Guide Dogs Singapore Ltd

23/08/2025

We brought our stories (and guide dogs!) to Sengkang. 🐾

Earlier this month, we joined the Sengkang Conversations Town Hall to share about vision loss, accessibility, and how guide dogs support independence. We had meaningful conversations with residents and were glad to have MP Louis Chua visit our booth to learn more about our work.

Let’s bring more awareness to more places. Which community space would you love to see us at next?💬

[Image description 1: A black guide dog sits beside his blind user, who is holding the dog’s harness. A young boy leans forward to interact with the dog.]

[Image description 2: MP Louis Chua pets a black guide dog lying on the floor, with a GDS staff member and the guide dog’s user nearby.]

[Image description 3: A black guide dog lies on the floor with its tongue out, looking towards the camera.]

[Image description 4: A GDS guide dog user sits on a red chair holding a microphone. A black guide dog lies at his feet on a harness, facing forward.]

[Image description 5: A young boy wearing simulation goggles works on assembling a jigsaw puzzle at a table.]

21/08/2025

From losing confidence to regaining independence, Elizabeth’s story is a reminder that life’s toughest moments can also be turning points. With help from Guide Dogs Singapore and other sources of support, she learnt to navigate the world again, rebuild her confidence and live life on her own terms. ✨

Tell us in the comments one life lesson that has stayed with you.

[Image description 1: Two men in yellow shirts sit behind a table at an event booth. One looks to the side while the other uses his phone. A guide dog rests under the table. The image is accompanied by the text: "What’s the hardest lesson life has taught you?"]

[Image description 2: Silhouette of a woman by a sunlit window. The image is accompanied by the text: "I used to be independent, but losing my sight changed everything."]

[Image description 3: Close-up of a person using a white cane and being guided by another. The image is accompanied by the text: "I often felt like a burden, relying on others just to move from place to place."]

[Image description 4: A GDS staff member helps Elizabeth, a GDS client, with a phone. The image is accompanied by the text: "Taking the first step with GDS wasn’t easy, but it gave me the confidence to live on my own terms."]

19/08/2025

We’re proud to share that Guide Dogs Singapore Ltd is now a full member of the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), the global authority in guide dog training and services.

This accreditation reflects our commitment to international best practices in guide dog training, client care, dog welfare, the matching process, governance, and professional development.

With this milestone, we’ll continue our mission to create a more inclusive and empowered future for Singapore’s visually impaired community.

[Image description 1: Group photo of GDS staff with a member of the IGDF. Text below states that GDS has been accredited as the 100th full member of the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).]

[Image description 2: Three pointers explain what being a member of the IGDF means, including global recognition, adherence to high-quality benchmarks, and connections with other IGDF accredited organisations worldwide.]

[Image description 3: Short message from GDS about building a more inclusive future for the vision impaired community, accompanied by a picture of eight guide dog users with their guide dogs in a room.]

17/08/2025

A huge shoutout to all our generous sponsors who contributed items and vouchers, which were carefully put together into the goodie bags for Manabu and Momo’s recent guide dog graduation!

Our guests received discount vouchers from KOI, Dunkin’ Donuts, Spectacle Hut, 6style, Teo Heng, Beauri Studio, and Giftto, along with fun dog-treat recipe cards courtesy of Redman. They’ll also be putting their stylish new tote bags from Trickeye Museum to great use, and indulging in the delicious pastries provided by Drips Bakery.

We’re so grateful for your generosity and thrilled to see the smiles you helped create. Can’t wait to share more moments like this at our next event! 💛

[Image description: Four GDS staff members stand indoors, each holding a small brown DRIPS bakery paper bag. Sponsor logos are displayed around the image.]

16/08/2025

A month later and we’re still thinking about Manabu and Momo’s big day. 🦮💛Here’s a little look back at some of our favourite moments.

📸 More photos on our page or via the link in our bio!

[Image description 1: Three people pose with a black Labrador wearing a guide dog harness, holding “Guide Dog Graduation” props.]

[Image description 2: A woman kneels to greet and gently hold the face of a light-coloured Labrador retriever.]

[Image description 3: Two people smile and hold up props reading “Guide Dog Hero” and “Guide Dog Graduation” while being photographed.]

[Image description 4: A man wearing a blindfold is guided by another man during a hands-on activity at a table.]

[Image description 5: Group photo of attendees with four guide dogs, all smiling for the camera.]

[Image description 6: A GDS staff member demonstrates guiding techniques with a woman wearing vision simulation goggles and using a white cane.]

[Image description 7: Two women wearing blindfolds pass a food container to each other during a dining experience activity.]

[Image description 8: Group photo of attendees with one guide dog, all smiling for the camera.]

[Image description 9: Two women wearing blindfolds sit at a table with bread and water bottles, smiling as they participate in an activity.]

[Image description 10: GDS staff and guide dog users holding props, while standing with four guide dogs.]

14/08/2025

We had such a great time at AMGD! 💛 Our team hosted a training session to equip their staff with the skills and confidence to welcome visually impaired patrons, whether they use a white cane or a guide dog.

From learning how to guide someone safely to sharing the best ways to describe menu options, every step makes a difference.

And yes, guide dogs are legally allowed in all F&B establishments, including halal-certified restaurants. Kudos to AMGD for embracing inclusion. 🙌

[Image description 1: A female staff member in a black shirt and black apron serves a white plate to a seated male colleague in a maroon AMGD shirt and vision simulation goggles.]

[Image description 2: A male staff member in a maroon polo shirt and black apron stands beside a table, speaking to a seated male colleague wearing the same uniform and a pair of vision simulation goggles.]

[Image description 3: A GDS staff member in a yellow shirt stands and speaks to a small group seated at a table.]

[Image description 4: A male AMGD staff member in a maroon shirt and vision simulation goggles smiles while seated at a table with a white plate and cup in front of him. A female colleague in a black shirt and a GDS trainer in a yellow shirt stand nearby, observing.]

[Image description 5: A group photo inside AMGD featuring the GDS and AMGD staff members.]

09/08/2025

Happy 60th Birthday, Singapore!

As we celebrate six decades of growth, we also recognise the progress made towards a more inclusive society where everyone can access spaces, opportunities and digital platforms with confidence.

We’re proud to stand alongside fellow organisations in the vision and eye care sector (iC2 PrepHouse, Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped, Singapore National Eye Centre / Singapore Eye Research Institute) as we work together to support the needs of our community. We also thank SG Enable for being the national focal point for disability inclusion, and extend our deepest appreciation to our donors, corporate partners, and supporters who make our work possible.

Here is to building a Singapore where everyone can live with dignity, purpose and pride.

[Image description: Group photo at Guide Dog Graduation 2025 with guide dog users, staff, volunteers, and guide dogs. Most are in yellow shirts, smiling and holding props in a cheerful indoor setting.]

01/08/2025

Imagine losing your sight. Suddenly, the world you know fades into darkness or blurs beyond recognition. The comforting corners of your home become unfamiliar and even hazardous. The faces of loved ones turn into indistinct shapes. Simple routines like preparing breakfast or heading to work become daunting. Even small pleasures—like reading a book or walking in the park—can become challenging.

For nearly 40,000 people in Singapore living with blindness or vision impairment, this is daily reality. It can feel isolating and overwhelming, but together, we can bring hope and change.

From 1 August to 31 October, we invite you to join our fundraising campaign.

By supporting our cause, you are directly funding GDS’s rehabilitative programmes that help individuals adapt to vision loss and regain their independence. Your donation enables us to provide holistic training and support, empowering people to maintain their routines and lead fulfilling lives despite their vision challenges. Donate via the link in our bio today!

[Image description 1: A campaign banner featuring four photos of different clients participating in a hands-on activity, rock climbing, singing and playing the guitar, and using a white cane while being sight-guided by a GDS staff member outdoors. The banner includes the text ""Inspiring Lives Without Sight 2025"" and a brief description of the fundraiser.]

[Image description 2: A collage image of a GDS client smiling, accompanied by his testimonial about how GDS training helped him adapt to vision loss and pursue his dream of becoming a special needs teacher.]

[Image description 3: A collage image of a GDS client smiling, accompanied by her testimonial describing how GDS training helped her regain confidence and achieve independence.]

31/07/2025

Not every guide dog trainee becomes a working guide—and that’s perfectly fine. Some dogs simply have personalities that don’t align with the demands of guiding, and we celebrate every path they take.

Some of you might remember Marche, a curious black Labrador who underwent training to be a guide dog. After careful assessment by our Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI), it was determined that family life would suit him best. Now with his adoptive family, Marche continues to bring joy and companionship in his own special way — using the skills he’s learned, enjoying quality time with loved ones, and settling into a well-deserved new chapter.

Dogs are reclassified for a variety of reasons, most commonly when their temperament or energy levels don’t match the needs of guide work. Whether a dog is too independent, too cautious, or displays behavioural traits better suited to a companion role, each one finds its purpose—often bringing joy and comfort in new ways. 💛

[Image description 1: A black labrador with stuffed toys on his head and in front of him. The post is titled “The Story Of Marche” and is accompanied by a quote from the adoptive mother of Marche.]

[Image description 2: Two paragraphs detail the different routes a guide dog in training will take if they do not meet the criteria. The side view of a black labrador is in the corner beside the text “Find out more about Marche in our blog post!”]

26/07/2025

Wait a minute… something feels off here. 🤔

Can you spot what makes this space inaccessible?
Keeping our shared walkways safe and clutter-free isn’t just a courtesy — it’s essential for people with vision impairment to navigate safely and independently.

The next time you’re out and about, take a moment to notice your surroundings.

Accessibility starts with awareness.

[Image description 1: Two bubbles showcasing hanging plants and messily parked bicycles side by side, accompanying a paragraph which details why everyday sights are considered inaccessible to persons with vision impairment.]

[Image description 2: A paragraph explains various ways to ensure public spaces are accessible to persons with vision impairment. This is accompanied by a picture of a white cane user being sight guided.]

22/07/2025