Apply for a Guide Dog

Applicants must be legally blind and can demonstrate the need for a guide dog to help them remain safe and effective in their everyday travel. We look for clients that can independently travel practical and purposeful routes with their current mobility device.

This online application is part one of our application process.  Once you have submitted the application below, a member of our team will contact you within five business days.  All fields are "Required" before you can submit the application. 

As you proceed through our application process, we will require additional documents, including a medical report to be completed by your physician, an Orientation and Mobility Specialist’s report, an ophthalmology report, and application video.  Click here to see our guide to create your application video. Please note that the completion of the following application form does not guarantee acceptance as a client at the Guide Dog Foundation.  

All information provided is privileged and will be considered confidential.  The Foundation administers its employment, admissions and training programs in a nondiscriminatory manner and in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. 

Is a Guide Dog Right for Me?

  • The decision to get a guide dog is a momentous one. We’ve prepared a short guide to help you answer the question.  Click here for PDF or here to download text only.

  • For an overview of the guide dog training program click here.

  • To learn more about program admission, click here.

The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, creed, religious affiliation, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, victims of domestic violence or the presence of a medical condition or disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, or any other group protected by law.

For Screen Reader Users:

The application below includes a number of fields.  You will be required to use the "Tab" button, "Arrow" keys or other keys specific to your screen reader in order to navigate through the application.  

Once you submit your application, you should be directed to a message that verifies that we have received your application.  If you are not directed to that page, you will be re-directed to the top of the application where you will find a list of fields that must be completed before you will be able to submit your application.

If you cannot navigate the form, or your browser does not support forms, please contact Consumer Services for assistance at ConsumerServices@GuideDog.org or call (866) 282-8047.  A Word Document application is available by request.

PERSONAL INFORMATION



























































If discharged, please provide a copy of your DD-214 (Member-4) by sending a copy to: Richard.Helling@vetdogs.org, Fax: 631-930-9075 or mail: America’s VetDogs Consumer Services, 371 E. Jericho Tpke. Smithtown, NY 11787.

I am interested in the CATs and Dogs program. (In partnership with the Cleveland, Biloxi and Waco VA Blind Rehabilitation Centers, America's VetDogs offers a 10-day inpatient CATs and Dogs program designed to provide veterans who are blind or visually impaired with guide dog training while the VA assists with Computer Access Training (CAT).)"




























Please list up to 3 destinations that you independently walk on a regular basis. Please list the mailing address if available. *Required










CONSENT TO RELEASE - Use your "Arrow" keys to navigate and read the information below. This Consent section of the form must be signed below.

This authorization shall become effective immediately and shall remain in effect for a three-year period from the date it was signed.  This is to authorize any physician, hospital, firm, organization or person to furnish to the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. and America's VetDogs - the Veteran's K-9 Corps (hereinafter referred to as "GDF & AVD"), all information, material or opinions that may be requested by GDF & AVD concerning me.  GDF & AVD are further authorized to copy any records pertaining to me.  I hereby waive any privilege I have to said information to GDF & AVD, and agree to hold GDF & AVD blameless from any claims as a result of the sharing of information related to me.

The Information received by GDF & AVD, will only be used to evaluate my application for a guide or service dog and training in the use thereof.  

I understand that any information provided to GDF & AVD will remain confidential. 

I understand that my failure to disclose any medical or personal information that pertains to my ability to work with an assistance dog may result in the denial of my application or termination of training.

By clicking “Submit” with my name typed below, I agree to submit this application, which includes the Foundation Code of Conduct and the Consent to Release form, by electronic means and adopt such process with the intent to sign this form.

Please type your full name and this will serve as your signature.