Students aren’t the only ones choosing Murdoch University – pups looking to ‘embark’ on a new career are also studying here.

A new collaboration between Murdoch University and Guide Dogs WA is helping train the next generation of support dogs.

The Animal Hospital At Murdoch University (TAHMU) is playing host to guide dogs in training to help prepare them for their future careers.

The dogs will make regular visits to TAHMU as part of their education and learning. This includes learning to wait patiently and respectfully with other pets in a waiting room; undergoing a basic health check; and be familiarised with unusual and noisy surroundings such as the busy vet hospital.

It takes more than two years to adequately train working dogs, with Guide Dogs WA the only local provider of Guide Dogs for people living with low vision, disability or illness, and Assistance Dogs.  

Clinical Director of TAHMU Dr Claudine Creasy said The Animal Hospital was proud to assist Guide Dogs WA with their important work.

“Guide and Assistance Dogs are life-changing for people who need some extra support, and we are pleased to be able to help with their training," she said.

“Our multidisciplinary veterinary practice at Murdoch is a busy, stimulating place and the perfect spot for support animals to learn how to tune out the noise and respond calmly to other animals.

“As part of this new collaboration, our Veterinary students who are undertaking clinical rotations within The Animal Hospital also benefit from additional hands-on learning by carrying out physical exams on the dogs.”

Guide Dogs WA Business Manager Dog Services Kim Ryan said experiences like this were essential to preparing Guide and Assistance dogs for their working lives.

“Our dogs need exposure to a lot of different real-world environments so they can learn how to cope, deal with distractions and behave appropriately in their future roles,” Ms Ryan said.

“We are pleased to include this important new experience to the dogs’ training, which adds to our valued long-term working relationship with Murdoch University.”

Guide Dogs WA has worked together with Murdoch University for several years since the organisation established its State Government supported Breeding Program.

Murdoch University offers Western Australia’s only veterinary science course, and is co-located with The Animal Hospital, which is a large-scale multidisciplinary clinic offering everything from basic preventative care to 24/7 emergency services.

Members of the public and future students can tour the Veterinary School on 23 May 2026 as part of Murdoch University’s Open Day.

The School of Veterinary Medicine will soon undergo a complete redevelopment thanks to an unprecedented $100 million donation from Perth businessman and philanthropist Ted Powell.