A guide dog brings freedom and hope.
Applying for a guide dog is a big step—toward a better future, as our many repeat alumni can attest. Whether you‘re completely new to guide dogs or have been a highly experienced partner of one for years, let us help you toward a new life of freedom and confidence.
Our Guide Dog Programs
Guide Dogs for Adults and Veterans
Guide dogs lead the way, opening doors to confidence, independence, opportunity, and companionship. Our superhero dogs learn over 40 skills, including intelligent disobedience—situations when they choose to refuse a cue whenever safety is in jeopardy.
Guide Dogs for Teens
Do you want more independence? If you’re a mature teen with vision loss, you might be ready for a guide dog, even before you finish high school. Click here to learn more about whether you’re a candidate for this life-changing program.
Guide Dog Camp
At Guide Dog Camp, 14- to 17-year-old teens with vision loss and their parents learn how our guide dogs can change a teen’s life. There’s no charge for this overnight, two-day camp. Campers learn about caring for a guide dog, working with a dog in harness, and much more.
Campus Life and Training
We have designed our 20-day training course to provide you and your new dog the highest opportunity to succeed together. We can’t wait for you to join the Southeastern Guide Dogs family, and we want you to feel at home with us.
We match highly trained guide dogs with visually impaired individuals, providing the gift of an independent lifestyle. Adult students train on our Palmetto, Florida campus for 20 days, venturing from our secluded Freedom Walk training path to city streets, shopping malls, and public transportation. Most leave here with heads held high and a wider smile.

Alumni Support Program
At Southeastern Guide Dogs, we care deeply about creating successful teams and supporting our dogs and graduates, which is why we are proud to offer our Alumni Support Program.

Everything—from on-campus instruction to dog food back home—completely free of charge.
Southeastern Guide Dogs provides our dogs and training to students at no cost. We also offer high-quality food, monthly preventatives, vaccinations, and the annual veterinary wellness visit—free of charge, thanks to our generous partners. We operate the most advanced training facilities of any service dog organization, and our expert instructors develop our highly trained guide dogs at our Palmetto, Florida campus.
With a 98% graduate satisfaction rating, you can trust us to provide you with an outstanding, unforgettable experience. We’ve thought of every detail to make your stay comfortable and your experience world-class, and we’re committed to exceeding your expectations.

“This school is not only enabling me to enjoy the fullness of life, but as a professional who is having a highly successful career, because of one of these fine dogs.”
— Thomas G. Weidner, PhD | George & Frances Ball Distinguished Professor | Ball State University
“I wish I hadn’t waited so long to get my dog.”
Choosing to apply for a guide dog is a big step. Is it worth it? What’s life like after getting a dog? These are questions only our graduates can answer, and they’re happy to share.
Watch as these alumni share their experiences, and you’ll get a full 360º view of what it’s like to become part of the Southeastern Guide Dogs family.
Got questions? Find more answers here.
Guide Dogs Q&A
How much does it cost to train a guide dog or service dog?
How much does a guide dog cost the recipient?
How long is your guide dog training program?
How long will I have to wait for a guide dog?
Visually Impaired Q&A
How much does a guide dog cost the recipient?
How long is your guide dog training program?
Do I have to be totally blind to qualify for a guide dog?
How long will I have to wait for a guide dog?
Got questions? Find more answers here.
Do teens who qualify for the teen guide dog program need to attend guide dog class on campus for three weeks?
I still have questions about getting a guide dog. Who can I contact at Southeastern Guide Dogs?
