International Guide Dog Day 2026

Celebrating Guide Dogs and their service around Australia

Five labrador Guide Dogs in harness, three yellow and two black, seated flat on the ground outside. They are all looking at the camera and there are trees in the background.

This year International Guide Dog Day falls on Weds 29th April, and across Australia Guide Dogs will be running a host of activity.

 

Did you know….

  • There are over 30,000 active Guide Dogs across over 30 countries.
  • In Australia we have over 1500 active dogs.
  • We specially breed, socialise and train dogs to be the best guide and companion possible using a wealth of specialist skills, expertise and knowledge built up over more than 50 years.

Each day these highly-trained animals assist people who are blind or have low vision live an independent life on their own terms.

We hope you will join us in celebrating the amazing work our dogs, trainer, volunteers, staff and Guide Dog Handlers do.

 

 

 

 

Close up of a Yellow labrador in harness.
""Because of Guide Dogs I have the… freedom to go out in my own time and not have to rely on others. My Guide Dog gives me the ability to have my independence when I need it.” "
- Guide Dog client

NSW and ACT

Donate to create more heroes this International Guide Dog Day!
This year, we’re celebrating our Clients – especially the incredible partnership between our Guide Dogs and their Handlers. In the lead up to International Guide Dog Day on Wednesday 29 April, we will showcase our Handler and Guide Dog hero teams to spotlight the hard work, dedication, companionship and love they provide each other.
  • Show your support by donating so we can raise and train more heroes
  • Or visit us at Martin Place on Wednesday 29 April to watch a Guide Dog training demonstration, meet some of our dogs, learn more about our services, and of course, have your picture taken with Gulliver, our 4.3-metre-tall fibreglass Guide Dog!
To check out our campaign, click here, or to donate, click here.
Image shows three guide dogs with a coloured graphic background reminiscent of comic book hero style

South Australia and Northern Territory

Support Australia’s hardest-working puppy eyes!

Help Guide Dogs SA/NT celebrate and raise vital funds for life-changing Guide Dogs on Guide DogDay.

Our goal is to raise over $350,000 to help raise and train the next generation of puppies into life-changing Guide Dogs for people living with low vision and blindness in our community. Alongside donating, there are many ways for individuals, businesses, clubs, and schools to get involved in Guide DogDay and make a real difference.

A graphic image reading “It’s Guide Dogs Day. Support Australia’s hardest-working puppy eyes. Donate Now. Guide Dogs Day 29 April 2026”. To the right of the text is a black cartoon labrador puppy with big eyes on a bright orange background.

Queensland

This International Guide Dog Day, we’re celebrating the strength, resilience and self determination of people living with low vision or blindness.

For Penny, her journey to independence has been shaped by loss, courage and change. After being matched with her Guide Dog, Kiki, she found a renewed sense of confidence, safety and freedom. Her story is a powerful reminder that independence looks different for everyone, and that support can make all the difference. Read Penny’s story and learn how Guide Dogs Queensland is supporting people to live life on their own terms

Image shows a woman sitting in an apartment on a blue sofa with a black guide dog in harness at her feed

About International Guide Dog Day

International Guide Dog Day is celebrated on the last Wednesday in April each year. It marks the establishment of the International Federation of Guide Dog Associations on 26th April 1989. This day provides a chance to honor the invaluable contributions of Guide Dogs globally. It aims to increase awareness about the vital role Guide Dog services play in empowering individuals who are blind or have low vision to lead independent lives.

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