Q: What is the best way to describe Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)?
Since 1942, GDB has empowered lives by creating exceptional partnerships between people, dogs and communities. GDB is the largest Guide Dog school in the country and is dedicated to providing high 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.
Q: Where is GDB located?
GDB has two campuses: one is headquartered in San Rafael, California — 20 miles north of San Francisco, another in Boring, Oregon — 25 miles east of Portland.
Q: Who does GDB serve?
Any person who is blind or visually impaired living in the United States or Canada desiring enhanced mobility and independence. The person must be legally blind, able to travel independently (good orientation and mobility skills), and well-suited to work with a dog. All of our services are provided completely free of charge to our clients. See if you're ready for a guide dog.
Q: Where does GDB receive its funding?
GDB is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization supported entirely by private donations. We receive no government funding. Donors contribute through general contributions, bequests, grants, memorial and honor donations, charitable remainder trusts and other planned giving options. View our Financials.
Q: How many guide dog teams have graduated from GDB?
More than 15,000 teams have graduated since our founding in 1942, and there are approximately 2,100 active guide dog teams currently in the field across North America.
Q: What does GDB do differently than other schools?
Guide Dogs for the Blind is recognized worldwide as a model for innovative training, unprecedented support of guide dog partnerships after graduation, and the success rate of its graduates via a world-class alumni association and veterinary financial assistance, as needed. There is no other guide dog school in the country that offers the level of training and the degree of hands-on support for the partnership after graduation.
Q: Do you train other types of service dogs?
We only provide highly trained guide dogs and are focused exclusively on working with people with vision loss. We do consult with, and donate selected career change dogs to a number of other service organizations.