About Our Organization: Guide Dogs for the Blind

Our Mission Guide Dogs for the Blind provides enhanced mobility to qualified individuals through partnership with dogs whose unique skills are developed and nurtured by dedicated volunteers and a professional staff.

Who We Are Guide Dogs for the Blind is a nonprofit, charitable organization which was established in 1942 to provide a safe means of mobility for people who are blind. Our dogs, training and services are provided free of charge to those we serve, thanks to the generosity of donors and support of volunteers. We operate two training facilities (one in San Rafael, California-20 miles north of San Francisco, another in Boring, Oregon-25 miles east of Portland), and have more than 1,000 puppy raising families throughout the western states.

Quality Care Guide Dog Puppies are whelped from our school’s own specially selected breeding stock. Breeding stock dogs live in the homes of volunteer custodians who provide dad-to-day care and plenty of love to these valuable dogs. During the early weeks of their lives, the pups are cared for by a professional and devoted kennel staff, and socialized by skilled group of volunteers who observe their temperaments, desire to please and willingness to learn. Our teams of veterinarians provide the finest care for our puppies and dogs through all stages of their development in or veterinary clinics.

Breeds Used Breeds used as guides: Labrador Retrievers German Shepherds Golden Retrievers

Dog Training Volunteer puppy raisers (youth 9 years and older as well as adults) nurture, love and prepare or puppies for their eventual training as Guide Dogs. Puppy raisers receive the pups when they are approximately 8 weeks old. The dogs are returned to our campuses when they are between 13 and 18 months old. Raisers housetrain the pups, teach them basic obedience and good manners, and above all, socialize them to the world by exposing them to all kinds of sights, sounds and smells: grocery stores, malls, public transportation, schools, restaurants, offices, etc.

Dog Training Continued Once the dogs have been returned to our school, they spend approximately five months in formal guide work training with professional license instructors. These instructors not only train the dogs, they instruct our students during class training as well. Guide Dog instructors on both campuses have completed three- year apprenticeships and passed rigorous license exams by the State of California.

Student Training and Services Students enrolled at our school come from throughout the United States and Canada to participate in our in- residence training program. They train with their dogs for up to a month in a variety of situations, from quiet country roads to busy metropolitan areas. Public graduation ceremonies mark the completion of this training, where puppy raisers are invited to officially present the Guide Dogs they had raised to their new partner.

Alumni Services Our alumni services include an extensive follow-up program in which all graduates are offered annual visits in their homes. Staff is always available for telephone counseling, advice and assistance, and personal visits are provided whenever necessary. Graduates also receive annual veterinary expense allowances to cover the basic healthcare costs of their guides.

Our Values We will be recognized in all that we do by our: Kindness towards people and animals, and respect for their dignity and well being. Innovation and openness to change Accountability for our actions and our resources Teamwork and good Communications Supportive and trusting work environment Honesty, integrity and fairness Professionalism balanced with humor.

What Can You Do? Respect the team-Always ask a Guide Dog handler if it is okay to pet their guide, and understand if they say no. A Guide Dog is responsible for leading someone who cannot see, and should never be distracted from that duty. Open your door-Access laws in the United States and Canada, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, permit guide dogs to accompany their handlers anywhere the general public is allowed, including taxis and buses, restaurants, hotels, etc.

Make a Difference You can help us fulfill our mission by contributing today. It is only through the generous support of our donors and volunteers that we can continue our charitable work. Call (800) for more info, or donate online at