Guiding Eyes for the Blind



Guiding Eyes for the Blind is one of 11 accredited guide dog training schools in the U.S. Its facilities are located in New York State: a 10-acre Headquarters and Training Center in Yorktown Heights, an internationally recognized Canine Development Center in Patterson, and a Training Site in White Plains.

Since 1956 Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s mission has been to serve blind and visually impaired people from around the world, providing them with specially bred and trained dogs that grant them dignity, freedom and greater independence.

Guiding Eyes is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and depends solely on contributions from foundations, corporations and individuals.

Blind and visually impaired men and women enroll year-round to undertake a rigorous 26-day program in which they are paired and trained with their Guiding Eyes dogs. It costs approximately $45,000 to graduate each student-Guiding Eyes dog team. There is no cost to the student.

Guiding Eyes’ Canine Development Center selects, breeds, and whelps dogs that have high potential to become Guiding Eyes dogs, primarily Labrador Retrievers but also Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds.

Volunteers are intrinsically involved in the breeding and rearing of Guiding Eyes dogs. Volunteers in the Early Socialization, Home Socialization, and Puppy Raising Programs work with puppies onsite and in their homes as preparation for Guiding Eyes dog training. Volunteers also serve as Brood and Stud Fosters for members of the Guiding Eyes breeding colony.

Guiding Eyes offers a Special Needs Program designed for blind and visually-impaired students with additional developmental or physical challenges, such as deafness or seizure disorders. Guiding Eyes dogs and staff are specially selected and receive extra training to enable them to assist these students.

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