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Accessing funding or support services

The team at Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs can support you to secure available funding for anyone eligible for one the following federal schemes: 

  • National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS),
  • My Aged Care
  • Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
  • Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) 

This includes funding for your Seeing Eye Dog, training, accommodation and other associated costs to implement the first 12 months of your partnership. Once your training program is confirmed, the cost of any required travel, accommodation and meals will be covered as needed during training.

If you are not eligible for the funding schemes listed, we can look at allocating a Seeing Eye Dog through an alternative funding source.

Learn more about funding for Vision Australia services here.

NDIS prices for Seeing Eye Dogs products and services

Seeing Eye Dogs is required to submit a detailed quote before a NDIS participant can be approved to use their package to fund a Seeing Eye Dog. 

Dog and equipment costs

We quote a Seeing Eye Dog at $52,000, this includes a fully trained Seeing Eye Dog, matched to the participant’s specific needs and trained to International Guide Dog Federation standards.

Our equipment package costs $926 and includes harness, handle, collar, leash, grooming tools, bed, bowl, and other items.

We quote $500 if the participant lives outside of Victoria to support the costs of getting the dog to the participant.

We quote 15 nights of accommodation at $165 per night for the initial training period. This covers either the participant coming to our facility in Melbourne or to allow a Seeing Eye Dogs service provider to stay in the participant’s region for the duration of the program.

Services

Our hourly rate is $193.99 and we will request over 70 hours (including travel) for an individualized training program with a new Seeing Eye Dog. 

The program is designed to allow the handler and dog to practice all the necessary skills to travel independently in their community and to provide and maintain good animal welfare standards for the Seeing Eye Dog.

This includes one-on-one training with a Seeing Eye Dog Mobility Instructor during a two to three-week period, in a variety of environments, including public transport.

We will request at least 25 hours for ongoing support in the first year of a new partnership between participant and dog.

An individualised and itemised quote will be provided as part of the application process with Seeing Eye Dogs.

What expenses would I need to cover if I matched with a Seeing Eye Dog?

When you have completed training with your Seeing Eye Dog, you will be supplied with all necessary dog equipment, but you will be responsible for the ongoing cost of feeding and caring for your dog. Your Seeing Eye Dog will need regular vet check ups, with a report to be sent to your instructor.

Next steps

If you are living with blindness or low vision, contact Vision Australia to find out more about receiving access to mobility services and funding.

Enquire about client services Call 1800 03 77 73