ABOUT ASSISTANCE DOGS AUSTRALIA
Transforming lives through the power of dogs and people
Since 1996, Assistance Dogs Australia has trained and placed life-changing dogs with people who need them most. Each dog brings independence, confidence and connection while remaining completely free of charge to their new owner.
How it all started
Over 20 years ago in the USA, a young girl in a wheelchair said, “Mum, I can do anything with this dog by my side!” Those words inspired Hannie and Robert Biggs OAM to bring the idea of Assistance Dogs to Australia.
After visiting a charity in California that paired dogs with people living with disabilities, Hannie knew this was something Australia needed. On the flight home, she told Robert, “This is something we have to do.”
In 1996, Assistance Dogs Australia was born. Today, Hannie, Robert and their family remain deeply involved, and their vision has grown to help thousands of Australians.
Our story
Humans and dogs have always shared a special bond. For us, that bond is most powerful when a dog helps someone in need.
We train and place dogs to support people with physical disabilities, autism and PTSD. Our dogs provide independence, confidence and connection – transforming not just individual lives, but whole families and communities.
Each dog takes two years to train and costs over $60,000. Yet every Assistance Dog is placed free of charge, thanks to the generosity of the public.
Our Vision, Our Purpose and Our Values
Integrity
We act honestly, transparently and with a commitment to do what is right
Respect
We embrace individual differences, recognise other’s rights and their unique perspectives
Care
We act with care, compassion, empathy and kindness to the people we serve
Accountability
We take responsibility, we act consistently, and we are responsive to others
Collaboration
We are a united team, acting with courage, supporting each other to deliver excellence, and growing together towards a shared goal
Why your support matters
We rely on donations to continue our work. With demand higher than ever, some people wait up to two years for a dog.
Your support helps us:
- Place Assistance Dogs with people with disabilities – free of charge.
- Provide a lifetime of support.
- Maintain the highest standards of training.
Together, we can change lives – one dog at a time.