Government Allocates €15,000 To Train New Service Dog For People With Disabilities

The Service Dogs Malta Foundation recently organised a seminar aimed at raising awareness and providing information about service dogs in the community, emphasising that these dogs are much more than just guide dogs. The event was supported through an investment of almost €5,000, part of the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS) administered by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS).

The Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering, Julia Farrugia, was invited to the conference.

Under the theme “Service Dogs in Our Everyday Lives – Looking into the Future”, the seminar featured a series of talks from service dog users and experts in the field, including Jennifer Ceia, Director of Training and Placement for Assistance Dogs at the Silver Centre in Zagreb, Croatia.

Contributions were also made by Minister Farrugia, MCVS CEO Mauro Pace Parascandalo, Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disability Rhoda Garland, and representatives from the Sapport Agency.

In her closing remarks, Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia announced that the Government would be allocating €15,000 to fund the training of another service dog in Malta.

“This grant represents an important step in strengthening our local capacity to provide these specialised services. Service dogs offer more than practical assistance to people with disabilities; they also provide safety, independence, and emotional companionship. Their benefits extend beyond physical support, helping individuals feel fully included in society and live with dignity and respect,” the Minister said. She also thanked the Service Dogs Malta Foundation for their ongoing dedication and commitment to promoting inclusion and providing practical support to people with disabilities in our community.

Joseph Stafrace, co-founder and Operations Manager of the Service Dogs Malta Foundation, highlighted that, thanks to the financial support from the Ministry and the MCVS, the Foundation will be able to continue training more dogs to improve the quality of life for those in need. He added that the conference provided an opportunity for service users to share their experiences and gain insight into the care and benefits provided by service dogs.

#MaltaDaily