Guide Dogs - Working Dogs

Guide Dogs

General Info / Articles of Interest

A Guide Dog is specially trained to provide mobility and independence to the visually-impaired user. A guide dog provides these services as a loving companion, he has a quiet and calm disposition, a high level of initiative and concentration while working, and a strong will to work.

The most common breeds used in assisting the visually-impaired are Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherd Dogs. Their intelligence, size and temperament make them ideal Guide Dogs.

In Canada, all provinces have adopted specific statutes to grant Guide Dog users the right of access. In most provinces, the statutes specifically state that no special conditions, terms, or fees can be imposed on a Guide Dog user because of the presence of a Guide Dog.

Organizations & Associations

  • BC & Alberta Guide Dog Services
    Dedicated to the further development of the Guide Dog movement in British Columbia. B.C. Guide Dog Services holds the aims and objectives of improved availability, and increased level of service/support through the provision of professionally trained Guide Dogs, for the visually impaired residents of British Columbia and Alberta.
  • The Canadian Foundation for Animal-Assisted Support Services
    1010 Polytek St., Unit 14
    Ottawa, Ontario, K1J 9H9
    Toll Free: 1-888-473-7027
    E-mail: generalinfo@cf4aass.org
    Website address: www.cf4aass.org

    Vision Statement: Our vision is to be the philanthropic leader that sustains the innovation, coordination, and integration of Animal-Assisted Support Services within Canada’s health-care, social service, and justice sectors in order to improve the quality of life of people with physical, emotional, and social challenges.

    Mission Statement: Our mission is to improve the health and quality of life of people with physical, emotional, and social challenges through partnerships with companion and service animals.

  • Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind
    To assist visually-impaired Canadians with their mobility by providing and training them in the use of professionally trained Guide Dogs.
  • The Canadian National Institute for the Blind
  • Dogs with Wings Assistance Dog Society
    Mission: To provide highly skilled guide and assistance dogs, and ongoing training to persons with various disabilities.
    11343 – 174 Street, N.W.
    Edmonton, Alberta, T5S 0B7
    Email: johnw@dogswithwings.ca
    Phone: 780-944-8011, Toll Free 877-252-9433
    Fax: 780-944-9571
  • Guide Dog Users of Canada
    GDUC helps guide dog users maximize the benefits of mobility with a guide dog so that they may participate more fully in Canadian society.
  • Guide Dog Users Inc.
    GDUI is an international organization dedicated to advocacy, peer support, public education and all aspects of training, working and living with dogs specially-trained to guide blind and visually-impaired people.
  • Guide Dogs for the Blind
    Provides Guide Dogs and training in their use to visually impaired people throughout the United States and Canada.
  • Guide Dogs of America
    An International Guiding Eyes Program — Guide Dogs of America is dedicated to its mission to provide guide dogs and instruction in their use, free of charge, to blind and visually impaired men and women from the United States and Canada so that they may continue to pursue their goals with increased mobility and independence.
  • Guiding Eyes for the Blind
    An internationally recognized guide dog school.
  • International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP)
    A non-profit, cross-disability organization representing people partnered with guide, hearing and service dogs.
  • Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides
    Lions Foundation of Canada is a federally incorporated charitable foundation founded by the Lions Clubs of Canada. Its mission is to provide service to physically challenged Canadians in the areas of mobility, safety, and independence.
  • Mira Foundation
    Objective: To bring greater autonomy to handicapped people and to facilitate their social integration by providing them with dogs that are fully trained to meet the needs of each individual, including Guide Dogs.
  • The Seeing Eye
    To enhance the independence, dignity, and self-confidence of blind people through the use of Seeing Eye dogs.

Note: We are always in need of articles for the Working Dogs section of the website — Submissions are welcome and encouraged. Please feel free to e-mail us at info@canadasguidetodogs.com.

If you are part of a working dog group and would like to be included in the listings, please email us with details.

Breed Listing


Thunder Dog

Quick Links

Get In Touch

— CanadasGuideToDogs.com is an Amazon Associate as well as a participant in various affiliate programs, as such fees are earned from qualifying purchases.