Southeastern Guide Dogs provides its dogs and training to students free of charge. The school will provide the dog, equipment, training, housing, and most meals during your training. Southeastern Guide Dogs will offer your guide dog high-quality food, monthly preventatives, vaccinations, and the annual veterinary wellness visit – free of charge. However, you must have the ability to financially cover your guide dog’s other veterinary expenses and general expenses such as treats, toys, crate, dog bed, etc.

Our guide dog students join us for 20 days at our Palmetto, FL campus. We offer private, single occupancy rooms, with a private bathroom, single bed, walk-in showers, closets, small refrigerators in each room, flat-screen televisions with cable, a desk for working, wireless access, and much, much more. We have two chefs on staff that provide healthy and delicious meals for our students. They’re happy to accommodate any special dietary requests.

We also provide guide dog training in pre-approved applicants’ home communities, depending on the circumstances, and the length of training time varies, depending on the person’s previous guide dog experience and skill level. This training takes place in neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and communities.

You must demonstrate a need for additional navigational assistance, such as a white cane, due to a significant visual impairment.

We do our best to match our guide dogs with qualified applicants as quickly as possible. After your paperwork has been turned in and your application approved, the waiting period ranges from about two months to one year, with an average of six months.

The timing of approval of your initial application depends on how quickly we receive your paperwork, including information we must receive from the providers named on your application.

After approval, factors that affect your waiting period include identifying just the right dog to fit your needs, with your unique lifestyle, activity level, and pace taken into consideration. If you are particular about requesting a specific breed, gender, or coat color, then your waiting period may be extended.

We offer guide dogs to mature teens ages 15 and up, and recommend that teens attend our Guide Dog Camp to help make this important decision.

For children of any age with vision loss, we offer our skilled Kids Companion Dogs. These dogs are considered adopted pets and build a bridge between the child of today and the guide dog handler of tomorrow. The child gains confidence and learns the responsibilities of caring for a dog of their own, as well as a new best friend.

To qualify for a Southeastern guide dog, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Degree of visual impairment: You must be considered legally blind*
• Age: Mature teens aged 15 – 17 may apply to our youth guide dog program, and adults 18 and up may apply to our guide dog program, with no upper age limit.
• State of residence: You must reside in the United States.
• Orientation and mobility skills: You must have completed formal Orientation and Mobility training, and must be able to demonstrate your ability to travel and live independently.
• Need and desire: You must have a legitimate need for assistance with traveling independently; a desire to increase and enhance your mobility and independence; and a realistic plan for use of a guide dog.
• Physical ability: You must be in good physical health; have sufficient strength, flexibility and coordination to handle a guide dog; and be able to walk several blocks at a time.
• Learning ability: You must have the ability to learn dog training concepts and apply them consistently, and have the cognitive abilities to work with and handle a guide dog appropriately.
• Home environment: You must be able to provide a safe, loving, healthy and stable home for a guide dog. Your home must have no more than two other dogs.
• Travel environment: Your travel routes must be safe for a guide dog team.
• History: You must have no felony convictions

*Legal blindness is defined as visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the best correction possible or a field of vision of 20 degrees or less.
**For children 17 and younger, see information on our Kids Companion program.

You can apply for a guide dog by clicking here. Review our eligibility requirements and you’re one step closer. If you have any questions or concerns as you navigate our application, please let us know. We here to help and happy to do so.

Mature teens aged 15 – 17 may apply to our youth guide dog program, and adults 18 and up may apply to our guide dog program, with no upper age limit.

There is no upper age limit at Southeastern. We require that our students be physically capable of working and controlling a large breed dog (60-90 lbs.).

O&M, or Orientation and Mobility training is training that teaches an individual to navigate and work with a white cane. It is an important step for any visually impaired individual to learn how to travel safely without a dog, before they can travel safely with a dog. This training is usually offered through a Lighthouse for the Blind, Center for the Visually Impaired, or other organization that offers rehabilitation services for the visually impaired.

For additional questions or concerns about the admissions process, please contact admissions@guidedogs.org or call our main number at 941-729-5665. For general questions about the organization, contact info@guidedogs.org.

Southeastern Guide Dogs provides its dogs and training to students free of charge. The school will provide the dog, equipment, training, housing and most meals during your training. Southeastern Guide Dogs will offer your service dog high-quality food, monthly preventatives, vaccinations, and the annual veterinary wellness visit – free of charge. However, you must have the ability to financially cover your service dog’s other veterinary expenses and general expenses such as treats, toys, crate, dog bed, etc.

Our service dogs restore independence, combat loneliness and anxiety, and bring light to the darkness of PTSD. They can interrupt nightmares and flashbacks, turn on a light in a darkened room, and indicate when someone approaches from behind. Their physical touch and presence create positive emotional responses. With unconditional love and loyalty, they become battle buddies for the veterans who need them and can help restore stability and wellbeing. With a dog by their side, veterans share powerful stories of renewed connections with loved ones and society once again.

Eligibility: To qualify for our service dog program, the applicant must:

• Be retired or inactive military, or approaching retirement within the next 3 months
• MUST have an honorable discharge
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Reside in the United States
• Have NO felony convictions, NO history/charges of violent crime, domestic violence, sexual offenses, animal mistreatment/abuse/neglect/cruelty, or protection orders against you
• If an applicant has a history of substance abuse (drugs and/or alcohol), a health professional must provide documentation of sobriety *Please note: a minimum of one (1) year sustained sobriety required
• Have no more than two other dogs at the residence
• Have the cognitive ability to learn training concepts and apply them consistently
• Have the financial ability to cover the expenses associated with the proper maintenance and care for the life of a service dog
• Be able to demonstrate the physical and mental ability to consistently handle, work, and exercise a 50-80 lb service dog
• Be able to demonstrate a need for assistance for one or more of the following challenges: PTSD*, mobility assistance, or seizures. *PLEASE NOTE: If applying for PTSD assistance, it MUST be military service-connected and the applicant MUST be in current treatment with a mental health professional
• Be able to provide a safe, loving, healthy, and stable home for a service dog
• Have an appropriate family/friends support system
• Pass a phone interview with a certified service dog trainer
• Pass an in-home interview with a certified service dog trainer
• Be able to complete a rigorous training course and reside in our campus dorm in Palmetto, FL for 12 days
• Be able to maintain a relationship and communication with Southeastern Guide Dogs for the duration of the dog/handler partnership

Please be aware that an applicant with any of the following conditions is NOT eligible for our programs:

• Any applicant who has had attempts or thoughts of self-harm within the past year
• Any applicant currently receiving dialysis treatment

The waiting period varies depending on how long it takes for paperwork to be submitted and any unique requirements an individual may need from a dog. On average, the waiting period is six months to a year.

The training class is 12 days, with travel days on day 1 and day 12. During that time, we offer private, single occupancy rooms with a private bath, double bed, walk-in showers, closets, small refrigerators in each room, flat-screen TVs with cable, a desk, wireless access, and much, much more. Two on-staff chefs provide healthy and delicious meals for our students, and they are happy to accommodate any special dietary requests.

Recognizing the sacrifices made when a family member dies in service to the nation, Southeastern Guide Dogs offers loving, skilled companion dogs to Gold Star families in need, at no cost. These well-trained and gentle dogs give the gift of comforting friendship to children and families enduring unimaginable hardship, loneliness, and grief.

Our facility therapy dogs are hand-picked to live with facility staff members and provide therapeutic comfort to veterans and families being treated in military medical facilities or working in high-stress military environments across the nation.

The minimum age is 18, with no maximum age. Handlers must physically be able to care for a large-breed dog and must be able to keep up with a fairly rigorous training schedule.

For additional questions or concerns about the admissions process, please contact admissions@guidedogs.org or call our main number at 941-729-5665. For general questions about the organization, contact info@guidedogs.org.

It depends on the type of dog. For our Gold Star Family Dogs for children who have lost a parent in the military, there is no lower age limit for the child. Our Kids Companion Dogs for children with vision loss are available for kids and teens between the ages of 5-17.

We provide guide dogs to mature teens ages 15 and up. For these teens, we recommend attending our informational, hands-on guide dog camp first to find out if the teen is ready to take this step.

We offer guide dogs to mature teens ages 15 and up, and recommend that teens attend our Guide Dog Camp to help make this important decision.

For children of any age with vision loss, we offer our skilled Kids Companion Dogs. These dogs are considered adopted pets and build a bridge between the child of today and the guide dog handler of tomorrow. The child gains confidence and learns the responsibilities of caring for a dog of their own, as well as a new best friend.

No, deciding to have a guide dog is an important decision and our teen guide dog camp is designed for teens that are considering a guide dog.

One of the goals of the camp is that it offers a great opportunity for teens and parents to learn if the guide dog lifestyle is the right choice for them, and can also help determine if it would be better to wait until the teen is more ready to become a guide dog handler. Campers and their parents will be introduced to the unique benefits and responsibilities of working and living with a guide dog. There’s really no better way to gain valuable information and experience, than through the program’s fun discussions and exciting, hands-on experiences.

We’ve designed Guide Dog Camp to equip teens and their parents with information and a special experience to support them with making an informed decision about if, and when, a guide dog is right for them.

Yes, at least one parent or guardian must accompany their teen to Guide Dog Camp.

Not only is parent/guardian attendance required for liability reasons, but there are special sessions devoted to parents where we will talk about what it means to be ready for a guide dog including the important roles maturity and independent living skills play in guide dog readiness.

Parents also learn some practical tools they can use to help prepare their teen if guide dog travel is the path they choose, the critical role their teen’s orientation and mobility (O&M) skills factor into guide dog readiness, as well as financial expectations of long-term dog care, and how to best support their teen’s decision.

While attending Guide Dog Camp, parents have a chance to speak to our certified instructors about their teen’s experience walking with a guide dog and acquire their expertise. In addition to gaining valuable information, parents get to experience hands-on fun too.

We provide skilled Kids Companion Dogs at no cost to children with vision loss.

Kids Companion Dogs build a bridge between the child of today and the independent guide dog handler of tomorrow. Children gain confidence by learning how to care for their dog, which leads to greater self-worth and the ability to handle increased responsibilities. The dog gives the child extra love, encouragement, and purpose to help them move forward in the face of adversity, and the child gains skills that prepare them to one day receive a guide dog.

No. A Kids Companion Dog is not considered a service dog. Why? They are not trained to help mitigate a disability by performing service-oriented tasks. A Kids Companion Dog is recognized as a skilled companion dog, but does not have public access rights or housing rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Recognizing the sacrifices made when a family member dies in service to the nation, Southeastern Guide Dogs offers loving, skilled companion dogs to Gold Star families in need, at no cost. These well-trained and gentle dogs give the gift of comforting friendship to children and families enduring unimaginable hardship, loneliness, and grief.

To qualify for a Southeastern guide dog, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Degree of visual impairment: You must be considered legally blind*
• Age: Mature teens aged 15 – 17 may apply to our youth guide dog program, and adults 18 and up may apply to our guide dog program, with no upper age limit.
• State of residence: You must reside in the United States.
• Orientation and mobility skills: You must have completed formal Orientation and Mobility training, and must be able to demonstrate your ability to travel and live independently.
• Need and desire: You must have a legitimate need for assistance with traveling independently; a desire to increase and enhance your mobility and independence; and a realistic plan for use of a guide dog.
• Physical ability: You must be in good physical health; have sufficient strength, flexibility and coordination to handle a guide dog; and be able to walk several blocks at a time.
• Learning ability: You must have the ability to learn dog training concepts and apply them consistently, and have the cognitive abilities to work with and handle a guide dog appropriately.
• Home environment: You must be able to provide a safe, loving, healthy and stable home for a guide dog. Your home must have no more than two other dogs.
• Travel environment: Your travel routes must be safe for a guide dog team.
• History: You must have no felony convictions

*Legal blindness is defined as visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the best correction possible or a field of vision of 20 degrees or less.
**For children 17 and younger, see information on our Kids Companion program.

Mature teens aged 15 – 17 may apply to our youth guide dog program, and adults 18 and up may apply to our guide dog program, with no upper age limit.

Yes. Kids Companion Dogs are for eligible visually impaired youth ages 17 and younger.

Even though a teen may be old enough to apply for a guide dog, their parents and teachers may agree that it would be better to ease them into the responsibilities of a guide dog via a Kids Companion dog first.

If the day comes to train with a guide dog, the teen will then experience a smoother transition to freedom and independence.

Yes, orientation and mobility skills are absolutely essential and play a key role in determining guide dog readiness (and success). We will be happy to provide resources that can help with obtaining (O&M) skills if needed.

At our teen Guide Dog Camp, we even have a special session devoted to the importance of good O&M skills where teens learn just how vital they are to being a successful guide dog handler, the differences between using a white cane or a guide dog for mobility, and more.

It depends. Each teen guide dog placement (for teens 15-17 years old) is tailored to the particular teen based on their specific needs, maturity, and ability to safely and effectively care for and work with, a dog. Some placements may be done at home, some on-campus, and others are a combination of the two.

For those interested in learning and experiencing more, we have a special program tailored for teen guide dog students (Guide Dog Camp). That’s the best way to really understand what can work best for the teen, and get an idea of everything involved to have a successful guide dog experience.

A good place to start is right here on our website. For questions about our programs for children and teens, contact youth@guidedogs.org or call our main number at 941-729-5665. For general questions about the organization, contact info@guidedogs.org.

Southeastern Guide Dogs has a national reach and provides all of our dogs and services at no cost to people in all 50 states.

It costs tens of thousands of dollars to breed, raise, train, place, and provide follow-up support services to our alumni.

Because of the generosity and kindness of individual donors, business partners, foundations, fundraisers, and volunteers, we can provide all of our dogs and services at no cost. We are extremely thankful for the entire Southeastern Guide Dogs family for this ongoing support.

Yes, Southeastern Guide Dogs has the distinction of being dually accredited by the two premier, global accreditation bodies: the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International.

Simply visit our Sponsor a Puppy page, select one or both puppies available to sponsor, and complete your details online. You’ll then join the joyful journey as a puppy trains to be a guide dog, service dog, or skilled companion dog that transforms a life. And while not every puppy becomes a working dog, every dog makes a difference—and your support does too.

You can also call 1-800-833-9138, to complete your sponsorship over the phone, or download a printable form and mail it to:

Southeastern Guide Dogs, 4210 77th Street East, Palmetto, FL 34221

Since 1982, Southeastern Guide Dogs has been providing all of our dogs and services at no charge to the people who need them. We operate with the highest standards of financial accountability and have achieved stellar ratings by these outside organizations that evaluate nonprofits.

Our accreditations and endorsements from these premier organizations speak volumes.

• GreatNonprofits – Top-Rated – Recognized by the only people’s choice award where volunteers, donors, and people served by nonprofits share stories of inspiration to earn this coveted award.
• Charity Navigator – Four Stars – Achieving the highest possible rating based on financial health, accountability, and transparency. (Note that Southeastern Guide Dogs is the highest rated guide dog school of any listed in Charity Navigator.)
• GuideStar – Platinum Seal of Transparency – Achieving a high level of transparency based on data and disclosure.
• America’s Best Charities – Best in America Seal of Excellence – Awarded to charitable organizations that meet the highest standards of public accountability, program efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
• International Guide Dog Federation – Accredited – Adhering to and exceeding world benchmarks of the highest quality standards.
• Assistance Dogs International – Accredited – Adhering to and exceeding standards of excellence in all areas of assistance dog acquisition, training, and partnership.

To review our financial reports, click here.

We breed, raise, and train Labradors and a cross between Labs and goldens called a goldador. We’ve chosen these breeds for their intelligence, trainability, temperament, and robust health characteristics.

Yes, you can raise a puppy if you have other pets at home. Our experience tells us that it is best to set this to a limit of two personal dogs. We do make exceptions to this policy based on an individual basis. Non-canine pets are also allowed in the home and provide great opportunities for our puppies to learn and grow.

The applicant-approval process includes a phone interview, hands-on learning either in person at a puppy club outing or virtually, and an in-home orientation.

Typically, it takes two to three weeks. The timing varies depending on numerous factors, including an applicant’s prior dog handling experience, schedule, and how quickly the applicant proceeds through the steps.

We will provide almost everything you need to raise a puppy from the cost of veterinary care and monthly heartworm and flea and tick preventatives to equipment like a crate, collar, leash, bowls, etc. We do ask our raisers to help support our mission by covering the cost of puppy food. This expense can be up to $500 depending on the length of the raising period.

State laws accommodate puppies-in-training and allow them to access public locations, but for your place of employment, we ask that you first obtain permission from a supervisor. Some neighborhoods also have deed restrictions or apartment rules have weight or size limitations for pets living in your home.

While puppies in our program do have access rights to go where the general public is allowed, puppies-in-training are not covered by the Fair Housing Act. You will need to ensure that you have permission from your home’s governing body to raise a puppy.

Yes—we train our volunteer puppy raisers first, before placing a puppy in their home.  Click here to learn more.

Because of our community of supporters, we operate the most advanced training facilities of any service dog organization in the world. It takes two years to raise and train each dog, and we combine art and science to create the healthiest, smartest dogs through our data-driven genetics and reproduction program. We start training our puppies when they are just days old, and at eight weeks, the second phase of training begins as we send our puppies home with volunteer puppy raisers to learn basic cues and skills, house manners, and socialization.

At Canine University, our dogs begin college-level training with certified instructors to learn advanced skills for their future careers. Before they graduate, guide dogs learn over 40 cues and skills, and service dogs learn about 15 to 20. Some dogs enroll in careers in our special programs for veterans and children, because here, every dog makes a difference.

Here at Southeastern Guide Dogs, every dog counts and we have several career opportunities for our dogs. Not every dog has the temperament, confidence, and decision-making skills to become a guide dog or a service dog. Our trainers and animal behavior experts like to say that each dog “chooses” its career by showing us its preferences and abilities through assessments and training.

Dogs that are not suited for any of our programs may be offered to the puppy raiser for adoption or adopted through our public adoption program.

Other pets are allowed and great for our puppies in training to grow up with. Please include this information in your application as well as how many other non-canine pets are in your home.

Yes, and yes! You can become a puppy raiser anywhere in the United States. Depending on your extensive travel schedule, your situation may be ideal for our 3- or 6-month option, co-raising, or puppy sitting.

Yes, but check with your school guidance counselor as approved activities vary by school district.

Approximately 80% of Southeastern Guide Dogs’ campus volunteers work hands-on with our puppies and adult dogs-in-training. The remaining 20% assist in administrative capacities: answering phones, leading tours, facilitating events, driving shuttles, helping with groundskeeping, and more.

Volunteers must commit to fulfilling at least one 2–4-hour volunteer shift per week for a minimum of 12 consecutive months.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Individuals who are 17 or younger may participate in Walkathon events or become a Puppy Raiser and/or Breeder Host.

All volunteer opportunities that include hands-on interactions with our dogs also include strenuous cleaning, repeated bending and stooping, standing for extended time periods, working outdoors, and lifting 20-30 pounds unassisted and up to 40 pounds with assistance. Volunteers who work with our adult dogs must also be able to safely control a 50-80 pound, large-breed dog without assistance.

Orientation sessions are required and occur in-person and on campus at least once a month on Wednesday afternoons. Once you have completed orientation, you typically start your first shift within 2-3 weeks (after your background check clears).

Orientation trainings take place in-person at our Palmetto campus on Wednesday afternoons and are required to be completed before we conduct a background check and assign a first shift. These trainings are held at least once a month, but there may be more scheduled if demand is high.

The vast majority of our volunteers’ time is spent cleaning, sanitizing, preparing diets, doing laundry, and exercising our animals. A small team of long-term, upper-level volunteers are also trained to educate our puppies and/or provide environmental enrichment to our adult dogs. These upper-level shifts are filled on an as-needed basis and are not always available to new volunteers. Only certified staff members are permitted to provide formal instruction to our adult dogs-in-training.

Administrative shifts typically occur during normal business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Hands-on dog-related opportunities are generally available seven days a week from 6:00 am-8:00 pm. The majority of these shifts take place during early mornings. Evening and weekend shifts are also often available.

To remain safe and consistent, Southeastern Guide Dogs does not offer one-day, hands-on opportunities with our dogs. If you’re interested in seeing our facilities, we offer public campus tours. Or you can also participate in one of our walkathons if a yearly commitment seems too much for you at this time.

Eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Able to attend a Volunteer Orientation session on a Wednesday afternoon (these occur at least once a month)
• Committed to actively volunteering 2-4 hours each week for 12 consecutive months for at least 75% of the time period
• Can begin volunteering within 30 days after attending a Volunteer Orientation
• Physically able to clean, bend, work outdoors, and stand or walk for at least 30 minutes without requiring a break
• Capable of lifting 20-30 pounds unassisted and up to 40 pounds with assistance
• Comfortable managing a large-breed dog weighing 50 to 80 pounds
• Adheres to upholding Southeastern Guide Dogs tobacco-free, drug-free, and alcohol-free environment while on campus or representing the organization (including wearing a branded t-shirt)
• Access to check email for regular updates
• Able to pass a criminal background check*

*A criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify an applicant from volunteering. However, if an applicant does not disclose their conviction(s) on their application, they may be rejected for current or future volunteer or paid positions. Before Southeastern Guide Dogs takes any adverse action based on the results of a background report, the individual will be provided a copy of the report and a written summary of their rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Please note that Southeastern Guide Dogs cannot be held accountable for court-ordered community service hours and will be unable to ‘sign-off’ or report hours to any governing body.

Start by filling out our self-assessment. If you match the qualifications, you will be asked to sign up for on-campus orientation and to complete an application.

The organization contributes to a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Employees may also contribute to a retirement plan.

Benefits are for employees working 30+ hours per week and are effective on the 1st day of the month after 60 days of employment.

Our full-time employees enjoy a competitive paid time off (PTO) package, including PTO, holidays (10), and your birthday.

In addition, our culinary staff provides lunch 5 days a week for on-campus staff.

And best of all, we are a dog-friendly workplace. Upon expressed manager approval, and after proof that all necessary vaccinations are up to date, many staff members are allowed to bring their personal dogs to work.

Employees may bring well-behaved dogs to work as long as they:

• pass a behavioral assessment;
• receive vaccinations as prescribed by our veterinary staff;
• work in an area conducive to non-program dogs, with approval of your manager.

For example, in some areas of campus, such as our puppy nursery, we do not expose program dogs to outside dogs, so your dog may have to stay at home. In other areas, pre-screened dogs are welcome.

The answer varies based on the role you’d be performing for Southeastern Guide Dogs, and determined by the position’s manager. Staff members in many roles have been able to work from home for all or part of the week, and some are even located out of state.

Southeastern Guide Dogs is accredited by the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) and Assistance Dogs International (ADI). We are bound to ensure our trainers are certified by the standards set forth by these governing entities.

Please note each guide and service dog school—though accredited by these entities—vary slightly in their execution of certifying programs. Consequently, apprentice courses completed at one school may not be recognized by another school. It’s like when a student transfers from one university to another; some credits/courses will transfer and others may not.

All of Southeastern Guide Dogs’ certified guide dog trainers and certified service dog trainers must complete a three-year, paid apprenticeship under the supervision of a mentor. This apprenticeship includes hands-on learning plus academic reading, tests, papers, and presentations. Once this three-year apprenticeship has been completed and the final exam is passed, certification is earned.

Apprenticeship opportunities do not often arise. When they do, they are highly sought after by internal staff. Most certified trainers begin their career with us as canine care technicians (CCTs) providing care for our program dogs. Some of these CCTs may remain in this role for a few years before being selected as an apprentice.

The apprentice selection process is quite thorough as the organization ensures we are investing in a dedicated candidate. It is highly likely that this person will be with the organization for many years after becoming certified. However, none of our CCTs are guaranteed they will ever be invited into an apprenticeship program

For more information, click here.

Yes, but apprenticeship opportunities do not often arise. When they do, they are highly sought after by internal staff.

Most certified trainers begin their career with us as canine care technicians (CCTs) providing care for our program dogs. Some of these CCTs may remain in this role for a few years before being selected as an apprentice.

The apprentice selection process is quite thorough as the organization ensures we are investing in a dedicated candidate. It is highly likely that this person will be with the organization for many years after becoming certified. However, none of our CCTs are guaranteed they will ever be invited into an apprenticeship program.

For more information, click here.

That depends on the position, and the specific situation. We have relocation reimbursement (up to $750) that may be available to those needing to relocate. This benefit may be offered to you as part of your compensation package at the time of hiring.

Our guide dog students join us for 20 days at our Palmetto, FL campus. We offer private, single occupancy rooms, with a private bathroom, single bed, walk-in showers, closets, small refrigerators in each room, flat-screen televisions with cable, a desk for working, wireless access, and much, much more. We have two chefs on staff that provide healthy and delicious meals for our students. They’re happy to accommodate any special dietary requests.

We also provide guide dog training in pre-approved applicants’ home communities, depending on the circumstances, and the length of training time varies, depending on the person’s previous guide dog experience and skill level. This training takes place in neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and communities.

You must demonstrate a need for additional navigational assistance, such as a white cane, due to a significant visual impairment.

We do our best to match our guide dogs with qualified applicants as quickly as possible. After your paperwork has been turned in and your application approved, the waiting period ranges from about two months to one year, with an average of six months.

The timing of approval of your initial application depends on how quickly we receive your paperwork, including information we must receive from the providers named on your application.

After approval, factors that affect your waiting period include identifying just the right dog to fit your needs, with your unique lifestyle, activity level, and pace taken into consideration. If you are particular about requesting a specific breed, gender, or coat color, then your waiting period may be extended.

Eligibility: To qualify for our service dog program, the applicant must:

• Be retired or inactive military, or approaching retirement within the next 3 months
• MUST have an honorable discharge
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Reside in the United States
• Have NO felony convictions, NO history/charges of violent crime, domestic violence, sexual offenses, animal mistreatment/abuse/neglect/cruelty, or protection orders against you
• If an applicant has a history of substance abuse (drugs and/or alcohol), a health professional must provide documentation of sobriety *Please note: a minimum of one (1) year sustained sobriety required
• Have no more than two other dogs at the residence
• Have the cognitive ability to learn training concepts and apply them consistently
• Have the financial ability to cover the expenses associated with the proper maintenance and care for the life of a service dog
• Be able to demonstrate the physical and mental ability to consistently handle, work, and exercise a 50-80 lb service dog
• Be able to demonstrate a need for assistance for one or more of the following challenges: PTSD*, mobility assistance, or seizures. *PLEASE NOTE: If applying for PTSD assistance, it MUST be military service-connected and the applicant MUST be in current treatment with a mental health professional
• Be able to provide a safe, loving, healthy, and stable home for a service dog
• Have an appropriate family/friends support system
• Pass a phone interview with a certified service dog trainer
• Pass an in-home interview with a certified service dog trainer
• Be able to complete a rigorous training course and reside in our campus dorm in Palmetto, FL for 12 days
• Be able to maintain a relationship and communication with Southeastern Guide Dogs for the duration of the dog/handler partnership

Please be aware that an applicant with any of the following conditions is NOT eligible for our programs:

• Any applicant who has had attempts or thoughts of self-harm within the past year
• Any applicant currently receiving dialysis treatment

Our admissions process:

1. The application is received and processed. Documents and authorizations are requested from the applicant. Once received back, questionnaires are sent to the applicant’s provider(s) and references via fax, email, or USPS to begin establishing the applicant’s eligibility and learn about the need(s) for a service dog.

2. Once all reports are returned and the paper file is complete, a background check will be run and the applicant’s file has its first review.

3. If the initial review is approved, a phone interview will be scheduled. Once a phone interview is passed, an in-home interview will be scheduled with the applicant.

4. If the home interview is passed the applicant is accepted into the program and notified via telephone. Approved applicants then wait to be matched with the appropriate dog by the training team and will be invited to a training class by the admissions department. When invited to class, every effort is made to provide a minimum 30-day notice prior to the class start date.

*Please note that the first phase of the application process can take several months to complete. This time frame depends on many factors, such as the accuracy of contact information provided by the applicant and speed of paperwork submission by providers and references. In the meantime, if you experience a change in your contact or provider information, please advise admissions as soon as possible so that we may keep your information current.

If at any time during the application process, it is determined that the applicant does not qualify for the program, the applicant will be notified via letter.

To qualify for a Southeastern guide dog, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Degree of visual impairment: You must be considered legally blind*
• Age: Mature teens aged 15 – 17 may apply to our youth guide dog program, and adults 18 and up may apply to our guide dog program, with no upper age limit.
• State of residence: You must reside in the United States.
• Orientation and mobility skills: You must have completed formal Orientation and Mobility training, and must be able to demonstrate your ability to travel and live independently.
• Need and desire: You must have a legitimate need for assistance with traveling independently; a desire to increase and enhance your mobility and independence; and a realistic plan for use of a guide dog.
• Physical ability: You must be in good physical health; have sufficient strength, flexibility and coordination to handle a guide dog; and be able to walk several blocks at a time.
• Learning ability: You must have the ability to learn dog training concepts and apply them consistently, and have the cognitive abilities to work with and handle a guide dog appropriately.
• Home environment: You must be able to provide a safe, loving, healthy and stable home for a guide dog. Your home must have no more than two other dogs.
• Travel environment: Your travel routes must be safe for a guide dog team.
• History: You must have no felony convictions

*Legal blindness is defined as visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the best correction possible or a field of vision of 20 degrees or less.
**For children 17 and younger, see information on our Kids Companion program.

You can apply for a guide dog by clicking here. Review our eligibility requirements and you’re one step closer. If you have any questions or concerns as you navigate our application, please let us know. We here to help and happy to do so.

Mature teens aged 15 – 17 may apply to our youth guide dog program, and adults 18 and up may apply to our guide dog program, with no upper age limit.

Applicants must complete our Service Dog Application in full. This application includes:

• Contact information for the applicant’s current mental health provider (full name, address, phone, fax) if requesting assistance for military service-connected PTSD
• Contact information for the applicant’s current primary care provider (full name, address, phone, fax)
• Contact information for the applicant’s current specialty care provider (full name, address, phone, fax) if the specialist is treating a condition related to the need for a service dog
• Contact information for three (3) personal references outside of your partner, immediate family, or providers (email address preferred)
• Documentation of military service (an official memo signed by applicant’s commanding officer is required of active duty servicemen/women; or a copy of DD-214 is required for retired/separated/inactive servicemen/women)

Once your application is received, you will receive a request to submit the following:

• Background check authorization form (felony convictions, history of domestic violence, sexual offenses, or animal mistreatment/abuse/neglect/cruelty are ineligible for our program)
• PCL-M/PTSD checklist (if claiming military service-connected PTSD)
• Release of health information authorization form if applicable

For additional questions or concerns about the admissions process, please contact admissions@guidedogs.org or call our main number at 941-729-5665. For general questions about the organization, contact info@guidedogs.org.

While we provide all of our dogs and services at no cost to recipients, it costs tens of thousands of dollars per dog to breed, raise, and train our guide and service dogs and then follow up with our alumni for the life of the team.

Southeastern Guide Dogs provides its dogs and training to students free of charge. The school will provide the dog, equipment, training, housing, and most meals during your training. Southeastern Guide Dogs will offer your guide dog high-quality food, monthly preventatives, vaccinations, and the annual veterinary wellness visit – free of charge. However, you must have the ability to financially cover your guide dog’s other veterinary expenses and general expenses such as treats, toys, crate, dog bed, etc.

Our guide dog students join us for 20 days at our Palmetto, FL campus. We offer private, single occupancy rooms, with a private bathroom, single bed, walk-in showers, closets, small refrigerators in each room, flat-screen televisions with cable, a desk for working, wireless access, and much, much more. We have two chefs on staff that provide healthy and delicious meals for our students. They’re happy to accommodate any special dietary requests.

We also provide guide dog training in pre-approved applicants’ home communities, depending on the circumstances, and the length of training time varies, depending on the person’s previous guide dog experience and skill level. This training takes place in neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and communities.

We do our best to match our guide dogs with qualified applicants as quickly as possible. After your paperwork has been turned in and your application approved, the waiting period ranges from about two months to one year, with an average of six months.

The timing of approval of your initial application depends on how quickly we receive your paperwork, including information we must receive from the providers named on your application.

After approval, factors that affect your waiting period include identifying just the right dog to fit your needs, with your unique lifestyle, activity level, and pace taken into consideration. If you are particular about requesting a specific breed, gender, or coat color, then your waiting period may be extended.

We offer guide dogs to mature teens ages 15 and up, and recommend that teens attend our Guide Dog Camp to help make this important decision.

For children of any age with vision loss, we offer our skilled Kids Companion Dogs. These dogs are considered adopted pets and build a bridge between the child of today and the guide dog handler of tomorrow. The child gains confidence and learns the responsibilities of caring for a dog of their own, as well as a new best friend.

Mature teens aged 15 – 17 may apply to our youth guide dog program, and adults 18 and up may apply to our guide dog program, with no upper age limit.

There is no upper age limit at Southeastern. We require that our students be physically capable of working and controlling a large breed dog (60-90 lbs.).

O&M, or Orientation and Mobility training is training that teaches an individual to navigate and work with a white cane. It is an important step for any visually impaired individual to learn how to travel safely without a dog, before they can travel safely with a dog. This training is usually offered through a Lighthouse for the Blind, Center for the Visually Impaired, or other organization that offers rehabilitation services for the visually impaired.

Because of our community of supporters, we operate the most advanced training facilities of any service dog organization in the world. It takes two years to raise and train each dog, and we combine art and science to create the healthiest, smartest dogs through our data-driven genetics and reproduction program. We start training our puppies when they are just days old, and at eight weeks, the second phase of training begins as we send our puppies home with volunteer puppy raisers to learn basic cues and skills, house manners, and socialization.

At Canine University, our dogs begin college-level training with certified instructors to learn advanced skills for their future careers. Before they graduate, guide dogs learn over 40 cues and skills, and service dogs learn about 15 to 20. Some dogs enroll in careers in our special programs for veterans and children, because here, every dog makes a difference.

It depends. Each teen guide dog placement (for teens 15-17 years old) is tailored to the particular teen based on their specific needs, maturity, and ability to safely and effectively care for and work with, a dog. Some placements may be done at home, some on-campus, and others are a combination of the two.

For those interested in learning and experiencing more, we have a special program tailored for teen guide dog students (Guide Dog Camp). That’s the best way to really understand what can work best for the teen, and get an idea of everything involved to have a successful guide dog experience.

While we provide all of our dogs and services at no cost to recipients, it costs tens of thousands of dollars per dog to breed, raise, and train our guide and service dogs and then follow up with our alumni for the life of the team.

Southeastern Guide Dogs provides its dogs and training to students free of charge. The school will provide the dog, equipment, training, housing and most meals during your training. Southeastern Guide Dogs will offer your service dog high-quality food, monthly preventatives, vaccinations, and the annual veterinary wellness visit – free of charge. However, you must have the ability to financially cover your service dog’s other veterinary expenses and general expenses such as treats, toys, crate, dog bed, etc.

Our service dogs restore independence, combat loneliness and anxiety, and bring light to the darkness of PTSD. They can interrupt nightmares and flashbacks, turn on a light in a darkened room, and indicate when someone approaches from behind. Their physical touch and presence create positive emotional responses. With unconditional love and loyalty, they become battle buddies for the veterans who need them and can help restore stability and wellbeing. With a dog by their side, veterans share powerful stories of renewed connections with loved ones and society once again.

Eligibility: To qualify for our service dog program, the applicant must:

• Be retired or inactive military, or approaching retirement within the next 3 months
• MUST have an honorable discharge
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Reside in the United States
• Have NO felony convictions, NO history/charges of violent crime, domestic violence, sexual offenses, animal mistreatment/abuse/neglect/cruelty, or protection orders against you
• If an applicant has a history of substance abuse (drugs and/or alcohol), a health professional must provide documentation of sobriety *Please note: a minimum of one (1) year sustained sobriety required
• Have no more than two other dogs at the residence
• Have the cognitive ability to learn training concepts and apply them consistently
• Have the financial ability to cover the expenses associated with the proper maintenance and care for the life of a service dog
• Be able to demonstrate the physical and mental ability to consistently handle, work, and exercise a 50-80 lb service dog
• Be able to demonstrate a need for assistance for one or more of the following challenges: PTSD*, mobility assistance, or seizures. *PLEASE NOTE: If applying for PTSD assistance, it MUST be military service-connected and the applicant MUST be in current treatment with a mental health professional
• Be able to provide a safe, loving, healthy, and stable home for a service dog
• Have an appropriate family/friends support system
• Pass a phone interview with a certified service dog trainer
• Pass an in-home interview with a certified service dog trainer
• Be able to complete a rigorous training course and reside in our campus dorm in Palmetto, FL for 12 days
• Be able to maintain a relationship and communication with Southeastern Guide Dogs for the duration of the dog/handler partnership

Please be aware that an applicant with any of the following conditions is NOT eligible for our programs:

• Any applicant who has had attempts or thoughts of self-harm within the past year
• Any applicant currently receiving dialysis treatment

The waiting period varies depending on how long it takes for paperwork to be submitted and any unique requirements an individual may need from a dog. On average, the waiting period is six months to a year.

The training class is 12 days, with travel days on day 1 and day 12. During that time, we offer private, single occupancy rooms with a private bath, double bed, walk-in showers, closets, small refrigerators in each room, flat-screen TVs with cable, a desk, wireless access, and much, much more. Two on-staff chefs provide healthy and delicious meals for our students, and they are happy to accommodate any special dietary requests.

Our admissions process:

1. The application is received and processed. Documents and authorizations are requested from the applicant. Once received back, questionnaires are sent to the applicant’s provider(s) and references via fax, email, or USPS to begin establishing the applicant’s eligibility and learn about the need(s) for a service dog.

2. Once all reports are returned and the paper file is complete, a background check will be run and the applicant’s file has its first review.

3. If the initial review is approved, a phone interview will be scheduled. Once a phone interview is passed, an in-home interview will be scheduled with the applicant.

4. If the home interview is passed the applicant is accepted into the program and notified via telephone. Approved applicants then wait to be matched with the appropriate dog by the training team and will be invited to a training class by the admissions department. When invited to class, every effort is made to provide a minimum 30-day notice prior to the class start date.

*Please note that the first phase of the application process can take several months to complete. This time frame depends on many factors, such as the accuracy of contact information provided by the applicant and speed of paperwork submission by providers and references. In the meantime, if you experience a change in your contact or provider information, please advise admissions as soon as possible so that we may keep your information current.

If at any time during the application process, it is determined that the applicant does not qualify for the program, the applicant will be notified via letter.

Applicants must complete our Service Dog Application in full. This application includes:

• Contact information for the applicant’s current mental health provider (full name, address, phone, fax) if requesting assistance for military service-connected PTSD
• Contact information for the applicant’s current primary care provider (full name, address, phone, fax)
• Contact information for the applicant’s current specialty care provider (full name, address, phone, fax) if the specialist is treating a condition related to the need for a service dog
• Contact information for three (3) personal references outside of your partner, immediate family, or providers (email address preferred)
• Documentation of military service (an official memo signed by applicant’s commanding officer is required of active duty servicemen/women; or a copy of DD-214 is required for retired/separated/inactive servicemen/women)

Once your application is received, you will receive a request to submit the following:

• Background check authorization form (felony convictions, history of domestic violence, sexual offenses, or animal mistreatment/abuse/neglect/cruelty are ineligible for our program)
• PCL-M/PTSD checklist (if claiming military service-connected PTSD)
• Release of health information authorization form if applicable

The minimum age is 18, with no maximum age. Handlers must physically be able to care for a large-breed dog and must be able to keep up with a fairly rigorous training schedule.

Because of our community of supporters, we operate the most advanced training facilities of any service dog organization in the world. It takes two years to raise and train each dog, and we combine art and science to create the healthiest, smartest dogs through our data-driven genetics and reproduction program. We start training our puppies when they are just days old, and at eight weeks, the second phase of training begins as we send our puppies home with volunteer puppy raisers to learn basic cues and skills, house manners, and socialization.

At Canine University, our dogs begin college-level training with certified instructors to learn advanced skills for their future careers. Before they graduate, guide dogs learn over 40 cues and skills, and service dogs learn about 15 to 20. Some dogs enroll in careers in our special programs for veterans and children, because here, every dog makes a difference.

It costs tens of thousands of dollars to breed, raise, train, place, and provide follow-up support services to our alumni.

Because of the generosity and kindness of individual donors, business partners, foundations, fundraisers, and volunteers, we can provide all of our dogs and services at no cost. We are extremely thankful for the entire Southeastern Guide Dogs family for this ongoing support.

Since 1982, Southeastern Guide Dogs has been providing all of our dogs and services at no charge to the people who need them. We operate with the highest standards of financial accountability and have achieved stellar ratings by these outside organizations that evaluate nonprofits.

Our accreditations and endorsements from these premier organizations speak volumes.

• GreatNonprofits – Top-Rated – Recognized by the only people’s choice award where volunteers, donors, and people served by nonprofits share stories of inspiration to earn this coveted award.
• Charity Navigator – Four Stars – Achieving the highest possible rating based on financial health, accountability, and transparency. (Note that Southeastern Guide Dogs is the highest rated guide dog school of any listed in Charity Navigator.)
• GuideStar – Platinum Seal of Transparency – Achieving a high level of transparency based on data and disclosure.
• America’s Best Charities – Best in America Seal of Excellence – Awarded to charitable organizations that meet the highest standards of public accountability, program efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
• International Guide Dog Federation – Accredited – Adhering to and exceeding world benchmarks of the highest quality standards.
• Assistance Dogs International – Accredited – Adhering to and exceeding standards of excellence in all areas of assistance dog acquisition, training, and partnership.

To review our financial reports, click here.

Thanks for your interest! You can sign up for Walkathon at www.guidedogswalkathon.org.

What a great idea—and thanks! Click here for more information about fundraising events and resources. After reviewing this information, if you still have questions please email fundraise@guidedogs.org.

Thank you for your interest in adopting a dog from Southeastern Guide Dogs. First, please read all our FAQs to familiarize yourself with our adoption program. If you decide to move forward with the commitment that comes with dog ownership, please submit a Public Adoption Application.

There is a $5,000 cost recovery fee required for the public adoption of a Southeastern Guide Dog. This fee helps us recuperate the costs incurred during the dog’s time in our program including medical expenses, vaccinations, and basic care. Your support will help us continue to breed, raise, and train extraordinary dogs for people with vision loss, veterans with disabilities, and children with significant challenges.

No—dogs adopted from our school are not working service animals—they are first and foremost pets. They do not have public access rights, which means they are welcome to visit pet-friendly places and outdoor spaces, but not restaurants, grocery stores, or concerts, for example.

All dogs available for public adoption have been evaluated for many different working careers and were not found to be suitable for careers as working dogs. Adoptive families can attempt to certify their dog to do therapy work, but these dogs are not permitted to be task trained to be used as working guides, service dogs, alert dogs, or any other type of working dog with public access rights. We also do not make any guarantees that our public adoption dogs will be suited for therapy work.

Dogs available for public adoption are Labradors or goldadors, a cross between a Lab and a golden. These dogs are pets—they have not met the very strict standards required to be successful guide or service dogs and do not meet the criteria for other professions. Reasons may include fear of children or animals, small animal or people distraction, or medical concerns that exclude them from a career. The dog’s personality and special needs will be discussed with prospective families before adoptions are finalized, ensuring a good match is made for each dog.

Southeastern Guide Dogs is committed to finding alternative careers before placing a dog up for public adoption. As a result, we may have few dogs available for adoption at any given time. Families with fewer breed/color restrictions or those willing to adopt a dog with medical issues usually experience placement more quickly. The current waiting list is 1 – 2 years.

Most dogs that are available for public adoption have learned basic skills. “Sit,” “stay,” and other basic cues have been taught from a very young age. Note that dogs available for public adoption are in various stages of training, with a range of behavioral skills.

Dogs available for public adoption have been house trained.

In most cases, the medical issues for adoptive dogs are not severe. All medical issues will be discussed with adoptive prospects before the adoption is finalized. In many instances, the problem will never develop into a major issue, but it is possible that a dog with medical needs may require veterinary attention during its life. It is important to consider the possible financial implications that come with adopting a dog that may need veterinary care.

Behavioral reasons for transferring a dog out of the training program can range in severity, and include behaviors such as dog distraction, overly high energy, or low confidence in novel environments. Regardless of the reason for transfer, many of our dogs will enjoy staying active with you! They are highly food-motivated and would benefit from continuing training using positive reinforcement methods. At Southeastern Guide Dogs, we only use positive reinforcement, and we do not support harsh or aggressive training methods, such as shock collars.

Southeastern Guide Dogs is committed to quality placements. If you are not willing or able to accept a dog with medical concerns, simply let us know by marking it appropriately on your application. Keep in mind that families that are willing to accept this responsibility traditionally have a dog placed more quickly.
Should you consider a dog with medical issues, we will share with you any medical concerns before you adopt a dog to help you make a reasonably informed decision.

A majority of the dogs available for public adoption are between 1½ to 2 years old. Occasionally, older retired working dogs or puppies under a year may become available for adoption.

While we make every attempt to match your preferences to the available dogs, we do not allow the public to select their own dogs. We carefully identify the strengths of each dog and match them with families, taking into consideration the history of the dog, personality, medical concerns, and behaviors.

Your name will be added to our applicant pool. When a dog becomes available, our staff will email you to let you know about the available dog. At that time, you’ll need to communicate your interest in the dog and then make arrangements to visit the school and meet the dog.

If you decide you are no longer interested in adopting a dog, please let us know so we can remove you from our waiting list.

Florida Lab Rescue has a wonderful program for the adoption of rescued labs. Gulf Coast Golden Retriever Rescue has a wonderful program for the adoption of rescued goldens. You can visit their websites to determine if this is a viable alternative for you.

There is a maximum of a 75-mile driving distance to our campus.

It is important to note that in addition to bringing the dog to campus for breeding and whelping, you will need to:

• attend routine health & wellness exams at our campus
• maintain the dog’s obedience
• continue to further your knowledge regarding our breeders and guidelines

Females can be in the colony for up to 4 litters, while males typically have 8-10 litters. The average age of retirement is around 5-6 years, but dogs may be retired earlier or later for various reasons.

Southeastern Guide Dogs maintains ownership of the dog even though the breeder lives with the breeder host. Upon retirement, the breeder host will have the option to adopt the dog.

Three personal pets are allowed in a host’s home. All personal pets must receive the vaccinations required by the Genetics and Reproduction department, plus heartworm, and flea/tick preventatives before a breeder is placed in their home.

Females are bred one to two times per year (residing on campus for about one month for breeding and then three months for whelping), while males can be bred multiple times a year.

All breeders are required to receive veterinary care at the Barpal Veterinary Center on campus, except in an emergency.

When space allows, breeders may board on campus, or they may be sat by one of our sitters or breeder host applicants. You may also have a family member or friend take care of them, so long as they follow Southeastern Guide Dogs’ guidelines. Breeders cannot be boarded at private or commercial boarding facilities.

Yes! Southeastern Guide Dogs’ breeders are selected for their superior genetics and excellent health and temperament. Our wonderful puppy raisers have raised all breeders. If breeders were not selected for the breeding colony, they would have gone on to become working dogs.

No, once a dog has been selected as a breeder, he or she cannot attend puppy raising meetings. Those meetings are focused on the puppies in the program, and the breeders could be distracting.

Absolutely! Breeder hosts may raise a puppy of the same sex of the breeder since the dogs are intact.

If the breeder has been in the breeding colony for at least a year, the breeder host may adopt the dog at no cost. If the breeder retires within a year, there is a possibility he/she can go back into our training program. If the host declines to adopt the breeder, the puppy raiser has the option to adopt the retired breeder.

If you choose to adopt your breeder dog once it is retired, you will sign the necessary paperwork to adopt the dog formally, and we will ask you to bring him/her to campus every two years for eye exams and health and wellness exams. If you move out of the area, we ask that you mail proof that a Veterinarian has performed these exams in your area.

Specific color and other physical characteristic requests of breeders cannot be fulfilled. Breeders are matched with applicants based on their compatibility.

Our breeding colony consists mostly of Labrador retrievers, but we do have some goldadors (Lab x golden crosses) as well.