FAQs
Q: I am not totally blind; can I apply to recieve a guide dog?
Q: Who is eligible to receive a guide dog?
Q: How much does it cost to receive a guide dog?
Q: How do I apply for a guide dog?
Q: In what formats are the guide dog applications available?
Q: What is the application process?
Q. How will I know if I am accepted for training?
Q. How long is the wait to receive a guide dog and training?
Q: If accepted to class, am I responsible for my travel arrangements?
Q: What type of breeds do you train?
Q: Will you meet with me prior to my being accepted to receive a guide dog?
Q: Can I visit and tour the school?
Q: How long is the training period?
Q: Can my spouse or other family and friends visit me?
Q: How many classes do you have each year?
Q: What is expected of me during class?
Q: Who receives ownership of the guide dog after graduating?
Q: What is the average working life of a guide dog?
Q: What is the cost of maintaining my guide dog?
Q: Is a guide dog able to go everywhere with me?
Q: What type of follow-up services are available once I return home?
Q: How do I know if I qualify for the in-home training offered by the outreach program?
Q: How do I apply for in-home training?
Q: What is meant by "Special Needs"?
Q: In addition to my visual impairment I must use a wheelchair; can I receive a guide dog?
Q: I am not totally blind; can I apply to receive a guide dog?
A:Each guide dog applicant is evaluated on an individual basis and waiting times will vary. Our admissions representatives can provide an estimate once your application is received. Any individual 18 years or older, who is legally blind, and wants to achieve independent travel through the use of a guide dog can apply for our services.
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Q: Who is eligible to receive a guide dog?
A: Any individual who is legally blind, and wants 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 18 years of age to apply, 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. All applicants must have completed orientation and mobility travel skills training.
Q: 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, and service groups such as the Lions Clubs. We receive no government funding.
Q: How do I apply for a guide dog?
A: You may apply on-line or download the application forms and mail them to us. You can review your options by clicking here!
Q: 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. Please contact Rita Princivalli at 941.729.5665 ext. 117.
Q: What is the application process?
A: The application is a packet of 16 pages. The first three pages provide a description on who is eligible to receive a guide dog, what it costs to maintain a guide dog, your responsibility for transportation to the facility, description of the application pages, a brief description of our special needs program, acceptance of your application, scheduling of class and general information about our classes.
Q. How will I know if I am accepted for training?
A. Our admissions department will call you as well as provide you with a notification letter which will contain the date you are scheduled for class and an information packet providing you with details about the class you have been scheduled for.
Q. How long is the wait to receive a guide dog and training?
A. The time will vary with each placement. Southeastern Guide Dogs' admissions department will be able to keep you informed of an estimated placement date during the application process.
Q: 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.
Q: 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 Golden Retrievers, Goldadors (Labrador/Golden Retriever mix), Australian Shepherds, Hungarian Vizslas, and Smooth Coat Collies.
Q: Will you meet with me prior to my being accepted to receive a guide dog?
A: Yes. All applicants will be contacted to schedule an appointment for a home visitation. The visitation allows a Southeastern Guide Dogs representative to observe your orientation and mobility skills and to make an assessment of the environment which your guide dog will live and work.
Q: Can I visit and tour the school?
A:Southeastern Guide Dogs 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 to meet with you.
Q: 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.
Q: Can my spouse or other family and friends visit 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.
Q: How many classes do you have each year?
A: Southeastern currently schedules 8 classes per year with an average of 9 students in each class. Our instructor ratio is 1 instructor to every 3 students. While working their daily routes, students will work one-on-one with their instructor. Starting in November 2009, we will also offer two "refresher" training classes for existing graduates annually.
Q: 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 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.
Q: Who receives ownership of the guide dog after graduating?
A: After satisfactorily completing your training with Southeastern Guide Dogs, you will be presented with an agreement that provides ownership of your guide dog to you. A sample of the agreement is available for you to review.
Q: 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.
Q: 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 $900 and $1,200 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.
Q: 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 Rita Princivalli at 941.729.5665 ext. 117 for more information.
Q: 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 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.
Q: 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 Guide Dogs can best service you with a guide dog. Please contact Rita Princivalli at 941.729.5665 ext. 117.
Q: How do I apply for in-home training?
A: After speaking with an admissions representative you must complete Southeastern Guide Dogs' 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.
Q: 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 Guide Dogs' admissions department will be able to keep you informed of an estimated placement date during the application process and waiting period.
Q: What is meant by "Special Needs"?
A: Southeastern Guide Dogs has specially trained many guide dogs to work with individuals who are legally blind and have an additional disability. You can read more about out Special Needs program by clicking here.
Q: In addition to my visual impairment I must use a wheelchair; can I receive a guide dog?
A: Our training department has successfully trained and placed several guide/service dogs with blind individuals. We have worked primarily with individuals in electric wheelchairs but have completed training for manual chairs also. The training for both the blind individual and guide dog is specific to the individual and may extend the waiting period. If you would like to learn a little more about our Special Needs program, you can do so by clicking here.
For further information please contact our Rita Prinvialli in our admissions department at 941.729.5665 ext. 117.