If accepted to a class, how do the students get to the center?
We provide transportation to and from the center. We also provide the housing and meals during the three-week training course. All of this is done free of charge.
February 2022
Is there any upper age limit for working with a guide dog?
There is no upper age limit for receiving a guide dog. Elderly people can continue to use a guide dog as long as they can walk safely and at a reasonable pace and care for the dog.
Are people who are not totally blind able to receive a Guide Dog?
Most people who are legally blind are not totally blind. Many can see colors or shapes; however, it is very important to let the Guide Dog provide safe mobility for the team. If someone has too much sight, they stop relying on the dog, and the partnership breaks down.
How can I become a puppy raiser?
To volunteer as a puppy raiser, you must live in Israel, complete an application and submit it. If you are accepted, it usually takes between 6 months to a year before you will receive a puppy. Puppy raising is our most popular volunteer program.
Is it possible to receive Guide Dog instruction at home?
Yes. The instructors, in some cases, will provide domiciliary training or at-home instruction, usually to more experienced Guide Dog users but also in such situations where the person is needed at home and cannot leave a spouse for three weeks of instruction at the Center.
How long does it take to get a Guide Dog?
It takes approximately a year to a year-and-a-half to obtain a Guide Dog in Israel. We are trying to grow to meet the demand and shorten the waiting time, but our success depends on finding generous donors who understand why it is so important to help visually impaired Israelis resume their lives as productive citizens.
How are Guide Dogs matched with a blind partner?
Professional trainers at the Center evaluate each dog and each applicant. Dogs are assessed for their size, strength, and temperament. They are then carefully matched to suit each client according to his or her physical strength, pace and lifestyle.
What is the application process?
After we receive an inquiry, one of our Mobility Instructors will visit an applicant in their home to evaluate their circumstances and to make sure that the environment is appropriate for a Guide Dog. We also provide a three-day orientation course at our center for people who are not sure that having a Guide Dog is the right step for them.
Who is eligible to receive a Guide Dog?
Applicants must be Israeli citizens, at least 16 years old, legally blind, physically and emotionally capable of caring for a dog, and must be able to provide a safe and loving environment. All applicants are interviewed and screened to determine whether a guide dog will provide the best solution for mobility. Since we have a long waiting list, we won’t provide a Guide Dog to simply be a companion.