Raising Assistance Dogs works in collaboration with its partners to support purpose-bred puppies from proven service dog lines through community connection and the development of pathways into future support and assistance roles.

  • The puppies in our program come from carefully developed Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever bloodlines with a strong history in assistance and therapy roles.

    Dogs from these established lines are already working in a range of roles both in Australia and internationally.

    We are proud to be building on this foundation, while developing our own pathway focused on early-life development and community-supported raising

  • Establishing strong developmental foundations that contribute to confident, adaptable puppies ready for future assistance and support roles.

  • Facilitating guided interactions that support emotional wellbeing, confidence and positive social engagement within the community

  • Supporting the transition of suitable puppies into future assistance and support roles through partnership led pathways.

Community Partnership Pathway Program

Raising Assistance Dogs is developing a Community Partnership Pathways Program designed to connect carefully selected, purpose-bred puppies with organisations creating meaningful impact in the community.

The program is built for schools, literacy initiatives, therapy providers, wellbeing services, disability organisations, veteran support programs, family services, and other aligned groups who recognise the positive role a well-matched dog can play in people’s lives.

Each opportunity is considered individually, with a strong focus on temperament, suitability, welfare, and long-term success for both the dog and the people they support.

We believe exceptional dogs can do more than join families — they can strengthen communities. Organisations interested in future partnership opportunities are welcome to apply their interest as new pathways become available.

Applications currently closed:

Story Dogs

We are proud to be developing a partnership pathway with Story Dogs, helping connect the right puppy with the right handler to support children’s reading confidence, engagement and enjoyment.

This opportunity is centred on thoughtful matching, structured training and long term support with the goal of developing a calm, capable dog the can make a genuine difference in the lives of children through reading.

We are currently reviewing a strong pool of applications for this pathway alongside Leonie McGlynn, Newcastle Coordinator from Story Dogs and professional dog trainer Mel Daly.

Thank you for the incredible interest. We are grateful for the thoughtful applications received and look forward to sharing future opportunities as they become available.