CNIB Guide Dog Application

If you are between 7 and 16 years old and are interested in finding out more about our Buddy Dog program

Please email us at buddydogs@cnib.ca

Reach out to us at 1.800.563.2642

Know more at www.cnibguidedogs.ca

CNIB Guide Dogs requires that all our Guide Dog Handlers are either Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada.
Should your status in Canada change, please consider applying at that time.

CNIB Guide Dogs requires that all Applicants be registered as CNIB Foundation and/or Vision Loss Rehabilitation clients.
Should you decide to become a client, please consider applying at that time.

Thank you for your interest in applying for a CNIB Guide Dog.

CNIB Guide Dogs is dedicated to ensuring that all our dogs are placed in homes where their health and welfare are not in any way compromised.

Exposure to carcinogens from inhaling second-hand smoke can negatively impact a guide dog's ability to fulfill their purpose and puts their health and well-being in jeopardy, therefore CNIB Guide Dogs will deny applications where there is smoking in the applicant's home.

Applicants who smoke will need to demonstrate how precautions will be taken to ensure the guide dog is provided a smoke free home (i.e. having a dedicated smoking area outside the home).

The household must be made ready to ensure the dog will not have access to items that could cause injury or health problems.

A safe, clean relief area must be available to the dog. If there are other pets in the home, they should be compatible with other dogs and not cause any risks to the guide dog.

Should your circumstances change, and you are able to meet our criteria for providing a safe, smoke-free and welcoming environment for the dog to live, please feel free to apply at that time.

A guide dog is trained to assist people whose independent travel is significantly and negatively affected by their sight loss.
Should you feel this statement describes your situation in the future, please considering applying at that time.

A Guide Dog Handler must be able to interact directly both physically and emotionally in a positive way with their guide dog. A good bond between a Guide Dog Handler and their Guide Dog is essential to both the working and social relationship.

Unfortunately, we will not be able to proceed with your application at this time.
Should you feel that your confidence with large dogs improves, please consider applying at that time.

CNIB Guide Dogs uses Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and crosses between these two breeds. These dogs weigh on average 50-80 lbs (23-36 kg) and can, at times, require strong, firm handling. To work successfully with a guide dog, a good level of strength and fitness is required.

Should you have concerns about your level of strength and fitness, you may choose to try to improve your fitness level before proceeding with your application.

To qualify for training with a CNIB Guide Dog, there is a level of fitness and activity required.
Guide Dog Handlers should be able to walk on average at least 20 minutes, twice-a-day.
This is not only important for the physical and mental wellness of the guide dog, but also to ensure that our guide dogs are going to a person with sight loss who will work them enough to warrant placing a guide dog with them

If your circumstances change in the future and you are able to do at least two 20-minute walks on average a day, please consider applying at that time.

Unfortunately, we are not able to train anyone who uses a wheelchair, scooter or walker when out and about on their routes.
Should your situation change, please consider applying at that time.

Please read the following declarations carefully prior to checking the box stating that you agree to the outlined declarations and submitting your application.

I declare that the information and answers that I have provided in this application are true and accurate
I give consent to have CNIB Guide Dogs Staff contact my vision rehabilitation specialists at Vision Loss Rehabilitation
I give consent to have CNIB Guide Dogs Staff contact my previous Guide Dog School(s) to gather information about my previous guide dog experience.

Thank you for completing the first portion of your application for a CNIB Guide Dog. You will be contacted by a member of the CNIB Guide Dog team within 10 working days to discuss your application.

Should you have any questions in the meantime about your guide dog ownership in general or about our program, please contact us at guidedogs@cnib.ca or 1.800.563.2642 or check out our website www.cnibguidedogs.ca