Dog Guides representing our programs

Get a Dog Guide

We train and provide Dog Guides for people living with disabilities across seven different program areas. Select a program below to the view the application process.

Our Dog Guide Programs

Hearing

Hearing Dog Guides assist Canadians (16+ years) who are deaf or hard of hearing and are unable to detect important sounds. These Dog Guides have been taught to distinguish specific sounds and alert their handler.

Woman sits next to standard poodle

Seizure Response

Seizure Response Dog Guides assist Canadians (16+ years) with epilepsy. These Dog Guides are trained to bark for help or activate an alert system in the event of a seizure.

Service Dog Guide with Female Client in Wheelchair

Service

Service Dog Guides assist Canadians (14+ years) who have a physical or medical disability. These Dog Guides are trained to retrieve objects, open and close doors and appliances, and get help by barking or activating an alert system.

Autism Assistance

Autism Assistance Dog Guides assist children (ages 3-12) on the autism spectrum. These Dog Guides provide safety, companionship and unconditional love.

Diabetes Alert

Diabetes Alert Dog Guides assist Canadians (16+ years) who have diabetes with hypoglycemic unawareness. They are trained to detect sudden drops in their handler’s blood sugar and alert them.

Facility Support

Facility Support dogs are for professional agencies that assist individuals in traumatic situations. These dogs are trained to provide on-scene support when requested to those most vulnerable in the community.

man who is blind walks with Guide Dog

Canine Vision

Canine Vision Dog Guides assist Canadians (14+ years) who are blind or visually impaired. These Dog Guides are trained to safely navigate obstacles typically found on daily routes.

Who We Support

Young Girl with her Diabetic Alert Dog Guide

One in five* Canadians 15 years of age and up are living with one or more disabilities. Our vision is to provide the best experience for Canadians with disabilities who can benefit from a Dog Guide. Since 1985, we have matched 3,000 Dog Guides with qualified applicants, empowering them to navigate their world with confidence and independence.
*Source: Statistics Canada 2017

COVID-19 Has Affected Our Application Process

Over the last two years, our team and our clients have found new ways to train and work together. However, we continue to work through a backlog with the priority to match approved applicants on our current waitlists. We are not accepting new applications at this time, with the exception of Facility Support.  Successor clients who have had a previous Dog Guide from us should reach out to Client Services for documentation to re-apply.

Close up of a golden retriever

Adopt a Career Change Dog

Not all of our dogs are meant to be working Dog Guides. And that’s OK! See what dogs are available and looking for loving homes.

View The Dogs