What happens to guide dogs when they retire?

Photo by Jill Encarnacion

Photo by Jill Encarnacion

There’s a waiting list to adopt retired guide dogs!

Most organizations give first priority to the person who has had the dog. However, that person is often looking for a new guide dog and can’t keep a pet in addition to their working dog. In that case the retired guide dog is adopted out and there is usually a very long list of people who would like to adopt a guide dog who either didn’t make it through the training or who is being retired. Most guide dog training organizations say that their waiting list is any where from 1–6 years to adopt a guide dog!

Here are the adoption pages for just a few of the guide dog training organizations:

Adopt a Former Guide Dog

Guide Dogs for the Blind

The Seeing Eye – Adopt a Dog

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