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Apply for a Guide Dog

A Guiding Eyes guide dog will help you gain the independence, confidence and freedom you need to experience all of life’s adventures.

A Life-Changing Partnership

Making the Right Match

We are delighted that you are considering joining the Guiding Eyes family by applying for a guide dog. Our graduates will tell you that we take great care to pair the right guide dog with the right student – it’s an art and a science. To help ensure that Guiding Eyes is right for you, please review the eligibility requirements below.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to apply for a Guiding Eyes guide dog, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You are legally blind
  • You are over 16 years of age (Please note that you can apply earlier, but should be 16 before you enter training.)
  • You live in the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico (Residents of other countries should visit the International Guide Dog Federation.)
  • You walk outdoors regularly, unaccompanied and independently using a white cane
  • You can be responsible for the care of a dog
  • You have completed Orientation & Mobility training

 

If you are eligible, please proceed to the Application Form below. Not sure if you are eligible? Have further questions?  We are here to support you every step of the way.  Contact the Admissions Department at:

 

Toll free: 800-942-0149, extension 2222

914-243-2222

admissions@guidingeyes.org

Fax 914-243-2232

Application Form

Visit our Application and Forms page to access our online application and application documents. These include the medical and vision forms which can be printed from a PDF format. If you would prefer to receive a hard copy application packet through the mail, please contact the Admissions Department. The wait time once we receive your application can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please contact the Admissions Department to discuss further.

 

Once your completed application is received, the Admissions Department will contact you to review your application and answer any questions you may have about the process.

References & Background Checks

As part of the application process, you will receive an email which includes an attachment or link to the Release of Information form. If a paper application is requested, the Release of Information form will be included in the paperwork received. This form allows Guiding Eyes to contact your references, including medical doctors, Orientation & Mobility Instructor, a previous guide dog school, if applicable, or other professionals for supporting information we might need.

 

Guiding Eyes may conduct criminal background checks on applicants. Contact the Admissions Department if you would like to provide us with background information that will assist in these areas. Any information collected during the application process will be kept confidential.

Medical Form

The medical form must be completed and signed by your primary care physician and should be faxed, mailed, or e-mailed directly to Guiding Eyes. Our nurse will call you to go over any medical information. Visit Application and Forms. 


Please note that your medical exam must have occurred within the last year. We also ask that you try to get your medical form to us within four months of submitting an application, so that your wait time is not impacted.

Vision Assessment Form

The vision assessment form should be completed by your eye doctor or primary care physician and returned directly to Guiding Eyes. If you have a copy of a recent eye exam or certificate of blindness, you may send it to us in place of the vision form. Please note that you do not need to complete the vision form if you are a graduate of Guiding Eyes. Visit Application and Forms.

Home Interview

Once your application is received, a member of our field representative staff will contact you to schedule an in-person interview with you at your home. This interview allows us to get to know you better, understand your needs for a guide dog, and give you the opportunity to ask questions and learn as much as you can about our training program.

 

During this process, the representative will also be gathering information that will eventually help us match you to a guide dog. With your permission, the representative will take video of you during the interview process.

Application Decision

A completed application includes the signed release, medical report, vision report if applicable, references, home interview, and any other supporting documents and materials. Once we receive your completed application, our Admissions Committee will review it and inform you of the decision, either by phone call letting you know that you have been approved or by letter stating the reasons for the denial of your application.

Appeal Process

You have the right to appeal the decision of the Admissions Committee if you feel it is unfair based on incomplete information or misinformation. If you wish to appeal the Admissions Committee decision, please notify the Admissions Department in writing that you disagree with the Committee’s decision, stating the reason for your disagreement along with supporting evidence. This can be mailed or e-mail to us. This letter, along with your file, will be considered by the Committee, and you will be contacted as soon as a final decision is made.

Additional Resources

Visit Agencies Serving the Blind for additional information and support.