Many individuals who are blind or have low vision do not need or want a guide dog.  People who do want a guide dog, however, must attend a special school to learn how to properly care for and work with the dog.  There are many different techniques that people who are blind or have low vision can use to get around safely, and some people prefer to use a white cane instead of a guide dog. Even though you or your family member, relative, or friend may not use a dog guide, you might find it interesting to click on the links below to learn more about dog guides and training programs.

The following organizations provide trained guide dogs for people who are blind or have low vision. They outline the requirements for getting a dog and answer questions about training and using dog guides:

1. Eye Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc.
2. Fidelco Guide Dogs
3. Guide Dogs for the Blind
4. Guide Dogs of America
5. Guide Dogs of the Desert International
6. Guiding Eyes for the Blind
7. KSDS, Inc.
8. Leader Dogs for the Blind
9. Pilot Dogs, Inc.
10. The Seeing Eye, Inc.
11. Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc.

The Seeing Eye website provides an overview of their services and has informative links about puppy breeding, puppy raising, and puppy training. 

Guide Dog Users, Inc., an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, is an international organization dedicated to advocacy, peer support, public education and all aspects of training, working, and living with dogs that are specially trained to guide people who are blind or have low vision.