
See Differently runs an internationally accredited Guide Dog School in South Australia’s north-eastern suburbs, helping many people who are legally blind to live side by side with a life changing Guide Dog.
A See Differently Guide Dog offers confidence and independence to people, allowing clients to safely navigate their way around the community.
Our Guide Dogs help people go to university, get to work everyday, pick up the kids from school, take part in volunteering and enjoy a full social life. Of course they are also wonderful companions, offering love and care.
Some of the key parts of the Guide Dog Program include:
- Training the dogs with positive reinforcement methods that use high value rewards of both food and praise. An abundance of rewards, including physical and verbal affection, builds motivation and confidence, and creates a happy working dog
- Using internationally accredited training techniques to ensure out guide Dogs learn all the techniques they will need to become a guide for their client. When the dogs come to See Differently Guide Dog School at about 14-16 months of age, our experienced trainers work with the dogs every day, building their skills and confidence. It’s about patience, repetition and care for the dogs we work with.
- Individual matching that ensures a strong bond between the client and dog. It’s a partnership after all and we need to make sure it works for both parties. Our experienced team gets to know our clients and their families and they know the dogs too, so they are able to select the right dog for our clients.
- Comprehensive training with each of our clients, in their local area and where they regularly go, to ensure the partnership will thrive.
- Comprehensive after-care for the partnership to ensure continued success. This also included annual safety testing which allows Guide Dogs their access to all public places.
The welfare of the dogs is always our top consideration, and it’s important to understand that while working dogs are focused on the task at hand, there is still plenty of time for fun and being a dog! Guide Dogs get plenty of time to sleep and relax, and when the harness is off, they get to run, play and cuddle – all the things that dogs love to do.
“It’s hard to put in words the difference a See Differently Guide Dog makes in people’s lives. They allow people to be self-reliant, something many of us take for granted. Your support allows See Differently to help even more people with a life changing Guide Dog.”
We couldn’t change lives without your support.
Over 50% of the funding for our Guide and Assistance Dogs comes from our incredible community. Your support – whether through puppy program donations, gifts in wills, or attending events – truly changes lives.
Learn more about the See Differently Guide Dog program
What is the process for training a guide dog at See Differently?
Puppies spend their first year with volunteer raisers learning basic obedience and social skills, then complete several months of intensive guide‑dog training before matching with a client.
Who is eligible to receive a guide dog through your program?
People who are legally blind, generally aged 16 or over, who can care for a dog and commit to handler training, may be eligible following an assessment.
How long does it take for a guide dog to become fully trained and ready for pairing?
From puppyhood to being ready for pairing usually takes about two years, including both the raising and formal training phases.
What support and follow-up do you provide to clients after they are matched with a guide dog?
Guide dog handlers receive structured training with their dog plus ongoing follow‑up, including home visits, problem‑solving, and regular checks over the working life of the partnership.
How much does a guide dog cost, and is there any fee for recipients?
Training a guide dog costs tens of thousands of dollars, mostly covered by donations and funding; clients typically don’t pay the full training cost but may use schemes like the NDIS and cover day‑to‑day care expenses.
What is the matching process between a person and a guide dog?
Specialists match dogs and people based on mobility needs, pace, temperament, lifestyle, and home environment to create a safe, sustainable partnership.
Can a guide dog be trained for children or only for adults?
See Differently’s guide dogs are primarily for people over 16, while younger children usually access other vision and mobility supports instead of a full guide‑dog partnership.
What happens if the guide dog cannot continue working (due to health or age)?
When a dog retires, it may stay with the handler as a pet or move to another approved home, and the handler can be reassessed for another guide dog if they wish.
How long does the process typically take from application to being matched with a guide dog?
Assessment and preparation take a few months, and there is usually an additional waiting period for the right dog, so the overall process commonly takes several months from first enquiry to matching.
What are guide dogs?
Guide dogs are specially trained dogs that help people who are blind or have low vision travel more safely and independently by guiding them around obstacles, stopping at kerbs, and navigating everyday environments.