Dogs Inc Visitor Center at Lakewood Ranch
Hello, Neighbor!
We may be new to the neighborhood, but for more than 40 years, Dogs Inc has been changing lives through extraordinary guide and service dogs.
Here, you’ll discover inspiring stories, explore interactive experiences, and meet the remarkable dogs behind those life-changing partnerships.
Come say hello. We’d love to meet you.
Grand Opening Celebration
Saturday, October 24 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Join us as we open the doors to the Dogs Inc Visitor Center! Drop in anytime throughout the day to experience interactive exhibits, meet extraordinary dogs and the people whose lives they’ve changed, and celebrate with us.
Stop in all day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for activities:
- Meet ambassador dogs
- Learn about becoming a puppy raiser
- Chat with a Dogs Inc graduate
- Explore the Discovery Zone and gift shop
Guide and Service Dog Demonstrations
10:30 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. | 1:30 p.m. | 3:00 p.m.
Guide and service dogs welcome. No pets, please.
Visit our Lakewood Ranch Visitor Center
5815 Lakewood Ranch Blvd
Bradenton, FL 34202
Hours
Mon – Fri | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sat | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sun | Closed
Guide and service dogs welcome. No pets, please.
Discovery Zone
Stop by any time we’re open to visit our interactive Discovery Zone! Stroll through this interactive exhibit and find the wonder of our mission and how puppies become life-changing guide and service dogs.
Events Calendar
The events below are free and require no sign up.
Meet the Instructor
Ask our expert guide and service dog instructors questions in this group experience as you watch extraordinary dogs demonstrate essential skills. See retrievals, landmarking, hug, and more, all guided by our experienced instructors.
Service Dog Demonstrations
Watch extraordinary service dogs demonstrate the specialized skills they learn to support veterans with disabilities.
Guide Dog Demonstrations
Watch highly skilled guide dogs demonstrate the techniques they use to help people with vision loss navigate with greater independence.
Conversations with a Graduate
Meet a Dogs Inc graduate and their guide or service dog, hear their story, and discover the impact of life with a canine partner.
Scent Detection Demonstrations
Watch our service dogs demonstrate the specialized skills they use to alert people with type 1 diabetes to changes in blood sugar.
Puppy Raising Info Sessions
Meet the volunteers raising the next generation of guide and service dogs and learn how you can be part of a puppy’s journey.
Sit, Stay & Read!
Bring your favorite book and read to our puppies! Children are invited to share a story with our adorable furry friends. Join us every first and third Saturday from 10-11 a.m.
Fundraising with Friends of Dogs Inc
Turn your passion into hope. Meet our Friends of Dogs Inc team to learn how easy it is to create your own fundraiser and inspire friends and family to support life-changing dogs.
Beyond Sight Luncheon
A lunch unlike any other.
Join us for a unique dining experience that invites you to engage your senses in a whole new way and discover the life-changing impact of guide dogs.
While enjoying a delicious lunch and dessert, you’ll be invited to wear a blindfold and experience your meal through taste, touch, sound, and smell. Along the way, you’ll meet a graduate of our guide dog program and hear firsthand about the remarkable bond they share with their dog and the difference that partnership makes each day.
Wednesday, November 18 and Tuesday, December 15
