Acquisition of an Assistance Dog

In Vienna, the acquisition of a quality-certified assistance dog – whether a guide dog for the blind, a service dog, or a signal dog according to § 39a paragraphs 4–6 of the Federal Disability Act – is eligible for funding. Through a direct grant, the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection covers the pure acquisition costs to enhance the mobility of blind, visually impaired, and mobility-restricted individuals in their professional daily life or during vocational training. This aims to report obstacles, open doors, and provide safe orientation services. The certified training of the animals ensures reliability and increases productivity in the workplace – an important step towards inclusive working conditions.

Eligible for funding are private individuals with a degree of disability of at least 50%, who are blind or severely visually impaired or have other disability-related mobility restrictions and cannot engage in employment or training without an assistance dog. Requirements include a determination of the degree of disability according to BEinstG as well as proof of professional or training-related necessity. Applications can be submitted continuously since 01.01.2013; an uncomplicated review and prompt approval ensure timely support. The funding office of the Ministry of Social Affairs provides advice on application details and competently guides interested parties through the entire process.