FAQ's

Answers

Question 2:
Who is eligible to receive a guide dog?
A. Any individual who is legally blind, and desires to achieve independent travel through the use of a guide dog. You must meet the criteria outlined below to receive a Southeastern Guide Dog. The guide dog applicant must be at least 16 years of age to apply, and must be 17 years of age to be accepted for residential dormitory training at our facility, mentally stable, in good health, physically able to walk several miles each day (except special needs applicants), and must accept responsibility for the care and maintenance of the guide dog after graduation.

Question 3:
How much does it cost to receive a guide dog?
A. Our services to the blind are completely free of charge. The training, equipment, room and board, and follow-up services are all provided by Southeastern Guide Dogs. We are a not for profit 501(c) (3) organization that receives donations from individuals, foundations, bequests, fund raisers and service groups such as the Lions Clubs. We receive no funding from the government.

Question 4:
How do I apply for a guide dog?
A. You may apply on-line or download the application forms and mail them to us. Review your options in Application information area.

Question 5:
In what formats are the guide dog applications available?
A. You may e-mail us and request a guide dog application to be sent in large print, Braille, or on disk. You may provide your responses through e-mail attachments or on a computer disk (as text files). You can also ask someone to complete the forms for you. Please use a typewriter or print legibly.

Question 8:
How long is the wait to receive a guide dog and training?
A. The time will vary with each placement. Southeastern’s admissions department will be able to keep you informed of an estimated placement date during the application process and waiting period.

Question 9:
If accepted to class am I responsible for my travel arrangements?
A. The applicant, once accepted for class, is responsible for the travel cost to the school and for the return trip home upon completion of training. Financial assistance is available to those in need.

Question 10:
What type of breeds do you train?
A. The majority of our dogs are Labrador Retrievers but we have several other breeds in the program, such as the Golden Retriever, Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, Hungarian Vizsla, and Smooth Coat Collie. We also use the cross breed of the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever (nicknamed "Goldador") and German Shepherd crossed with the Smooth Coat Collie.

Question 11:
Will you meet with me prior to my being accepted to receive a guide dog?
A. When possible Southeastern will contact you to set up an appointment for a home visitation. The visitation allows a Southeastern representative to observe your orientation and mobility skills and to make an assessment of the environment which your guide dog will live and work. If we are not able to schedule a home visitation Southeastern may request that you provide a 10-minute video of routes that you work on a day-to-day basis. Our admissions department will inform you any such special requests.

Question 12:
Can I visit and tour the school?
A. Southeastern welcomes visitors to tour our facility. We only ask that you please call and set up an appointment prior to your visit so that we may have a staff member available meet with you.

Question 13:
How long is the training period?
A. Our training classes are 26 days in length. If you qualify for our in-home training program the training period is generally only 2 weeks.

Question 14:
Can my spouse or other family and friends visit with me?
A. Visiting hours are available during the weekends for your family and friends. Because of the rigorous schedule during the week and your need to bond with your new guide dog visitors are not allowed during weekdays.

Question 15:
How many classes do you have each year?
A. Southeastern currently schedules 9 classes per year with an average of 12-14 students in each class. Our instructor ratio is 1 instructor to every 4 students. Students while working their daily routes will work one-to-one with their instructor.

Question 16:
What is expected of me during class?
A. Students will receive their guide dogs on the second day of class and on the third day they will receive their harnesses and begin to learn the basic obedience and the commands for their guide dogs. The first week students will train at our facility in Palmetto, the second week students work routes in downtown Bradenton and the mall. The third week continues with traffic training and a trip to downtown Tampa, with the fourth week working in downtown Sarasota and freelance work. The routes consist of walking several miles each day, however, our trainers can adjust the routes to fit the needs of each student. In preparation for class we do encourage you to walk on a regular basis.

Question 18:
What is the average working life of a guide dog?
A. Most of our guide dogs are matched with their recipients at close to two years of age and on the average they will continue to work for 7-9 more years.

Question 19:
What is the cost of maintaining my guide dog?
A. You will become financially responsible for your dog’s care after graduating. You can estimate the average cost to be between $700 - $800 per year. This would include expenses for veterinary care, monthly heart worm prevention, food costs, flea and tick care, grooming and items such as toys for your dog.

Question 20:
Is a guide dog able to go everywhere with me?
A. Guide dogs are allowed by law in all public areas such as malls, grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, and public transportation. Contact graduate services  for more information at 941-729-5665.

Question 21:
What type of follow-up services are available once I return home?
A. Our graduate services department is available to address any questions a graduate may have about their training or care of their guide dog. Our trainers will also conduct follow-up interviews by phone with students who have just left class and in many cases our trainers will follow up with a visit in your home area. Follow-up is an essential part of our program as we provide a lifetime commitment to all our graduates.

Question 22:
How do I know if I qualify for the in-home training offered by the outreach program?
A. We ask that you contact one of our admissions representatives to discuss your needs and how Southeastern can best service you with a guide dog. Please contact Southeastern’s main office at 1-800-944-3647.

Question 23:
How do I apply for in-home training?
A. After speaking with an admissions representative you must complete Southeastern’s application to receive a guide dog. You can download the application and mail it to us or apply on-line. You can also contact our admissions department and request that an application to be mailed.

Question 24:
If accepted to the outreach program how long will it take before I receive my training and guide dog?
A. The time will vary with each placement. Southeastern’s admissions department will be able to keep you informed of an estimated placement date during the application process and waiting period.