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.
- Plastic Dogs Are Not an Oversight to Those Without Sight By Steven Doucette
- What Everyone Should Know About Guide Dogs for the Blind from the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.
- Guide Dog Access Laws — From Guide Dogs for the Blind
- So…You Want to be a Puppy Raiser?! — Catch a glimpse into what it could be like as a first time puppy raiser… Here is the story from inside a puppy raiser’s heart!
- A Brief History Of Seeing Eye Dogs — by Kirsten Hawkins
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.orgVision 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.
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