World’s Largest International Gathering of Assistance Dogs

Hounslow plays host to unique global gathering of guide dogs!

Guide dogs from across the globe will fly in to Heathrow Airport this week as the largest gathering of international guide and other assistance dogs, owners, charities and organisations, takes place at the Renaissance Hotel, Hounslow from 21 June.

Guide dog owners and representatives from 66 guide dog schools and 25 countries will meet for the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) and Assistance Dog International (ADI) conferences. The event aims to celebrate the life-changing difference that a guide dog can make as well as share expert advice, pool knowledge and promote further collaboration amongst the guide dog schools.

Staff at the Renaissance Hotel have been preparing for this unique event for months, receiving visual impairment awareness training on how to guide a visually impaired person correctly. A number of changes have been made to the hotel to accommodate blind and partially sighted guests, including additional Braille signage, removing some bedroom furniture to create additional space, and providing all-important dog beds in rooms for four-legged visitors.

Jennifer Burford, event co-ordinator commented: “Guide Dogs UK is very proud to be hosting this unique event, bringing together people who train thousands of guide dogs each year to help blind and partially sighted people around the world gain vital freedom and independence.

“I am personally really excited to meet people from some of the newer guide dog training schools such as Greece, Malta, and Hungary – I am sure we can learn a lot from each other!”