Raiser Adoption

Dogs that are released from Guiding Eyes, or released from an affiliated program and returned to Guiding Eyes, will enter our adoption program. As a raiser, you often have first option to adopt a dog that you raised, providing you meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You are able to meet the specific needs of the dog as determined by Guiding Eyes.
• You were the primary raiser for a consecutive period of at least 6 months. This eligibility does not extend to other family members, friends, or secondary raisers.
• If the dog was in the breeding program with a foster for 12 months or more, the foster has first option to adopt. See Brood/Stud Retirement Policies for additional information.
• If there are multiple primary raisers, the final raiser (if they had the dog at least 6 months) has first option to adopt. If that person does not adopt, then the most recent previous raiser having the dog at least 6 months is given the option to adopt.

Adopter requirements

If you decide to adopt the dog you raised, you must agree to a number of conditions when you sign the Raiser Final Report, including the following:

• You are the only person who may adopt the dog you raised. Passing the dog to a relative or friend is not permitted and will violate your agreement with Guiding Eyes. If you are unable to continue to provide a good home for the adopted dog, you must contact cdc@guidingeyes.org to return the dog. In these circumstances, if you have a recommendation for an outside adopter for the dog, Guiding Eyes will consider them if you provide us with the name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of the proposed adopter, along with your recommendation of their ability to care for the needs of the dog. In all circumstances, Guiding Eyes retains the right to decide final placement of the dog.
• You must keep Guiding Eyes updated on any changes in your contact information, so that we can continue to gather important health and genetic information on the dog.
• When the dog passes away, you must provide Guiding Eyes with the date and cause of death for genetic planning purposes.

Retired Detection Dogs

Guiding Eyes reserves the right to place dogs who are eligible for detection work with an affiliated agency. Should the dog be deemed not suitable at any time, the puppy raiser is given right of first refusal for adoption under the released dog policy.

Retired Guide Dogs Not Used in Another Program

The graduate has first option of adopting the retired guide dog, or placing the dog with an approved adopter who is a close friend or family member of the graduate.

If the graduate chooses not to adopt the dog, it is returned to Guiding Eyes. The puppy raiser will be contacted to determine their interest in adopting.

Adoption Considerations

After raising a puppy to maturity, it is natural to think of them as part of our family. Every dog has a special place in our heart. Although we may think no one will love and care for the dog as much as we do, your primary consideration should be the well-being and happiness of the dog. In making the decision of whether or not to adopt, please consider the following:

• Do I have the time to devote to continuing training, exercising, grooming, and caring for this dog?
• Do I have the financial resources necessary to provide for the veterinary care, medications, and special diet if required?
• Would I like to raise another puppy, and will that be possible with another dog in the house? Often an older, trained dog is a great teacher to the new pup. However, the time you will need to devote to the dogs will double. Also consider whether the released dog you are considering adopting has behavior or temperament traits that could be a negative influence on the puppy.

Making your decision

Hearing that your pup has been released inevitably creates feelings of disappointment and loss. It takes some time to adjust to the fact that the future we envisioned for the dog will not happen. You should take some time to sort through your thoughts and feelings to make the best decision for the dog and for your family. However, we ask that you make your decision as quickly as possible, so your dog does not spend a long time in the kennel. Therefore we ask that a decision be made within 5 days of being notified of your dog’s release. If you have questions about the decision, you can contact your Region Coordinator or Regional Manager. Also, the Manager, Released/Retired Dog Program is available to discuss the possible adoption opportunities and answer any questions you have.

 Released Dog Placement Profile

If you decide not to adopt the pup you raised, Guiding Eyes appreciates your help in identifying the right adopter for the dog by filling out a Raiser Final Report if you have not previously done so. Please send copies of the report to your Regional Manager and Region Coordinator.