Bluebird Care fund future service dog Blue
A leading homecare provider has partnered with Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) to fund the recruitment of a new four-legged worker named Blue.
Blue is an eight month old Labrador Retriever and is currently being fostered by AADI’s senior training team as he begins his journey to become a fully qualified autism assistance dog. Bluebird Care is sponsoring the two-year training process.
“This partnership reflects the very essence of our care ethos,” said Jonathan Gardner, Managing Director of Bluebird Care Ireland.
“Supporting AADI allows us to extend our commitment to specialist care for people with autism beyond the home. Through this sponsorship, we’re not just helping to train a dog we’re helping to create safety, confidence, and real quality of life for families across Ireland.”
“A skilled autism assistance dog is a lifeline for children and their families,” added Phil Donnelly, Head of Marketing at Bluebird Care. “It’s a meaningful, practical way to help children cope with the challenges of autism and allow families to regain confidence in everyday life.”
Autism assistance dogs are specially trained to support children with autism by reducing anxiety, promoting emotional regulation, and increasing safety in public spaces. For children who are at risk of bolting or becoming overwhelmed in everyday environments, these dogs can offer life-changing support.
“Our partnership with Bluebird Care is grounded in shared values,” said Vasya Ponomarev, Corporate Partnerships Manager at AADI. “Both organisations are deeply committed to supporting families in local communities and creating long-term, meaningful impact.”
It takes two years and costs a minimum of €25,000 to fully train one assistance dog. In 2024, AADI placed 27 assistance dogs with families across Ireland, as well as 4 companion dogs and 6 animal assisted education dogs. However, with over 450 applications for just 45 available placements, demand continues to far exceed supply.
“AADI receives no Government funding,” added Ponomarev. “We rely entirely on the generosity of the public and partners like Bluebird Care to fund this work and to give more children the chance to live safer, more independent lives.”
Adding a new dimension to the launch is the Autism Immersive Experience Bus. This mobile unit offers an educational and sensory experience designed to simulate what everyday environments can feel like for an autistic individual. It’s a powerful tool for increasing public understanding and empath and aligns closely with Bluebird Care’s mission to support neurodiverse communities through awareness as well as action.
This initiative also marks the first feature in Bluebird Care’s new content series, Living Your Best Life with Bluebird Care, Redefining Ability. Designed to spotlight the life-changing impact of its care teams, the series will share inspiring real-life stories of families, carers, and communities across Ireland. The first in the series will feature the story of Blue and the vital work of AADI, with new stories to be shared throughout the year.
The charity and Bluebird Care are appealing for more local corporate support, to raise and train puppies that can improve the lives of families living with autism spectrum disorder.
For more, visit autismassistance
dogsireland.ie or call AADI on 021-2357107.