Get a Life-Changing Guide Dog at No Cost
For over 40 years, Dogs Inc has been training guide dogs and providing them at no cost.
What does this mean for you?
A guide dog from Dogs Inc means life-changing independence and confidence, and you don’t pay anything.
From shopping for groceries independently to traveling across the country, our dogs lead the way to places that may have once felt out of reach.
“I want to say thank you to Dogs Inc. I would have never thought that a dog could have been matched with me as well as Jen is. Now that I have Jen, I don’t know what I do without her.”
-MacKenzie with Guide Dog Jen
How We Can Help
Extraordinary Dogs
Every guide dog begins learning at just two days old. As puppies, we socialize and expose them to the world, instilling confidence and resilience.
Guide dogs learn about 40 advanced skills at the hands of expert instructors. Next, it’s time for you to learn what they’ve already mastered. That’s why we train you, too!
Harness on? They love to work. Harness off? You’ve got yourself a companion, ready for belly rubs and snuggles.
Purposeful Matches
Our instructors get to know your lifestyle and personality, matching you with a dog that meets your individual needs. Accounting for pace, size, demeanor, and many other factors, every match is carefully considered, ensuring that your guide dog will be an excellent fit.
Once you arrive on campus, you’ll meet your dog and instructor. With a low instructor-to-student ration, you’ll get the attention you need to feel confident in taking the next step toward independence.
Ongoing Support
Hope, independence, and freedom shouldn’t come with a price tag. That’s why we provide your world-class dog, premium dog food, annual veterinary care, and monthly flea and tick preventatives for free.
Since we understand that a guide dog partnership is an ongoing journey, we also offer online, phone, and in-home support, financial help for unexpected vet costs, and free rideshare credits through Uber or Uber Pets. You focus on living your life to the fullest—we’ll take care of the rest.
Learn more about our alumni support here.
Who Can Get a Guide Dog?
To receive a guide dog, applicants must:
- Have a visual impairment
- Complete Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training
- Be at least 15 years old
- Be able to care for a dog
- Provide a safe and happy home
What You Can Expect
From application to match day, guide dog candidates experience an average waiting period of 6-12 months.
1 APPLY – Submit application
2 FORMS – Submit required physician forms
3 INTERVIEWS – Complete phone and home interviews
4 REVIEW – If accepted, you will be notified
5 MATCH – Meet your dog on your 21-day campus stay
Guide Dogs for Teens
If you’re a parent of, or a teen between 15 and 19 years old with vision loss, a guide dog can be a powerful partner. Many of our teen guide dog recipients thrive in high school, college, and the workforce all with the support and companionship of a highly skilled guide dog from Dogs Inc.
We understand teens have strict school schedules and busy extracurriculars, so we work with you to ensure you and your guide dog receive the training and support needed to succeed.
Your Stay on Campus
Your dog has already trained for about two years, and now it’s your turn to learn. Our training course is designed to set you and your dog up for success.
Before your campus stay, you’ll prep online in our Path to Partnership Courses that provide a helpful foundation.
Then, you join us in-person for 20 days on our beautiful Palmetto, Florida, campus.
You’ll enjoy amenities like a private room and patio, chef-prepared meals, gym access, and free Wi-Fi. With team members on-site 24/7, our hospitality team is committed to making your visit feel like home.
“The three weeks on campus were life-changing, not just because of my dog. Every single person I met in the Dogs Inc family made me feel warm inside. It felt like every person I met was doing this because they knew the impact they were having. They enjoyed the work, they enjoyed the people, and they obviously enjoyed the dogs. It just felt so warm and inviting, and I’m grateful to have gotten to experience that.”
-Zane Rich with Guide Dog Surfer
Guide Dog Testimonials
Dogs of Destiny: A Walk to Freedom
Sky's the Limit
Lights. Camera. Hope! As Julianna’s vision declined, it felt like the curtain was closing on her independence. But when guide dog Sky was cast as her co-star, her next act became her most exciting yet.
Ground Control
High above the clouds, pilot Barry Hyde felt weightless and free…until the tragic crash that nearly took his life. Robbed of his eyesight and his ability to fly, Barry never lost his passion for the skies. As an aviation safety analyst with the Federal Aviation Administration, it’s only fitting that his guide dog is named Bravo.
The Smooth Crew
Gary Ernneus’ life was on track until the day an inmate threw hot liquid in this corrections officer’s face, burning his eyes and blinding him for life. The world went dark, and thoughts of suicide came flooding in. Guide dog Tahoe lightens Gary’s world, so cool and in sync you won’t hear them coming down the street!
Dogs Inc is committed to providing equal opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), marital status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.
