Cork's Dogs for the Disabled secures new home

A permanent home has been secured for the Dogs for the Disabled (DFTD) charity in Cork, cutting the three-year waitlist for service dogs.

Renovations are now underway at the newly acquired premises, a 11.5-acre site at Castlewhite House in Waterfall, just south of Cork city, which includes a 3,000 square foot building, accommodating a new fit-for-purpose training base for their staff and service users.

The charity, which trains assistance dogs for adults and children with disabilities, says this permanent headquarters and new national training centre will enable them to graduate more dogs each year, reducing their current three-year waitlist for supports.

DFTD trains dogs to help with everyday tasks such as emptying a washing machine, picking up dropped items, or opening and closing doors. In 2023, DFTD placed 36 dogs with service users and reports that in 2024, 33 dogs will be matched with service users nationwide.

With their new headquarters, the charity will be able to expand their responsible breeding of pups for service training. 

The site purchase was made possible by a €700,000 loan from Community Finance Ireland (CFI).

“When looking for a new premises, we had very specific requirements so when this site became available, we needed to secure funding fast,” said DFTD Cork CEO Jennifer Dowler.

“We couldn’t have done this without Community Finance Ireland. 

“We plan to develop visitor accommodation and therapy-based services on-site for children and adults who can’t have a dog in the home full-time.

“The grounds will be developed with walkways of various surfaces and terrains, allowing wheelchair users and those with severe walking difficulties the opportunity to train alongside their service dogs.”

CFI client relationship manager for the Munster region, Nora Keogh, said: “DFTD Cork change lives across Ireland and with the security and potential of their new home, just think how many more people they can help.

“It’s a powerful example of social impact in action, showing how targeted efforts can make a meaningful difference.”

For more information see dogsfordisabled.ie.