Guide Dog Foundation

To improve the quality of life for people who are blind, have low vision, or have other disabilities. In 1946, when the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind was founded, its mission was simple: to provide guide dogs and training – free of charge – to people who were blind or have low vision. For more than 75 years, the Guide Dog Foundation has trained and placed guide dogs and service dogs to provide increased independence and enhanced mobility to individuals who are blind, have low vision, or other disabilities. Once the decision is made to get a guide dog, applicants become part of the Foundations' open and welcoming community and are supported with an uncompromising commitment to excellence, from highly empathetic and certified trainers, to a meticulously constructed curriculum. The Guide Dog Foundation pairs each student with the dog that’s right for them – and the power of their bond makes ordinary moments extraordinary. Crossing the street independently becomes a moment of liberation. Traveling alone becomes a welcome adventure. Embracing new experiences becomes an everyday occurrence.

The Guide Dog Foundation raises and trains future guide dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired. We also proudly partner with our sister organization, America's VetDogs, which provides service dogs to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities. Because every guide and service dog is provided completely free of charge to the individual who needs one, we rely on dedicated volunteer puppy raisers and puppy campers to help prepare these exceptional dogs for their important careers. Volunteer puppy raisers welcome a puppy into their home for approximately the first year of its training. During that time, they are responsible for the puppy's health, well-being, basic obedience training, and socialization by introducing the puppy to a variety of people, environments, and everyday experiences. After completing this foundation stage, the dogs return to the Guide Dog Foundation's headquarters in Smithtown, New York, where they begin advanced training with professional instructors. Puppy campers provide temporary care for these future assistance dogs, much like a dog sitter. Although their commitment is shorter, puppy campers receive the same training as puppy raisers, enabling them to maintain the dog's routines, reinforce training, and continue socialization during outings while the puppy raiser is unavailable. The Guide Dog Foundation covers all veterinary and medical expenses, as well as training equipment and most supplies. Puppy raisers and campers are only responsible for providing food, treats, and toys while the dog is in their care. It costs more than $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place a single guide or service dog. Thanks to the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations, and community organizations, every qualified recipient receives their assistance dog, training, and ongoing support at absolutely no cost. Together, our volunteers, donors, and supporters help transform the lives of people who are blind, visually impaired, or living with disabilities—one remarkable dog at a time.