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Public Adoption

Guiding Eyes Public Adoption Program

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN OUR program

We are not accepting new applications for the Released Dog Program at this time.

Thank you for your interest in adopting one of our wonderful dogs. Due to long wait times and an overabundance of applicants, we are no longer accepting new requests for any category of released dog, whether puppy, adult, or retired guide. We encourage you to check this page periodically for updates, as this information may change at any time.

Priority Adoption

Guiding Eyes relies 100% on donations to fulfill our mission of providing guide dogs to visually impaired individuals. Sponsors making a charitable gift of $25,000. (for adult dogs), or $7500. (for puppies), will be considered for an expedited adoption. We refer to this as a Priority Adoption. For more information about our Priority Adoption Program only, please contact Margaret Rooney at mrooney@guidingeyes.org.

At Guiding Eyes for the Blind, our experienced staff evaluates all of our dogs for potential guide work. Those not selected for guide work make wonderful pets!  Please note that dogs that are adopted as pets cannot be used as service animals with public access privileges.

At this time, we are only accepting new applications for:

  • Labradors and German Shepherds aged 1-4 years old with a medical condition or training issue that prevents them from doing guide work
  • German Shepherd puppies (aged 8-12 weeks old)
  • Labrador puppies with a medical condition

Interested in adopting a dog from one of the above categories?  Please email adoptions@guidingeyes.org.

 

Please Note:  We are not currently accepting applications for Lab puppies without medical issues, for young adult Labs and Shepherds without a medical or training issue, or for retired guide dogs.

Guiding Eyes for the Blind

Puppy Adoption Application

  • As of Jan 1, 2024, the adoption fee for puppies is $3500.
  • Applicants must be 21 years of age or older.
  • Other pets in the home must be spayed or neutered and current on vaccines and flea/tick/heartworm preventatives.
  • ALL ADULTS IN THE HOME MUST BE IN AGREEMENT ABOUT ADOPTING.








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Preferences
Please check the preferred characteristics for the dog you wish to adopt.


















Behavioral Issue Elaboration

An energetic dog who requires ample daily exercise and mental stimulation. May also be excitable and jump up during greetings or pull on leash in exciting environments, or be “busy” and need help learning to settle in the house.

Separation anxiety happens when a dog that's hyper-attached to their owner gets super-stressed when left alone.

Typically, a confident dog needing clear leadership. May include dogs who can get easily excited or over-stimulated, leading to jumpy and mouthy behavior, such as grabbing clothing, putting their mouths on people’s hands/arms, or avoiding having their collar grabbed (playing “keep away”). These dogs may be more independent or not as eager to please. Some may also be sensitive to having their body handled during grooming or vet procedures. The ideal placement does not have small children and can provide consistent boundaries, structure, and continued obedience training.

Dogs lacking confidence generally have more sensitive personalities and require a handler who can support them through patient training. Dogs of this type may be fearful, shy, or nervous in certain environmental situations, or around unusual objects, loud noises, or unfamiliar dogs or people.

May include: alert barking to noises or objects/people, attention-seeking barking at people, barking when left in a crate, barking when excited or frustrated.

Dog can become excited around other dogs and/or people and/or other things in the environment such as birds, cats, squirrels, etc. May pull on leash, jump up, bark with excitement, or be difficult to refocus on the handler. Typically needs continued training and management, along with time to mature. 

Typically friendly with people, dog is uncomfortable around other dogs and may avoid other dogs or may growl/snap/bark when they approach. Dog may need careful introduction to other dogs. Can also be a dog who shows resource guarding around other dogs. The ideal placement has no other dogs in the home and is able to avoid interactions with unknown dogs. Not placed in homes with other dogs, or where other dogs visit often.

Not suitable for living with a cat or other small uncaged animals. Dog may chase cats or other small animals.  Usually compatible with other dogs unless otherwise noted.

May include: inappropriate chewing, counter surfing, picking up inappropriate items (shoes, remote, paper, etc.), playing keep-away with stolen items.  These dogs require additional training and consistent supervision in the home.

Dog growls or snaps when a person or dog attempts to take food, toy, or another high-value item.  Some dogs will only resource guard towards other dogs, some only towards people, some dogs to both. Some dogs will only guard food, others only toys.  This is managed with training and household structure to avoid these situations. Typically, not placed in homes with young children.
PLEASE ASSIST US IN MATCHING THE PERSONALITY OF A RELEASED DOG WITH YOUR FAMILY. 





















Medical Condition Elaboration

Some examples of orthopedic issues include hip or elbow dysplasia, cruciate rupture, luxating patella, and osteochondritis. Dog should maintain a lean body weight and avoid concussive activities. Normal exercise is fine, as it is important to maintain muscle. Swimming is an excellent form of low impact exercise for dogs with orthopedic conditions.

Allergies can present as more chronic skin or ear infections. Management may include special diets, medications, bathing, and more frequent vet visits to address flare ups.

Dog may have a history of vomiting bile on an empty stomach, chronic vomiting or diarrhea. Underlying causes may include food sensitivity, gastritis or irritable bowel syndrome. May require medication and/or additional ongoing veterinary care and diagnostics.


Some examples of eye conditions may include corneal lipid dstrophy, iris cysts, conjunctivitis that may be seasonal or year-round requiring veterinary oversight and medication and cataracts. Some eye conditions are relatively inconsequential as a pet, but there is possibility of progression.

Examples of this may include but are not limited to congenital malformations or traumatic injuries affecting limbs or organs.

Dog may have a murmur, arrhythmia, valvular disease and could require medication and/or follow up cardiologist examinations.

Tremors may be intermittent and mild or more pronounced. Seizure management may require follow up care with a neurologist and medication depending on frequency.

References
Please supply contact information for three references in support of your adoption application. One should be your veterinarian, if you have one, and the other two must be personal references FROM PERSONS NOT RELATED TO YOU.
Reference 1: Veterinary




Reference 2: Personal


Reference 3: Personal


Puppy Statement
  • I understand that I am applying to adopt an 8-12 week old puppy with no formal training.
  • I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to provide the love, obedience training, and socialization opportunities necessary for the puppy’s best development.
  • I understand that Guiding Eyes for the Blind has determined that this dog is best suited to be a pet and may not be used as a guide dog or service dog nor have public access privileges as an emotional support animal. 

Guiding Eyes for the Blind is not able to provide status updates for individual applications.