Since 1942, Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) has been creating partnerships between people, dogs, and communities. With exceptional client services and a robust network of instructors, puppy raisers, donors, and volunteers, we prepare highly qualified guide dogs to serve and empower individuals who are blind or have low vision from throughout the United States and Canada.
All of the services for our clients are provided free of charge, including personalized training and extensive post-graduation support, plus financial assistance for veterinary care, if needed. Our work is made possible by the generous support of our donors and volunteers; we receive no government funding.
Mission
Guide Dogs for the Blind empowers lives by creating exceptional partnerships between people, dogs, and communities.
Services Offered
Dog Services
- Dog Acupuncture
- Dog Allergies
- Dog Anesthesia
- Dog Behavior
- Dog Boarding
- Dog Cancer
- Dog Cardiology
- Dog Dentistry
- Dog Dermatology
- Dog Deworming
- Dog Diagnostic Imaging
- Dog Emergency Care
- Dog Exercise
- Dog Homeopathic Remedies
- Dog Illnesses and Disease
- Dog Laboratory
- Dog Integrative Medicine
- Dog Laser Therapy
- Dog Medications
- Dog Nutrition
- Dog Pain Management
- Dog Parasites
- Dog Flea and Tick
- Dog Heartworm
- Dog Preventive Care
- Dog Endoscopy
- Dog Grooming
- Dog Laparoscopic Surgery
- Dog Microchipping
- Puppy Care
- Dog Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
- Dog Reproductive Services
- Dog Senior Care
- Dog Spay or Neuter
- Dog Surgery
- Dog Vaccination
- Dog Wellness Exams
Cat Services
- Cat Acupuncture
- Cat Anesthesia
- Cat Behavior
- Cat Boarding
- Cat Cancer
- Cat Cardiology
- Cat Dentistry
- Cat Dermatology
- Cat Deworming
- Cat Diagnostic Imaging
- Cat Emergency Care
- Cat Homeopathic and Nutraceutical
- Cat Bathing & Hygiene
- Cat Endoscopy
- Cat Eye Care
- Cat Flea and Tick
- Cat Grooming
- Cat Heartworm
- Cat Illnesses and Disease
- Cat Integrative Medicine
- Kitten Care
- Cat Lab Work
- Cat Laparoscopy
- Cat Laser Therapy
- Cat Medications
- Cat Microchipping
- Cat Nutrition
- Cat Pain Management
- Cat Preventive Care
- Cat Senior Care
- Cat Spaying or Neutering
- Cat Surgery
- Cat Vaccinations
- Cat Wellness Exams
- Cat House Calls
Video
History
It all began with a dreamthe dream of creating the first guide dog training school on the West Coast. It was a dream shared by Lois Merrihew and Don Donaldson who volunteered their efforts along with many others. They recognized the need to help wounded servicemen who would return from World War II without their sight. They believed in the potential of dogs to serve as guides for the blind.
Merrihew and Donaldson incorporated our school in May of 1942 and began instruction of students in a rented home in Los Gatos, California (south of San Jose). A German Shepherd named Blondie, who had been rescued from a Pasadena dog pound, was one of the first dogs trained. Blondie was later paired with Sgt. Leonard Foulk, the first serviceman to graduate from the new school.
In 1947, GDB moved to our present location in San Rafael, California, about 20 miles north of San Francisco. In order to meet the increasing demand for our services, we opened a second campus in Boring, Oregon (25 miles east of Portland), in the Fall of 1995. The first class of students graduated from the Pacific Northwest campus in October of that year.
Contact This Practice
Business Hours
Affiliations and Certifications
- AAHA
Additional Features
- Accepts Credit Cards