Defence Community Dogs

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, reha

bilitates 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].

Help Us Build on What DCD Day Started 💙Last week’s DCD Day showed just how powerful our community can be—together, we ra...
30/05/2026

Help Us Build on What DCD Day Started 💙

Last week’s DCD Day showed just how powerful our community can be—together, we raised over $2,000 and brought people together from near and far in support of veterans and their families.

Now, we’re looking to keep that momentum going.

Every donation—big or small—helps us continue delivering life-changing support through our assistance dog program and strengthens the impact we can make every day.

If you were part of DCD Day, thank you. If you’ve been following along, this is a great opportunity to get involved.

👉 Help us build on what DCD Day started by making a donation today: https://dcdogs.com.au/donations

Together, we can do even more.


🐾 From an uncertain future to a new pathway into service. Meet Yukio (Yuki).Not every highly capable dog is suited to th...
26/05/2026

🐾 From an uncertain future to a new pathway into service. Meet Yukio (Yuki).

Not every highly capable dog is suited to the role they begin training for — and that doesn’t mean they’ve failed.
Sometimes, it simply means their strengths are better matched to a different kind of service.

Yukio started out as a gentle, thoughtful dog with a calm nature and an affectionate personality. He showed excellent manners in public settings, settled easily in cafés, walked politely on lead, and was happiest leaning in for a cuddle. He was social with other dogs, relaxed around people, and easy to manage in busy environments.

Some service roles demand a very precise skill set. While Yukio showed wonderful potential, his strengths ultimately aligned better with a different pathway into service.

That’s where Defence Community Dogs comes in.

Through careful assessment and additional training, dogs like Yukio can be given a new pathway into service — one that better suits their temperament, needs and potential. For Yukio, that pathway allows his calm presence, gentleness and love of connection to truly shine.

It’s not about changing the dog.

It’s about finding the right role — where they can thrive.

👉 Share this story to help spread awareness about the journey behind our assistance dogs.


A Fresh Look for DCD 💙As we continue to grow and evolve—now proudly marking 10 years of DCD—you may start to notice a fe...
25/05/2026

A Fresh Look for DCD 💙

As we continue to grow and evolve—now proudly marking 10 years of DCD—you may start to notice a few subtle changes in how we show up.

We’ve recently introduced a refreshed look and feel across our channels. It’s a natural step forward as our organisation matures, helping us better reflect who we are today and the impact we’re working to create for veterans and their families.

While the changes are intentionally subtle, they represent our ongoing commitment to clarity, connection, and professionalism—both within our community and beyond.

We’re excited about what’s ahead and grateful to have you with us on the journey.

👉 Visit our website to explore the updated look and learn more about our work. www.dcdogs.com.au


DCD Day Recap 💙 | Celebrating 10 Years of DCDWhat an incredible DCD Day—and a special one as we celebrate 10 years of DC...
22/05/2026

DCD Day Recap 💙 | Celebrating 10 Years of DCD

What an incredible DCD Day—and a special one as we celebrate 10 years of DCD and the impact we’ve built together.

Thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of our community, we’re proud to share that over $2,000 was raised on the day – a fantastic early result that will go directly towards supporting more veterans.

We were especially moved to see so many veterans and supporters travel long distances to be part of the day. It was fantastic to reconnect with familiar faces, make new connections, and continue to build a strong, supportive community while raising broader awareness of the program.

It was also wonderful to have some dedicated puppy raisers join us, helping showcase the vital role they play in preparing our amazing assistance dogs for life-changing partnerships with veterans.

A big thank you as well to all the workers in at Russell Offices who took the time to come down, say hello, meet the dogs, and hear our story—your interest and support mean so much.

From meaningful conversations to shared moments of support, the day was a powerful reminder of the impact we can create together—especially as we reflect on a decade of changing lives, one paw at a time.

🙏 Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, and supported DCD Day.

This is just the beginning—stay connected and keep following to see the difference you’re helping make.


Defence Bank

🐾💛 Thank you for an unforgettable DCD Day.As the day comes to a close, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone ...
21/05/2026

🐾💛 Thank you for an unforgettable DCD Day.

As the day comes to a close, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made today so special.

To Defence Bank and their incredible staff — thank you for your ongoing support and for standing with our veterans and dogs.

To the Defence Australia and Russell Offices, thank you for welcoming us and hosting the DCD community for such a meaningful day.

To our DCD team, trainers, veterans and volunteers — your commitment and care are the heart of everything we do.

And to everyone who stopped by to say hello, bought a sausage at the BBQ, shared a conversation, or joined us online — thank you for being part of our community.

Whether you were with us in person celebrating from afar, today was about connection, purpose and celebrating what’s possible when people come together.

We’re so grateful — and there’s more to come.

Stay tuned for more moments from DCD Day. 🐶✨


THIS THURSDAY!This week, we come together to celebrate DCD Day — marking nearly 10 years of Defence Community Dogs suppo...
19/05/2026

THIS THURSDAY!

This week, we come together to celebrate DCD Day — marking nearly 10 years of Defence Community Dogs supporting Australian veterans.

It’s a chance to recognise the dogs, the veterans, the trainers, and the community that make this program possible — and the life‑changing impact of Assistance Dogs every single day.

📍 DCD Day – This Thursday, Russell Office, Canberra
🐾 Live dog demonstrations
💙 Veterans, trainers & supporters
🎉 10‑year milestone celebration

👉 Be there. Support the program. Share this post.

Every bit of awareness helps us continue this work.


“She has given me my life purpose and independence.” - Veteran Ron, speaking about his dog Yvette.For almost 10 years, D...
17/05/2026

“She has given me my life purpose and independence.” - Veteran Ron, speaking about his dog Yvette.

For almost 10 years, Defence Community Dogs has been quietly changing lives — pairing veterans with Assistance Dogs that provide grounding, safety, confidence, and hope.

Since 2016, we’ve supported 114+ veteran and dog teams across Australia. Behind every one of those numbers is a deeply personal story of trust rebuilt, anxiety eased, independence regained, and connection restored — not just for veterans, but for their families and communities too.

DCD Day is about celebrating all of that.
The dogs.
The veterans.
The trainers.
The supporters.

And the journeys that continue long after the first partnership.

This week, we come together as a community to celebrate DCD Day and reflect on nearly 10 years of Defence Community Dogs — and the lives still to be changed.

💙 Join us this week and be part of the celebration.


Behind every DCD Assistance Dog is a journey that changes more than one life.Our dogs are trained in Honour House, at Ba...
15/05/2026

Behind every DCD Assistance Dog is a journey that changes more than one life.

Our dogs are trained in Honour House, at Bathurst Correctional Centre, where selected inmates work alongside professional trainers to help prepare dogs for their future roles supporting veterans.

For the inmate handlers, this work offers more than skills — it provides rehabilitation, responsibility, and the chance to contribute to something profoundly positive. Through daily training, care routines, and real accountability, they develop patience, confidence, and purpose.
The impact is powerful.

“Helping to train these dogs has been the best thing in the world. It has given me a purpose and made me a better person.”

This unique model creates a true win‑win‑win:
✔ Dogs gain confidence, structure, and a future
✔ Veterans receive life‑changing support
✔ Inmate handlers gain purpose and the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way

We’re incredibly grateful to Corrective Services NSW for this powerful partnership and their ongoing support of the program.

👉 Please share this story and help us raise awareness of the many lives changed through Defence Community Dogs.


🐾📅 DCD Day is coming — and you’re invited.Join us on 21 May in Canberra as we come together to celebrate 10 years of Def...
12/05/2026

🐾📅 DCD Day is coming — and you’re invited.

Join us on 21 May in Canberra as we come together to celebrate 10 years of Defence Community Dogs — and the life‑changing partnerships built along the way.

What’s happening on the day:
• Meet our incredible assistance dogs and see them in action
• Connect with veterans, trainers and the wider DCD community
• Learn more about the journey from training to placement
• Enjoy a community BBQ and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
• Celebrate with a special anniversary presentation and cake cutting

DCD Day is for anyone who wants to understand the impact of this work, meet the people behind it, and be part of the community that makes it possible.

📍 Not in Canberra? You can still be part of the day — join us online via our page, including a Facebook Live at 12:30pm.

Bring a friend, come have a chat, and experience it for yourself. 💛🐶


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

Website

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