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Raiser Checklist

Puppy raising is an act of generosity that will have a profound impact on someone’s life. It is a considerable commitment, but a very rewarding one. Answering “yes” to most or all of the items on this checklist will help you know whether you are ready to apply to raise a Guiding Eyes puppy.

The Raiser Checklist

1.) Everyone in your household must be supportive of your raising a future guide dog. Though you will be primarily responsible for the puppy, everyone in the household needs to follow our guidelines to ensure the puppy is successful.
  • Yes, everyone in the household is supportive, would welcome a puppy and is willing to follow the guidelines.
2.) Guiding Eyes for the Blind covers the puppy’s veterinary care expenses and basic supplies; however, our generous puppy raisers support our mission by providing quality food and approved toys.
  • Yes, I can financially take care of a puppy.
3.) Guide dogs go everywhere with handlers. To prepare for the future, you’ll make regular outings with the pup and not leave them home alone except for a few hours at a time in a crate. State laws address pups in training and allow you to bring them to public places but for your place of employment we ask that you first obtain permission from a supervisor.
  • I can take the pup on regular socialization and training outings.
  • Yes, my employer will allow me to bring the puppy to work.
  • OR... No, my employer will not allow me to bring the puppy to work. I’m interested in partnering with a co-raiser or trained sitter who can keep the puppy during my work hours.
young yellow Lab pup in Future Guide Dog vest
4.) If you have other pets, comfort and safety are our highest concerns.
  • (For those with other pets) Yes, I am confident that my pets would welcome a puppy and they do not have aggression issues or a history of guarding food or toys.
5.) You are physically able to handle 60–80-pound dog and are prepared for the exercise needs of a large breed dog. Dogs need daily physical exercise and mental stimulation and by the time the pup comes in for training they will need at least 3 miles of walking per day.
  • I can handle a full-grown large breed dog and I am willing and able to walk the dog up to 3 miles per day.
  • OR... While I am prepared for the needs of a young puppy, I am not able to handle a large dog or to walk 3 miles a day, so I’m interested in starting a puppy.
6.) We have specific training methods and cues for our future guide dogs. Even if you have prior dog experience, we require our puppy raisers to use our methods when raising a Guiding Eyes puppy.

We will teach you these training methods through regular group classes, one on one “Walk and Talk” and coaching sessions and training materials

  • Yes, I am willing to strictly adhere to Guiding Eyes protocols and to commit to attending classes and one on ones.
7.) If you don’t own your own home, some rental properties have limitations on size or breed. While puppies in our program do have access rights to go where the general public is allowed, pups on program are not covered by the Fair Housing Act. You will need to ensure that you have permission from your home’s governing body to raise a puppy.
  • Yes, my home’s rules allow large-breed dogs OR I have received permission in writing from the governing body to raise a Guiding Eyes puppy.
8.) Have you reviewed our Puppy Program Policies? Before submitting an application, please review Puppy Program Policies below.
  • Yes, I have reviewed the policies and will agree to them.

Puppy Program Policies

Below are sample Raiser and Sitter Agreements, as well as the key policies of the Guiding Eyes Puppy Program, designed to promote the safety & care of our puppies. 

Puppy Program Information Sessions

Ready to learn more about volunteering for our Puppy Program? Guiding Eyes is pleased to offer information sessions for potential Puppy Program Volunteers. Sessions are held twice a month through Zoom. If you’d like the opportunity to review the most common questions before attending a Pre-Placement Class, sign up for a session through the link below.

Information Session Sign Up

Learn More:

Become a Puppy Raiser

Puppy Raising FAQs

Support We Provide

Alternatives to Raising

Beyond Puppy Program

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Guiding Eyes for the Blind

Headquarters and Training School
611 Granite Springs Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
Applicant & Graduate Support:
(888) 987-2188 
For donations:
(800) 942-0149
For general inquiries:
(800) 942-0149

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Email us today at

rhoran@guidingeyes.org

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Guiding Eyes for the Blind is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.

Guiding Eyes for the Blind Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 13-1854606.

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