Retired Dog Policies

Retired dogs include those retiring from active guide work at Guiding Eyes or an affiliated organization, as well as those retiring from the breeding program. The age of retirement varies considerably and is completely dependent upon a number of factors related to the dog’s health, age and situation. As with released dogs, some retired dogs may be placed in another program, or with an organization affiliated with Guiding Eyes.

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.
• There is a long waiting list of applicants to adopt retired Guide dogs. The same process described in the Public Adoption section is followed, except that the placement profile is filled out by Guiding Eyes staff familiar with the dog.

Released/Retired Breeders

Breeders retiring with less than 12 months of active status

• Breeding dogs released or retired within 12 months of active status may be returned to train as a guide dog, dog for special needs clients, or detection.
• If a released/retired breeder is not used in another program, the dog will be available for adoption.  The right of first refusal will go to eligible puppy raisers and then eligible fosters. Please see Brood/Stud Retirement Policies for more information.

Breeders retiring AFTER 12  or more months of active status

• If a volunteer foster has had the dog for more than12 consecutive months, the foster is given first option to adopt.
• If a foster declines to adopt the dog, then eligible raisers will be given the option to adopt, starting with the most recent raiser.
• If eligible fosters and/or raisers decline to adopt the dog, it will be placed into the Guiding Eyes Public Adoption program.

Retired detection dogs

• The person responsible for the dog throughout its career is given 1st option of adopting or placing the dog with a family member or close friend. These adoptions are handled through the affiliated organization that trained the dog.
• Retired detection dogs are usually placed a significant distance from Guiding Eyes, and often not returned to Guiding Eyes for placement. However, if the dog is returned to Guiding Eyes, the raiser will be offered the right of first refusal before placing the dog with a Public Adoption applicant.