Get ready for freedom.
Do you want more independence? If you’re a mature teen with vision loss, you might be ready for a guide dog before you finish high school.
We’ve created a special, no-cost guide dog program for responsible teens like you. If you are accepted into our program, we’ll match you with a highly trained guide dog. Our certified instructor will work with you here on our campus as well as in your home and school environment, offering flexibility that fits with your schedule. You’ll learn how to work with your dog, including basic and advanced cues, navigation skills, and more.
Responsible teen who’s ready to go? We may have just the dog for you.
For teens ages 15 – 17 who are ready, navigating with a guide dog allows you to experience new freedom and confidence, even before venturing out on your own. Our instructors will evaluate your needs and match you with a dog that is just right for you. In addition to teaching you all you need to know, your instructor is available to teach school pack member and students proper guide dog etiquette. Then, after your training, our Alumni Support team will follow up with you for the working life of the team.
For more information about our Youth Guide Dog program, please email youth@dogsinc.org or call 941.479.6598 to learn more.
Teen Camp: A packed day of possibility
Join us for Teen Camp! Designed for teens with visual impairments ages 14–17 and their parents, this one-day experience offers a first glimpse into the world of guide dogs. Teens will spend a full day on the Dogs Inc Palmetto, Florida campus exploring what it means to partner with a highly skilled guide dog—what these dogs do, how they’re trained, and how a future match could change their life.
This immersive day includes hands-on time with dogs, inspiring presentations, and lunch in our dining hall.
Space is limited to 12 attendees.
Stay tuned for more camp dates!
Is a guide dog right for you?
At Dogs Inc, we understand the unique challenges and dreams of teenagers living with visual impairments. Our guide dogs aren’t merely pets, they’re specially trained companions designed to provide independence, confidence, and mobility to young individuals like you. Each guide dog partnership is nurtured with love and dedication and focused on understanding the special needs of teenagers, creating a bond that goes beyond the leash.
This journey is about more than companionship—it’s about growing, learning, and thriving. The connection between a guide dog and guardian is profound, built on trust and cooperation, giving you the power to navigate your world with confidence, and grace.
Are you ready to take the first step toward an exciting and independent chapter in your life? Discover the opportunities that await you with Dogs Inc. Your transformational journey begins here.
Youth Guide Dog Application
Guide Dog Eligibility Criteria
- Visual Impairment: You must demonstrate a need for additional navigational assistance due to a significant visual impairment.
- Age Requirement: To ensure maturity, understanding, and responsibility, you must be at least 15 years old.
- Residency: Residency in the continental United States is required to facilitate a successful partnership.
- Criminal Background Check: A criminal background examination is conducted, and a felony conviction results in automatic disqualification.
- Sobriety Confirmation: Documentation confirming a minimum of one year’s continuous sobriety is required for those with a history of substance misuse.
- Training and Proficiency: Completion of formal Orientation & Mobility training and proficiency in using a white cane are necessary for safe and independent navigation.
- Comfort with Handling Dogs: Comfort and proficiency in handling a large-breed dog weighing 50 to 80 pounds are essential. We want to ensure that both you and your guide dog are comfortable throughout your partnership.
- Physical Stamina: You’ll spend time outdoors on a regular basis, so having the physical stamina for activities like long walks is required. For this reason, please note that we do not currently place guide dogs with individuals in wheelchairs. We want to ensure the safety and well-being of both the individual and the guide dog.
- Cognitive Ability: It is important that you possess the cognitive ability to grasp and consistently apply dog training concepts. This includes the capacity to work with and handle a guide dog appropriately.
- Long-Term Commitment: The commitment and ability to maintain an active lifestyle with a guide dog for the next 7-9 years are essential.
- Additional Dogs: Guide dogs are only placed in homes with up to two additional dogs to help ensure the guide dog receives the attention, care, and consistent management necessary to support its working role and partnership with the graduate.
- Safe and Supportive Environment: A safe, loving, and stable home environment with the support of all household members is required.
- Interview Requirement:Participation in a phone and home interview is necessary during the application process. This allows us to get to know you better and understand your needs and expectations.
- Online Prep Lab Training:Completion of the Online Prep Lab guide dog training program is mandatory before attending in-person training. This program equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful partnership.
- In-Person Training:A successful guide dog partnership begins with your participation in our 20-day training course at our beautiful Palmetto, Florida campus. This immersive training will prepare you for a strong bond with your guide dog and provide you with the necessary tools for success. We understand that taking three weeks away from school may not be possible, so we offer flexibility regarding on-campus time. Also, a parent or guardian is required to accompany you during their on-campus training period.
- Ongoing Communication: Ongoing communication with Dogs Inc at least once a year is essential for the duration of the partnership. We value your feedback and want to ensure that you and your guide dog are thriving.
- Expenses and Care: Dogs Inc is proud to provide your guide dog with high-quality food, monthly preventatives, vaccinations, and annual veterinary wellness visits, all at no cost to you. However, guide dog guardians must have the means to cover any additional expenses related to the ongoing care and maintenance of their guide dogs.
“It’s really nice to have someone who’s looking out for me. I’m so lucky that I have a guide dog as my hero.”
— Teen Charlotte with Guide Dog Essie | Goshen, New York
Guide Dogs for Teens
Ready for more independence? For mature teens with vision loss, a guide dog can open the door to greater confidence and freedom —even before you finish high school. We’ll train you on our campus, then continue working with you in your hometown and school. Our no-cost Guide Dog Day Camp is a great place to start, for both you and your parent.
