International Guide Dog Day

International Guide Dog Day is observed annually on the 25^th of April. This day is an opportunity to celebrate the important role that guide dogs play in the lives of people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision.

Guide dogs are specially trained to assist people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision with tasks such as navigating unfamiliar environments, crossing streets, and avoiding obstacles. These dogs are an invaluable source of support, independence, and companionship for their handlers.

International Guide Dog Day was established to raise awareness about the important work that guide dogs do and to recognise the dedication and commitment of the people who train and work with them. This day is also an opportunity to celebrate the special bond that exists between guide dogs and their handlers.

There are many ways to celebrate International Guide Dog Day. One way is to learn more about the guide dog training process and the important work that these dogs do. This could include reading about the history of guide dogs, watching documentaries or videos about guide dogs, or visiting a guide dog training centre. You could watch ‘Dog Squad: Puppy School’ on TVNZ or learn more about our guide dog training process on our website.

Another way to celebrate this day is to support organisations that provide guide dogs to people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision, like ours. Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dogs does not receive any Government funding and are 100% reliant on donations and volunteers to support our work.

International Guide Dog Day is a day to recognise and celebrate the important role that guide dogs play in the lives of people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision, and to support the organisations and individuals around the world that work to provide these vital services.