Working through the challenge: Coronavirus

At Guide Dogs, the health and wellbeing of our community is our number one priority.

On this page:

A person sitting outside on the grass with a smile on their face looking at the camera. They have one leg bent with their arm wrapped around their knee and a white cane next to them.
Prioritising safety and wellbeing

A safety first approach to COVID-19.

At Guide Dogs, the health and wellbeing of our clients, donors, supporters, volunteers, staff and members of the Guide Dogs community is our number one priority.

The coronavirus has changed how we deliver vital services to Queenslanders with low vision or blindness, but thanks to your support, we are still here, committed as ever, helping our clients and training our special dogs through and beyond these challenging and changing times.

Thank you for continuing to support Guide Dogs as we transition to Covid normal. We really couldn’t do what we do without you!

A Guide Dog's staff member sitting at a laptop. The staff member is looking at the camera smiling
Providing support during this time

We will continue our work to empower Queenslanders with low vision or blindness to live how they want.

As this situation continues to evolve, we will continue our work to empower Queenslanders with low vision or blindness to live how they want, adapting our processes in line with government advice and recommendations.

How are we providing services?

As restrictions have eased, we have returned to face-to-face services where it is possible and safe to do so. If the situation changes, we will work hard to maintain regular contact with our clients through innovative services like telehealth.

If you are seeking support or wishing to access services during this time, please contact our friendly team on (07) 3500 9060 or at clients@guidedogsqld.com.au.

Stay connected

Even with restrictions eased, it’s important to stay connected and up-to-date with information and changes.

We’ve gathered some links which we hope will be helpful for you during this time.

How you can support Guide Dogs during this time

While much of the world is still uncertain, here at Guide Dogs, we’re busier than ever.

As we move towards a Covid normal, we remain dedicated to continuing to support Queenslanders with low vision or blindness, but we need your help to do this.

Together, we can empower Queenslanders to live their lives how they want to. Here are a few ways you can lend your support. Any gift, big or small, will be a valuable contribution to ensuring our newest recruits have the best possible chance of becoming Guide Dogs.

Donate

Any gift, big or small, makes a difference.

Become a Puppy Raiser

Have you considered raising a puppy for Guide Dogs? Now could be the perfect time. Click here to find out more.

Pick up some paw-fect merchandise

Are you looking for different ways to keep entertained while spending more time at home? Click here to get your paws on some labr-adorable merchandise.

Put your paw in the lottery draw

You can lend your support to Guide Dogs while also putting yourself in the draw to win $50,000 gold bullion! Purchase a ticket here.

Despite everything going on in the world right now, we still have clients to support and dogs to train, so we need your help, now more than ever. Your contribution will help keep our programs running.

Two four week old labrador puppies, one black and one white, laying on a pink blanket next to each other.
Keep up-to-date with our newest litters!

There is still a lot going on at Guide Dogs.

There is still a lot going on at Guide Dogs, especially in our nursery, where the pitter patter of tiny has been especially loud with three new litters born over the start of the New Year.

To keep up-to-date with puppy news, and inspiring stories from the Queenslanders you are supporting, visit our Facebook page here or find us on Instagram here.

How does coronavirus affect dogs?

How does coronavirus affect dogs?

At this stage, there is no evidence that dogs can contract and become sick from COVID-19.

While the current evidence suggests that dogs do not play a role in transmission of the virus to people, it’s still always a good idea to keep your paws clean!

A yellow ten week old labrador puppy sitting on some grass playing with a large duck toy. The puppy is looking at the camera.

Top tips to keep your dog entertained during this time

Are you working from home while also trying to keep your fur-colleagues entertained? Or perhaps your dog is just demanding attention now that you’re home more often. Here are three simple tricks, courtesy of our Guide Dog Trainers, to keep your furry friend occupied so you can still attend to your im-paw-tant work tasks!

1. Give your dog a window seat

Dogs love having a spot where they can look at the outside world. Beyond keeping them distracted, they also become familiarised with the goings-on of the neighbourhood.

2. Plan a scavenger hunt!

Hiding some goodies and toys all around the house. Your furry friend can use their senses and find these rewards.

3. Homemade toys

In the video below, Guide Dogs Mobility Instructor Jason shows you how to create the paw-fect toy to keep your dog busy!

Thank you for your ongoing support of Guide Dogs during this challenging time.

A yellow eight week old labrador puppy sitting outside on some grass with a dog toy in its mouth.
Who do I contact for support?

Our friendly staff are always here to support you and answer any questions you may have.

If you are a client of Guide Dogs Queensland or would like to find out more information about our services, please call 3500 9060 or email clients@guidedogsqld.com.au.

If you have a query relating to your Guide Dog, please call 3500 9050.

If you are a Guide Dogs Queensland supporter or have any general enquiries, please call 1800 810 122.

If you have any questions relating to the Guide Dog puppy you are raising, please contact your instructor.