Our Mission
Guide Dogs for the Blind provides enhanced mobility to qualified individuals through partnership with dogs whose unique skills are developed and nurtured by dedicated volunteers and a professional staff.
Established in 1942, Guide Dogs for the Blind continues its dedication to quality student training services and extensive follow-up support for graduates. Our programs are made possible through the teamwork of staff, volunteers and generous donors. Services are provided to students from the United States and Canada at no cost to them.
Our Vision
Our Vision...is to "use our Power of Partnering to improve quality of life." To fulfill this vision we will:
- Commit ourselves to continuous quality improvement in all that we do;
- Assure exceptional canine health and well-being for all our dogs;
- Create the best potential for partnerships and support them;
- Develop and support Guide Dog teams of the highest quality;
- Be sensitive to the individualized needs of students, alumni and other constituents;
- Develop and nurture long-term relationships with our alumni, other constituents and the communities we serve; and
- Optimize our use of resources.
Our Values and Humane Policy
We will be recognized in all that we do by our:
- Kindness toward people and animals, and respect for their dignity and well being;
- Inclusiveness and sensitivity to all, regardless of disability, ethnicity, or culture;
- Openness to innovation and change;
- Accountability for our actions and our resources;
- Teamwork and good communications;
- Supportive and trusting work environment;
- Honesty, integrity and fairness;
- Professionalism balanced with humor; and
- Continual work toward furthering the GDB mission.
The Human/Animal Bond
As defined by the American Veterinary Medical Association:
The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and other animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well being of both. This includes, but is not limited to, emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, other animals, and the environment.