Vision Australia celebrates next generation of Seeing Eye Dogs at 2026 graduation ceremony

Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs has recognised the 2026 graduating class of Seeing Eye Dogs at a special ceremony at its Mobility Training Centre in Kensington.

Thirty-five handlers and their Seeing Eye Dogs from across Australia were recognised at the ceremony, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that goes into creating a successful partnership between handler and Seeing Eye Dog.

Each year, over 200 puppies enter the Seeing Eye Dogs program and undergo robust training before they are eventually paired with someone who is blind or has low vision.

According to Seeing Eye Dogs National Manager, Dr. Nicola Cotton, this year marks the highest number of active Seeing Eye Dogs in Vision Australia’s history.

“This year’s graduating cohort will join active Seeing Eye Dogs across the country, bringing the total to 266 — the highest number we’ve ever had,” Dr Cotton said.

“Not only do Seeing Eye Dogs provide handlers with increased independence and mobility, but they also provide companionship which is truly life changing,” she said.

It takes around two years of training and around $50,000 to produce a fully trained Seeing Eye Dog. Once trained, a Seeing Eye Dog quickly becomes a powerful tool to support the independence, confidence and connection of their handler.

“Thanks to our team of staff and volunteers, and the world-class training and care that they provide for Seeing Eye Dogs in-training, our clients can do the things that they enjoy with greater confidence and inclusion, including going to the shops, participating in community activities and hobbies, attending medical appointments and going to work,” Dr Cotton said.

“We’re committed to doing all we can on our end to keep waitlist times low, so that people who are blind or have low vision can receive needed supports as soon as possible.”

Seeing Eye Dog graduates were joined at the ceremony by representatives of Royal Canin, who marked 20 years as the organisation’s corporate partner this year, and received their graduation certificates from Iwan Walters Member for Greenvale and Parliamentary Secretary for Disability.