International Guide Dog Day is celebrated annually on the last Wednesday of April. It's a day to recognize and celebrate the work of guide dogs, who provide crucial assistance to individuals with vision impairments, allowing them to navigate the world independently. 

Key aspects of International Guide Dog Day:

• Date:

The last Wednesday of April. 

• Purpose:

To celebrate the vital role guide dogs play in enhancing the independence and quality of life for people with visual impairments. 

• Activities:

Events often showcase guide dogs in training, demonstrate their abilities, and raise awareness about the importance of guide dog services. 

• Historical Significance:

The International Guide Dog Federation was established on April 26th, 1989, and the first International Guide Dog Day was celebrated in 1992. 

• Impact:

Guide dogs help their handlers move confidently in public, avoid obstacles, find curbs, and locate entrances, offering comfort and companionship. 

Guide Dog Statistics as of December 31, 2023

19,557 guide dogs are currently working worldwide. This means that 19,557 people who are blind or have low vision have the support of a guide dog to help them live life on their terms. This is a small decrease from the 20,281 guide dog teams working in 2022, as a result of decreased training numbers since the Covid-19 pandemic.

2,598 guide dogs were trained during 2023. The global Covid-19 pandemic had a severe impact on IGDF members around the world, but they showed resilience and creativity and found ways to continue to deliver these essential services. The 2023 figure of 2,598 is an improvement on the 2022 figure of 2,426, the 2021 total of 2,405 and the 2020 figure of 2,038, but further work is needed to return to the pre-pandemic levels of 3,000 guide dogs being trained each year.

7,007 individuals were employed full or part-time by IGDF organizations around the world. Their dedication, expertise and professionalism enables thousands of people who are blind or have low vision to enjoy a safe and effective guide dog service.

38,348 individual volunteers gave their time and experience to help IGDF member organizations deliver these life-changing services. This is a substantial increase on the 34,033 individual volunteers recorded in 2022. This demonstrates the strength and breadth of community involvement and support around the world.

9,312 guide dog puppies started guide dog training during 2023. This is a substantial increase on the 7,462 puppies who started guide dog training during 2022. The Covid-19 pandemic had a severe impact on guide dog training and guide dog waiting lists have increased worldwide. IGDF member organizations are determined to increase guide dog provision and reduce the time people have to wait for a guide dog. These new puppies are the guide dogs of the future.