It depends on the type of dog. For our Kids Companion Dogs for children with vision loss and our Gold Star Family Dogs for children who have lost a parent in the military, there is no lower age limit for the child.

We provide guide dogs to mature teens ages 15 and up. For these teens, we recommend attending our informational, hands-on guide dog camp first to find out if the teen is ready to take this step.

We offer guide dogs to mature teens ages 15 and up, and recommend that teens attend our Guide Dog Camp to help make this important decision.

For children of any age with vision loss, we offer our skilled Kids Companion Dogs. These dogs are considered adopted pets and build a bridge between the child of today and the guide dog handler of tomorrow. The child gains confidence and learns the responsibilities of caring for a dog of their own, as well as a new best friend.

No, deciding to have a guide dog is an important decision and our teen guide dog camp is designed for teens that are considering a guide dog.

One of the goals of the camp is that it offers a great opportunity for teens and parents to learn if the guide dog lifestyle is the right choice for them, and can also help determine if it would be better to wait until the teen is more ready to become a guide dog handler. Campers and their parents will be introduced to the unique benefits and responsibilities of working and living with a guide dog. There’s really no better way to gain valuable information and experience, than through the program’s fun discussions and exciting, hands-on experiences.

We’ve designed Guide Dog Camp to equip teens and their parents with information and a special experience to support them with making an informed decision about if, and when, a guide dog is right for them.

Yes, at least one parent or guardian must accompany their teen to Guide Dog Camp.

Not only is parent/guardian attendance required for liability reasons, but there are special sessions devoted to parents where we will talk about what it means to be ready for a guide dog including the important roles maturity and independent living skills play in guide dog readiness.

Parents also learn some practical tools they can use to help prepare their teen if guide dog travel is the path they choose, the critical role their teen’s orientation and mobility (O&M) skills factor into guide dog readiness, as well as financial expectations of long-term dog care, and how to best support their teen’s decision.

While attending Guide Dog Camp, parents have a chance to speak to our certified instructors about their teen’s experience walking with a guide dog and acquire their expertise. In addition to gaining valuable information, parents get to experience hands-on fun too.