Is a guide dog right for you?
At Dogs Inc, we believe in the power of partnership. Whether you’re seeking your first guide dog or are a returning graduate, our dogs are highly trained companions that provide independence, confidence, and mobility for people with visual impairments. Each partnership is built on dedication, love, and trust.
Considering getting a guide dog is a meaningful step. Please review the Guide Dog Eligibility Criteria below to see if you qualify. This is your opportunity to explore what’s possible.
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. Other offenses are evaluated based on their nature and severity.
- 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.
- 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.
