Lions Foundation of Canada trains Dog Guides and assist Canadians with a wide range of disabilities. With five programs in place, Canadians with disabilities are offered the opportunity to find greater independence, mobility and safety through the help of a Dog Guide.

Canine Vision for people who are blind or visually impaired
Hearing Ear for people who are deaf or hard of hearing
Autism Assistance for children and their families living with autism spectrum disorder
Special Skills for people with a medical or physical disability
Seizure Response for people with epilepsy

Depending on the program, Dog Guides are trained to perform a set of basic skills that are useful to all handlers. However, some of their training is also tailored to meet the specific needs of their future handler. In the final stage of training, the client and Dog Guide train and live together at the Oakville facility for two to four weeks. This helps to ensure that the new working team develops a bond and prepares them for their next step - returning home.

With the ever increasing demand for Dog Guides, we are continually training more Dog Guides each year with a goal of providing 160 in 2012. For more information on how you can help, please click here.