Once a class of students arrive sat a school, instructors determine which available, fully trained guide dog is the best match for each classmate. Class sizes at the different schools range from six to twelve and sometimes more, and hopefully the faculty has a good understanding ahead of the class commencing of which dogs will perform best with which student (and vice versa). It’s not always perfect the first time around, and sometimes dogs get switched out mid-course. Some dogs that were great guides during training turn out to have some challenges once they start working with a student. Once a dog was placed with me at my home in New York, and though the dog was an excellent guide, he decided that relieving himself on pavement was not something he wanted to do. He held his bladder and bowels for days until he could not stand it anymore, and let go with a cataclysm of excretions. The dog was later paired with someone with a yard where he was able to relieve at will during off hours.
So assuming that, all things being equal and you have decided to hitch yourself to one of these amazing creatures. Now what?
When, as is usually the case, the match is a good one, a bond rapidly forms between dog and handler. With safety of both parties as the primary goal, instructors work to make sure each student not only trusts the dog to serve as guide but also that the dog trusts and is attentive to the handler’s wishes.
“How do I get a dog like that?” asked a young man inside the lobby of a Midtown Manhattan office building as I headed toward the exit. He was eyeing my lovely German shepherd service dog, Joy, who weighed about 80 lbs. and was a soft sable color. I wasn’t sure what to tell him other than suggesting he lose his sight, but I didn’t think that was an appropriate suggestion. Unwilling to engage in a long explanation (or any conversation), we hit the street, Joy in the lead.
There are about 15-20 guide dog schools across the U.S., in every region of the country, but just because one is closer to you than another, that doesn’t mean it’s the best one for you. Do your research: Look at their websites, try to find graduates, ask about their resources and funding and where they get their dogs. What kind of networks do they have, for fundraising, volunteers, alumni, equipment, staffing, etc.? Choose a few that appeal, and apply to all of them. They will all follow up and send someone to interview you at home or work to make sure you function well enough and are competent to handle one of their dogs. They’ll get doctor’s records and maybe seek references. Once you are accepted, then the waiting begins: that’s why you want to apply to more than one school. Every school has a waiting list as they work to match accepted graduates with a dog from their kennels that is a good match for everything from your temperament and walking pace to your environment and daily habits. Waiting times vary from a few months – very rare – to up to two years – also rare. For your first dog, be prepared to spend from two to four weeks in residence as you train hard daily to learn to be a safe and confident and competent dog handler – and after graduation, be prepared to find yourself back home with the awesome responsibility of caring for a very special dog to whom you have entrusted your life.
How Much Does A Guide Dog Cost?
The cost to put one guide dog team – as our guide dog recipients and their guide dogs are known – into service is $48,000. That cost include the breeding, raising, and training of the dog, instruction for the guide dog user, and instruction for the guide dog team. – GDA
Team Sponsor – $40,000 The ultimate sponsorship, which includes Puppy, Guide Dog, and Student Sponsor benefits, covers all expenses for both the guide dog and the student, including equipment. Receive a certificate and photo of the student/guide dog team, and invitation to attend Graduation Luncheon, with special recognition given at Graduation Ceremony. – GDD
Nothing … and $50,000. We always provide our dogs free of charge to people who can benefit from their partnership. This includes training, transportation to and from the school, room and board during the training program, and a lifetime of follow-up services. We estimate the cost to breed, raise, train, and match a Guiding Eyes dog with a person with vision loss to be approximately $50,000. Guiding Eyes receives no government funding and operates solely from public support. – GEB
It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog; however, all of the Foundations’ services are provided at no charge to the individual. – GDF
Pup to Partner: Sponsor a puppy throughout his or her journey to Fidelco Guide Dog with one of the many ways available to fund the $45,000 it costs us to breed, train, and place one of our highest quality German Shepherd Guide Dogs. – Fidelco
Many customers elect to contribute to some or all of their dog’s ongoing care, but this is not expected. The full cost of a guide dog from birth to retirement is over £55,000.
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Further information including how to apply and how you would be assessed can be found on Guide Dogs website.
Due to the generous donations of the general public, Guide Dogs are able to train and partner people with sightloss, with a guide dog at no cost.