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Defence Community Dogs

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Melbourne, VIC
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].

19/06/2026

Community Connection in Action 💙🐾

This week, we had the pleasure of joining Defence Bank’s Support Office for a morning tea with veteran Phil and his assistance dog, Hans.

During the visit, staff took the opportunity to learn more about how to respectfully approach an assistance dog while they’re working—an important part of supporting safe and effective partnerships in everyday environments.

And of course, no visit would be complete without a special moment…
After some time on duty, Hans was able to go off-duty for a few well-earned minutes—so plenty of pats, smiles, and admiration followed!

Opportunities like this help build understanding, awareness, and connection—making a real difference for veterans and their assistance dogs out in the community.

💙 Thank you to the Defence Bank team for such a warm welcome and your ongoing support.

14/06/2026

Behind the Scenes 💙

Calm. Focused. Consistent.

Moments like this—during a Public Access Test—are where all the hard work comes together. In busy, unpredictable environments, our dogs are learning to remain steady, responsive, and completely in tune with their handler.

These aren’t just training exercises—they’re the foundations of trust, safety, and independence for the veterans our dogs will one day support.

Every step, every interaction, every distraction navigated is a reflection of the dedication and professionalism of our training team.

👉 Like this post to thank the incredible people behind the scenes making this possible 💙

13/06/2026

What Your Support Makes Possible 💙

When you support DCD this EOFY, you’re not just making a donation—you’re helping create the building blocks for a life-changing partnership.

One example is our “Homecoming” Pack 🐾
Starting life together is a big moment for both a veteran and their assistance dog. Just like any new home, it takes a few essentials to make it feel safe, comfortable, and ready for what’s ahead.

Your support can help provide:
🐾 A working lead and long lead
🐾 Touch light for night-time support
🐾 Food and water bowls
🐾 Grooming essentials like shampoo
🐾 A stay mat and carry bags

These are the practical items that help a dog settle in quickly—so they can focus on what really matters: supporting their veteran.

Every contribution, big or small, plays a part in making these moments possible.

👉 Donate this EOFY and help fund the next DCD partnership

📌 Donation link in the comments

10/06/2026

A Day in the Life of a DCD Assistance Dog in Training 🐾💙

Ever wondered what a typical day looks like for a DCD dog in training?

It’s all about balance—building skills, staying healthy, and having time to just be a dog.

Here’s a glimpse into a typical day:

🍽️ Meals
Balanced meals fuel our dogs for learning, growth, and all the important work they do each day.

🛁 Grooming & Care
Regular grooming keeps them comfortable, healthy, and focused—ready for whatever the day brings.

🎓 Training Time
Structured training sessions are woven throughout the day, building calm behaviour, confidence, and the practical skills needed to support a veteran.

🎾 Play, Rest & Recharge
It’s not all serious business! Just as important as training is downtime—with plenty of rest and play to recharge, socialise, and unwind.

Every part of their day has a purpose—shaping confident, capable dogs who will go on to make a real difference.

💙 This is where the journey begins.

👉 Stay with us as we continue sharing the journey behind every DCD dog

[dogs pictured are: Murphy, Obi and Yorrick]

09/06/2026

Every Placement Starts With You 💙

Behind every DCD partnership is something powerful—community support.

From the early stages of training, through to placement and beyond, it’s the generosity of our community that makes each journey possible. Every contribution helps fund the time, care, and expertise needed to prepare our assistance dogs and support veterans as they build confidence, connection, and independence.

As we approach the end of financial year, we’re reminded that every placement is a shared achievement.

Together, we’re not just training dogs—we’re empowering veterans, one paw at a time.

👉 Support the next chapter for DCD veterans and dogs: https://dcdogs.com.au/donations

07/06/2026

June is PTSD Awareness Month 💙

Some battles don’t end when service does.

For many veterans, PTSD can show up in quiet moments—at home, in public, or in the middle of the night. It can affect sleep, confidence, connection, and a sense of safety in the world.

That’s where our assistance dogs step in.

With calm presence and unwavering loyalty, they help to:
🐾 Create a sense of safety and grounding
🐾 Interrupt anxiety or distress
🐾 Support better sleep and routine
🐾 Rebuild confidence and connection

Sometimes, support looks like a trained task.
Other times, it’s simply being there—steady, constant, and without judgement.

This month is a reminder that healing isn’t always visible, but support makes a difference every day.

💙 We’re proud to stand alongside veterans on that journey.

👉 Stay with us as we continue sharing these stories and the impact behind them.

05/06/2026

What Happens Before a Veteran is Matched with a Dog? 💙

Every DCD placement is carefully considered—because the right match changes lives.

Before a veteran is partnered with an assistance dog, we undertake a detailed assessment and matching process to ensure the best possible fit for both.

We look at key areas including:
🐾 Home & family environment – living situation, household dynamics, and how a dog will integrate
🐾 Daily activity & lifestyle – aligning energy levels, routines, and exercise needs
🐾 Physical & grounding support – ensuring the dog can meet specific physical or emotional needs
🐾 Personality & temperament – matching confidence, behaviour, and connection styles

Using structured tools, we assess everything from walking pace and environments to touch preferences and long-term goals—ensuring each partnership is safe, sustainable, and meaningful.

This thoughtful process is what sets DCD placements up for success—supporting both the veteran and the dog to thrive together.

👉 Learn more about how DCD placements work: https://dcdogs.com.au/

03/06/2026

Meet Roman - assistance dog in training 💙

By day? A focused professional who takes his work very seriously and loves learning new things.
Not even this prehistoric sabre-tooth tiger can distract Roman from the job at hand… 🐅

And when the jacket comes off? It’s game on—Roman turns into a full-time wrestling champion, taking on best mate Yo-Yo 🐾

The perfect mix of dedicated worker and playful goofball.

👉 Tell us your dog’s best personality trait in one word below!

01/06/2026

What May Made Possible 💙

May was a powerful reminder of what this community can achieve together.

From celebrating 10 years of Defence Community Dogs, to the incredible turnout and support at DCD Day, we saw first-hand the connection, commitment, and generosity that drives our mission forward. With funds raised, awareness growing, and so many new and familiar faces coming together, the momentum is real—and it matters.

Every conversation, every connection, every show of support helps us continue delivering life-changing outcomes for veterans and their families.

And we’re just getting started.

👉 Stay with us as we continue the journey

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.

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

http://dcdogs.com.au/

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