WA Government allocates more cash to local guide dog-raising program amid worldwide shortage of trainers

The Cook Government has allocated more money to raise the next generation of guide dogs locally amid a worldwide-shortage of trainers.

Guide and assistance dogs were all imported to WA before 2021, when a $5 million investment established the State’s first breeding and training program.

That amount has been matched in the 2025-26 State Budget, Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley has announced, saying 90 per cent of guide dogs given to WA clients are now bred and trained in the State.

“This is a life-changing program for so many West Australians of low or no vision, as well as those with disability or who have experienced trauma,” Ms Beazley said.

Tegan Reder, who was born blind and was the youngest West Australian to be receive a guide dog when she was 16, says it transformed her world.

“Having a guide dog by my side just really increases my independence and also my security walking around ... just allows me to do things a lot more confidently and safely,” Ms Reder said.

Now 21 and soon to be a psychologist, she’s training for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Paralympics.

Guide Dogs WA chief executive Anna Presser said the program had bred more than 160 puppies.