24th July 2026
Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) joined fellow assistance dog organisations at Leinster House on the 15th July to highlight the growing demand for assistance dogs and the urgent need for sustainable Government funding and stronger legislation.
Invited by Catherine Ardagh TD, the meeting brought together Dogs for the Disabled, My Canine Companion, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland to speak directly with TDs and Senators about the challenges facing assistance dog providers across Ireland.
Demand for assistance dogs has increased significantly in recent years, yet charities continue to rely heavily on public support to fund their work. It costs approximately €25,000 to breed, train, place and provide lifetime aftercare for each autism assistance dog, with the vast majority of this funding coming from donations.
The meeting provided an opportunity to explain what this means in practice. Without increased investment, organisations are unable to keep pace with the growing number of children, adults and families waiting for an assistance dog.
During the event, Justin Dawson spoke to the Irish Sun about the difference assistance dog Faro has made to the life of his eight-year-old son and their family.
Speaking about a recent family holiday, Justin explained how Faro transformed what would once have been an overwhelming experience.
“We have done things as a family that we would never have thought of doing,” he said.
“In May we went to Disneyland for two days and when we were planning it to go over by ferry we thought it was going to be so stressful, but because of our assistance dog it was the most relaxing two days and we could never have done it without Faro.
“It really is an absolute gamechanger. All of these charities need funding to train more dogs.”
Stories like Justin’s demonstrate why assistance dogs are far more than a support service. They help families move through everyday life with greater confidence, independence and peace of mind, making experiences that once felt impossible become part of ordinary family life.
AADI is grateful to Catherine Ardagh TD for facilitating this important conversation and to all the TDs and Senators who took the time to listen. We also thank Dogs for the Disabled, My Canine Companion and Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind for standing together to present a united voice on behalf of the thousands of people across Ireland who benefit from assistance dogs.
We look forward to continuing these conversations and working towards a future where every family who could benefit from an assistance dog has the opportunity to receive one.
