



Please visit the link below to view our dogs that are available for adoption and are looking for confident, dog experienced homes.
The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides Career Change Program is currently accepting applications for individuals or families. To submit an application, please download the application from our website and email it to careerchange@dogguides.com once completed.
Career Change dogs are those which have been disqualified from our programs due to temperament and/or health reasons that we are looking to adopt to wonderful families. They may or may not have received some formal Dog Guide training. This is strictly dependent on what stage they were at when they were disqualified. All have been raised in volunteer foster homes where they have been socialized and house trained. Further obedience training is recommended once placed in a new home. We occasionally have dogs returned for adoption that are retiring from a working environment.
How does the adoption program work?
You will be sent a application to fill out and return to us. Applications are then placed on a general email list. All available dogs will be sent in email newsletter format on an as available basis (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly). If you're interested in a dog highlighted in the newsletter, there will be a final date listed for you to contact us to apply for adoption. After the final date, all applications will be reviewed and the best match will be chosen from those interested; all applicants will be contacted to let them know the outcome. The successful applicant will need to attend a meet & greet with the dog at our Oakville facility, bringing along any current pet dog(s) that will need to be up to date on vaccines (including Bordetella). There is a two-week trial period to ensure that the dog is a suitable fit with your family.
What is the adoption fee and what does it cover?
All dogs are spayed or neutered and vaccinations are updated. Each dog is unique and we support the future care of the dog by providing behavioural information about the dog and their medical records while they were in our care. A fee is charged for all dogs based on age, level of training and reason for disqualification. Fees range from $1,000-$1,500, although fees for dogs with medical issues or retiring dogs are assessed case by case. This fee helps cover the many costs associated with the care, veterinary expenses, etc.
What types of dogs do you have available for adoption?
Approximately 75% of our breeding program is Labs, a small amount of those being Labs mixed with Golden Retrievers, and 25% is Standard Poodles. We do not have poodle mixes.
Labrador Retrievers
Labs are a fun-loving and playful breed. They make excellent family companions and can range from moderate to high in both energy and size (24-35kg). They require a moderate amount of grooming to keep their coats fresh. As our labs tend to be younger at time of adoption their personalities lean towards being a bit goofy and they will require additional enrichment needs be it physical and/or intellectual. This can be done through obedience classes, food dispensing toys, hiking, playtime, etc. No matter the personality our labs are full of one thing, love!
Standard Poodles
Standard Poodles are a very high energy, fun-loving, and intelligent breed. While each dog we adopt is unique, as a general rule poodles require a confident handler that is willing to put in the time to meet their exercise, ongoing training, and socialization requirements. Standard Poodles range from medium to large in size (16-30kg) and require a high level of maintenance with their coat and ears, so if you haven't had a poodle before please ensure you research grooming costs. When their needs are fulfilled a Standard Poodle can be a loyal companion and a wonderful pet!
Retired Dog Guides
There comes a time when all great service dogs must hang up their harness, kick up their paws, and enjoy the golden years. Often these dogs are adopted by the handler or handler’s family/friends that they have worked so closely with; however, sometimes this is not possible. Retired service dogs range from ages 8-13 and are looking for a loving home that will care for them, age-related lumps and bumps included!
How long is the waiting list to get a dog?
Unfortunately there is no easy answer to this question. The time it may take to receive a dog depends on how many dogs enter our Career Change Program, what you're looking for in a dog, as well as your family set up. Retired dogs are the longest wait as many are adopted by clients or their immediate family. Some people have received a dog in under 6 months, some wait for over a year. We only keep applications on file for 1 year, at which time an email notification will go out to notify you of the expiration. If still interested, you may reapply at that time.
Canine Vision Dogs | for people who are blind or visually impaired |
Hearing Dog Guides | for people who are deaf or hard of hearing |
Service Dog Guides | for people with a physical or medical disability |
Seizure Response Dog Guides | for people with epilepsy |
Autism Assistance Dog Guides | for children and their families living with autism spectrum disorder |
Diabetic Alert Dog Guides | for people who have diabetes with hypoglycemic unawareness |
Facility Support Dog Guides | For use by professional agencies serving individuals in traumatic situations |