Seeing Eye Dogs opens its doors to its new facility

23 April 2014

Vision Australia's Seeing Eye Dogs has launched its new state-of-the-art kennel and puppy centre in Kensington, Victoria.
Trainer Stewart holding a Seeing Eye Dog Puppy

Funded by donations, the $8 million facility is the first of its kind in Australasia and features a rehabilitation therapy pool, grooming area, whelping rooms, free-run area and an indoor and outdoor puppy playroom. 

The facility also features a viewing platform, which allows visitors access into the kennel area to observe their living environment. From soothing music to automated doors and water bowls, guests will get to see how the dogs are looked after before they graduate to become a qualified Seeing Eye Dog.

Seeing Eye Dogs General Manager, Leigh Garwood, said the new facility is the first of its kind in Australasia.  

“It will allow us to breed and train an even greater number of Seeing Eye Dogs which will have a significant impact in decreasing the current two year wait-list for clients.

“This has been a four year project and we are grateful to the community and sponsors who have helped make our vision a reality.”

Find out more detail about the facility in our information kit (Word 100KB)

Listen to the audio of the launch, which was emceed by Vision Australia Ambassador Lauren Phillips.

Photo of the new pool, with a dog and trainer stepping into the pool
(Photo) The new rehabilitation therapy pool.