Guiding Eyes for the Blind

Student instruction and guide dog training: the Guiding Eyes student instruction and guide dog training is comprised of the following functional programs: early/home socialization and puppy raising for purpose bred guide dogs. On-campus residential training for Blind or visually impaired students learning to use a guide dog. Specialized training instruction for individuals who are Blind with additional disabilities or obstacles such as balance, hearing or learning challenges. the running guide program that empower Blind or visually impaired students to live a healthy, more independent lifestyle. Home training for students who are unable to travel to new york for the two week on campus program. These programs provide individuals who are Blind or visually impaired with fully trained guide dogs. All services, including travel costs to and from the new york training center and room and board, are provided at no charge to students. In fiscal year 2022, Guiding Eyes successfully graduated one hundred fifteen (115) guide dog teams. Dogs not suited for guide dog work go on to alternate careers such as being adopted by other non-profit organizations that serve individuals with disabilities or by law enforcement to be trained as detection dogs. Others are released as family pets. All staff and volunteers are trained by Guiding Eyes with a focus on love and care for our dogs throughout their working life.

Canine Breeding and Development: Guiding Eyes produces purpose bred puppies and provides a strong foundation for them as future guide dogs. The programs that comprise the Canine Development Center are genetics, cryogenics, breeding, whelping, brood/stud care, early/home socialization and puppy raising. All staff and volunteers are trained through Guiding Eyes' STEP (Successive Training & Enrichment Program) program, which emphasizes the importance of the human-animal bond. The Canine Development Center utilizes advanced statistics including estimated breeding values and data-driven temperament measurement systems to increase the percentage of puppies that are successful as guide dogs.

Veterinary Services: At Guiding Eyes, we are dedicated to providing excellence in veterinary care. We operate two state-of-the-art veterinary hospitals through our main campus in Yorktown Heights, New York, and our Canine Development Center in Patterson, New York. Our veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, and administrative staff care for dogs in the Breeding, Puppy, and Training Programs. Our vet care extends to all working Guiding Eyes dogs through remote communication and referrals, and using our own facilities when proximity allows. Our veterinary team performs routine surgical and dental procedures, x-rays, sonograms, endoscopy, laboratory work, vaccinations, and an array of wellness services. We also work with specialists in ophthalmology, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, and radiology, many of whom donate services to help provide our dogs with the best care possible.

Facilities management

Residential and graduate services

Enrichment & education