Explore guide dog schools serving people who are blind or visually impaired throughout the United States. Select a school below to learn more about its programs, services, application process, and contact information.
A guide dog can provide increased independence, confidence, and mobility for people who are blind or visually impaired. Guide dogs are specially trained service dogs that work in partnership with their handlers to help them travel safely by navigating around obstacles, stopping at changes in elevation such as curbs and stairs, and helping them move confidently through a variety of environments. While the handler decides where they want to go, the guide dog helps them travel there safely.
Guide dog schools are organizations that breed, raise, train, and match guide dogs with qualified individuals. In addition to training the dogs, these schools provide comprehensive instruction that teaches handlers how to safely and effectively work with their new guide dog as a team. Many schools also offer ongoing support throughout the working life of the partnership.
Most guide dog schools are nonprofit organizations and provide guide dogs and training at little or no cost to qualified applicants through the generosity of donors and supporters. Each school has its own application process, training program, eligibility requirements, and areas of specialization, allowing prospective handlers to find the program that best meets their needs.
Whether you’re considering your first guide dog, researching different schools, or simply learning more about guide dog programs, this section of the Resource Center is designed to help you explore trusted guide dog schools throughout the United States.
Select a guide dog school below to learn more about its programs, services, application process, and contact information.
Choosing a guide dog school is an important decision, and every person’s needs and lifestyle are different. While all accredited guide dog schools share the goal of helping individuals travel safely and independently, each organization has its own training philosophy, application process, programs, and areas of expertise.
As you explore the schools listed below, consider asking yourself questions such as:
There is no single “best” guide dog school. The right choice is the one that best matches your lifestyle, travel needs, and personal preferences. We encourage you to explore several programs, ask questions, and speak directly with each school to determine which one is the best fit for you.
Morristown, New Jersey
The Seeing Eye provides specially trained guide dogs and instruction to people who are blind. Its residential program helps students develop the skills needed to work safely and confidently with a guide dog.
Primary services: Guide dog training and matching, in-residence instruction, ongoing graduate support.
Learn More About The Seeing EyeSan Rafael, California & Boring, Oregon
Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) is one of the largest guide dog schools in the world, having graduated nearly 18,000 client teams since 1942. GDB is an accredited member of the International Guide Dog Federation and provides all services completely free of charge.
Primary services: Guide dog training and matching, K9 Buddy program, orientation and mobility immersion training, youth programs, and lifelong graduate support.
Learn More About Guide Dogs for the BlindYorktown Heights, New York
Established in 1954, Guiding Eyes for the Blind provides guide dogs to people with vision loss, having graduated more than 10,000 guide dog teams. Guiding Eyes is an accredited member of the International Guide Dog Federation.
Primary services: Guide dog training and matching using the school’s STEP training method, in-residence instruction, and ongoing graduate support.
Learn More About Guiding Eyes for the BlindRochester Hills, Michigan
Founded in 1939, Leader Dog empowers people who are blind or have low vision with lifelong skills for safe, independent travel, including guide dogs and orientation and mobility instruction.
Primary services: Guide dog training and matching, orientation and mobility instruction, teen programs, and Spanish-language instruction.
Learn More About Leader Dogs for the BlindPalmetto, Florida
Founded in 1982, Dogs Inc. has grown into an organization supporting more than 700 active guide and service dog teams, with all dogs and training provided at no cost to recipients.
Primary services: Guide dogs for teens, adults, and veterans with vision loss, in-residence training, and lifelong alumni support.
Learn More About Dogs Inc. (formerly Southeastern Guide Dogs)Bloomfield, Connecticut
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation breeds and trains its own German Shepherd Dogs specifically for guide work, helping people who are blind reach their full potential with greater independence and confidence.
Primary services: Guide dog breeding, training, and matching; in-residence instruction; and ongoing graduate support.
Learn More About Fidelco Guide Dog FoundationColumbus, Ohio
Established in 1950, Pilot Dogs is a 100% donor-funded nonprofit accredited by the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International, helping people navigate the world with independence and dignity.
Primary services: Guide dog training and matching, orientation and mobility training, and services for veterans and students.
Learn More About Pilot Dogs, Inc.Washington, Kansas
KSDS Assistance Dogs, Inc. creates life-changing partnerships between people and expertly trained assistance dogs, including guide dogs, service dogs, and facility dogs.
Primary services: Guide dog training and matching, service and facility dog placement, and a puppy raising program.
Learn More About KSDS Assistance Dogs, Inc.