SA Services - Guide Dog Services

Guide Dog Development Program

Any person who is blind or vision impaired can be considered for a Guide Dog to assist them with their mobility needs and to enhance their independence.

Every client request is assessed by an internationally qualified Guide Dog Instructor. The assessment process ensures that both the client and a guide dog will achieve the most successful mobility outcomes for independence.

Every client application is treated individually to determine suitability. When assessed as suitable a client will be matched as soon as possible to a fully trained guide dog - this is when they become a ìteamî.

The client and guide dog are trained either in a residential or domiciliary setting. The first initial weeks are the opportunity for the client and guide dog to build a relationship and begin the journey of sharing their lives together - just like any other relationship in life.

Both training programs are conducted generally over a four week period. The team will learn how to travel safely together across a range of community environments, including public transport and through busy city streets.

In the first year together, the team will receive regular follow up visits after the first, third, sixth and twelfth month. This is to enhance the teamís performance, and reinforce all training aspects to ensure optimum safety.

After the first year, the team is assessed annually throughout the dog's life;
the average working life of a guide dog is 10 years.

Puppy Raising

Puppy Raising is a very special part of our Guide Dog program.
Puppy raising volunteers spend up to 14 months caring for one of our special guide dog puppies

At 8 weeks of age our puppies are given to their families and begin their little journey of life challenges by being introduced to a number of different environments and situations. This may include being taken on bus rides, visiting shopping centres, restaurants and other public areas to socialise them in readiness for training. There is lots of support by Guide Dog staff along the way.

When the guide dog puppies have completed all the requirements of socialisation, they leave their special foster home and return to Guide Dogs to be placed with a Home Boarding family to start yet another special journey ñ the journey to become a guide dog.

Home Boarding

Home Boarders volunteer their time, their homes and their care to a young and more mature dog for a 4 to 6 month period. During this time many important facets of the dog's health are assessed including eye sight, bone structure and density, and general fitness. When these tests are passed, the dog undertakes a series of assessment walks where they are observed for basic character and temperament. Those dogs who demonstrate the best character and skills are accepted into the six month comprehensive guide dog training program and move right up to the matching process with clients.

Emergency Boarding
From time to time we may have a need to board our dogs, or puppies, in a home boarding environment. We do this because we choose not to invest our valuable funds in kennels and administration, but also, because a caring home environment is much more beneficial to our dogs. Volunteer emergency boarders look after dogs and puppies on an as needs basis, sometimes over a weekend or several weeks at a time.

The costs are high but the rewards are priceless

We can't place a value on the independence of people who are blind or vision impaired, but we can let you know just how much it costs to raise a puppy to become a guide dog.

To bring a guide dog puppy into the guide dog family
$2,500

From 8 weeks to 1 year
Our puppy is under the care of a puppy raiser. All costs are covered including vet visits, collars, leads, bowls, brushes and food
$6,000

12 months to 16 months
Our puppy commences guide dog training. Expenses include comprehensive health checks including specialist visits to assess bone structure and eye health. Ongoing expenses include new harness, leads, food, and any special equipment required to fulfil their training.
$8,000

16 -17 months
The puppy has now graduated as a guide dog. They are matched with a person who is blind or vision impaired and their new relationship begins. Both undergo training either in a residential setting or at home and requires intensive support by their guide dog instructor
$6,000

Follow up Visits - First year
Visits are undertaken at 1, 3 6 and 9 months by our Guide Dog Instructor to ensure that the relationship is happy, safe, and achieving every goal that was set.
$2,500

TOTAL COST $25,000