Defence Community Dogs

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Defence Community Dogs Defence Community Dogs rehomes dogs and trains them to Assistance Dog level to support Australian Defence Force veterans suffering from PTSD.

Defence Community Dogs program provides, at no cost, highly trained Assistance Dogs to both serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, who need physical and emotional support for mood, depressive and anxiety disorders; including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Established in 2014, this truly unique Win-Win-Win program gives rescued and re-homed dogs a second chance, rehabilitates inmates (who train the dogs in Correctional Facilities under the direction of professional dog trainers), and helps Veterans to both rebuild and literally save their lives. The program is fully funded by sponsorships and donations through the Defence Bank Foundation. To date, more than 60 DCD Assistance Dogs have been paired with Veterans throughout Australia. "It’s changed my life. It’s brought me back to the person I used to be. This program is just absolutely amazing. I wouldn’t be here today without it. Lola was one day off being euthanased and now she has saved my life." Mick and Lola

Veterans who have received Defence Community Assistance Dogs have described their dogs to be a truly invaluable part of their rehabilitation. Veterans have reported improved sleep patterns, reduced episodes of stress and anxiety, reduced reliance on medication, greater independence and a renewed ability to reconnect with family and friends. Partners and carers have also reported increased independence, and some have even been able to return to work. The Defence Bank Foundation is a registered independent charity which raises funds to pay for its sole beneficiary, the Defence Community Dogs program. www.dcdogs.com.au All donations over $2 are tax deductible. ABN 19 814 426 820

To donate visit www.dcdogs.com.au/donate

For information on how to apply for a dog, visit www.dcdogs.com.au/apply

For general enquiries, please contact [email protected]. For sponsorship enquiries, please contact [email protected].

Representing the DCD community at Land Forces 2026🤝Last week, our team was proud to attend Land Forces 2026 Internationa...
12/10/2026

Representing the DCD community at Land Forces 2026🤝

Last week, our team was proud to attend Land Forces 2026 International Land Defence Exposition. It was an exciting day to represent DCD alongside Karl and Jewel, Kirsten and Koa, and Michael and Gordon, whose partnerships are a powerful example of the impact Assistance Dogs can have on veterans' lives.

We were also honoured to connect with Commander Forces Command, Major General Ana Duncan AM CSC, who serves on the Defence Bank Foundation Board (pictured with Kristin, Karl and Michael), as well as Chief of Australian Army, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM, CSC, DSM, a valued long-time supporter of our program.

The event provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with members of the Defence community, industry partners, and Defence leadership, while sharing the life-changing impact Assistance Dogs can have on the lives of veterans and their families.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to meet our teams and learn more about the role Assistance Dogs play in supporting serving and ex-serving members of the ADF.💙

🎗️💚 On World Mental Health Day, we're taking a moment to recognise the people, dogs, and support networks that walk alon...
10/10/2026

🎗️💚 On World Mental Health Day, we're taking a moment to recognise the people, dogs, and support networks that walk alongside us when we need them most.

At Defence Community Dogs, we've seen firsthand the life-changing impact that connection can have.

Every day, our Assistance Dogs help veterans build confidence, regain independence, reconnect with loved ones, and engage more fully in their communities.

Behind every veteran and dog partnership is a network of family, friends, trainers, volunteers, and supporters helping make that journey possible.

Today, we're celebrating those connections and the important role they play in helping people thrive. 💙

💙 A huge thank you to Seven Hills RSL Club and Blacktown CityClubGRANTS! 🤝Ron and Yvette recently attended the Blacktown...
08/10/2026

💙 A huge thank you to Seven Hills RSL Club and Blacktown City
ClubGRANTS! 🤝

Ron and Yvette recently attended the Blacktown City ClubGRANTS presentation to accept a generous $60,000 grant on behalf of Defence Community Dogs. 🐾

Community grants like these help keep our program running, directly funding the training and care needed to match assistance dogs with Australian veterans at no cost to them.

We are incredibly grateful to Seven Hills RSL, Blacktown City ClubGRANTS and the wider community for helping make our work possible.

Thank you for supporting veterans and the dogs who support them. 💙

Behind the Scenes 🎬🐾 A trip to the movies might seem like an ordinary outing, but for a DCD dog in training, it's an imp...
06/10/2026

Behind the Scenes 🎬🐾

A trip to the movies might seem like an ordinary outing, but for a DCD dog in training, it's an important opportunity to develop focus, calmness, and reliability in a complex public environment.

From navigating stairs and narrow aisles to settling quietly through changing sounds, lights, and distractions, experiences like these help prepare our dogs for the real-world situations they may encounter alongside a veteran.

Every training outing has a purpose. The skills being developed today help build the confidence, consistency, and focus these dogs will need to support a veteran in everyday life.

Drop a 💙 below to recognise the dogs and dedicated team working hard behind the scenes.

🦮World Animal Day! 💙Today, we're celebrating the incredible animals that change our lives for the better. At Defence Com...
03/10/2026

🦮World Animal Day! 💙

Today, we're celebrating the incredible animals that change our lives for the better.

At Defence Community Dogs, we're especially grateful for the remarkable dogs who walk alongside Australian veterans each day, providing companionship, confidence, independence, and unconditional support when it's needed most.

While we have a special soft spot for dogs, World Animal Day is also a chance to appreciate every animal that brings joy into our lives.

Here's to the animals that leave a lasting paw print on our hearts. 🐾

🏉🐶 Grand Final weekend is here, and the DCD dogs have officially chosen sides. We're expecting plenty of cheering from t...
03/10/2026

🏉🐶 Grand Final weekend is here, and the DCD dogs have officially chosen sides.

We're expecting plenty of cheering from the sidelines tomorrow, though we're not convinced either of them actually knows the rules…

No matter who's lifting the trophy tomorrow, there's one thing we can all agree on: footy is better with a dog by your side. 🐾

Who are you backing in the NRL Grand Final? Drop your team's colours or a photo in the comments below! ⬇️



🐾 This image was created using AI for illustrative purposes.

🐾 Twelve months of DCD dogs? Yes, please!We're putting the final touches on our 2027 Defence Community Dogs Calendar and...
30/09/2026

🐾 Twelve months of DCD dogs? Yes, please!

We're putting the final touches on our 2027 Defence Community Dogs Calendar and couldn't resist sharing a little sneak peek.

Every page feature some of the incredible dogs that make our program so special, capturing moments from their training, adventures and everyday lives.

Pre-orders will be opening very soon, so stay tuned over the coming weeks to grab yours first.

💙 Keep an eye on our page for release and pre-order details!

#2027

🐕 🏈 Still dreaming about that Grand Final glory! While the footy season may have wrapped up for another year, this DCD d...
28/09/2026

🐕 🏈 Still dreaming about that Grand Final glory!

While the footy season may have wrapped up for another year, this DCD dog is ready for one last match.

Whether your team took home the cup or you're already counting down to next season, we hope you enjoyed a great weekend of footy, good company, and time spent with your four-legged supporters.

Did your dog join you for Grand Final weekend? Drop a photo of your footy-loving dogs in the comments below! ⬇️

💙 Our dogs may wear the vest, but it takes a whole community to help them get there.Every Defence Community Dog's journe...
25/09/2026

💙 Our dogs may wear the vest, but it takes a whole community to help them get there.

Every Defence Community Dog's journey begins long before they're matched with a veteran.

From health checks and training through to placement and ongoing support, each dog receives months of care and preparation before becoming part of a life-changing partnership.

None of this would be possible without the generosity of our supporters, sponsors and community.

Thank you for helping us continue to provide assistance dogs to veterans when they need them most. 🐾

If you'd like to support the next Defence Community Dog on their journey, you can donate via: https://www.givenow.com.au/defencecommunitydogs

We love sharing the journey of our Defence Community Dogs, but today we want to hear from you. 🐾Whether you've ever wond...
24/09/2026

We love sharing the journey of our Defence Community Dogs, but today we want to hear from you. 🐾

Whether you've ever wondered how our dogs are selected, how our correctional facility training program works, how we match dogs with veterans, or how our supporters and sponsors help make the program possible, ask away!

What would you like to know about DCD? Leave a comment below! ⬇️

Address

31 Queen Street, Level 10
Melbourne, VIC
3000

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+611300323647

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