Can you keep a retired guide dog?
Retiring guides may live in the homes of their blind partners as pets. Some are placed with family or friends. Others return to the homes of their puppy raisers, and some are placed in loving adoptive homes by Guide Dogs dog placement staff.
What happens to a guide dog when it’s retired?
While your dog will no longer be able to accompany you everywhere, his retirement can become his golden years. He might continue to live with you as a pet, move in with a family member, return to the puppy raiser, or get adopted by one of the people waiting on a very long list.07-Aug-2014
Why is it not a good idea to pet a guide dog?
That can also distract the handler and put their safety in jeopardy. By petting a service dog, talking to it, or trying to offer it food, you're detracting it from its ability to give its full attention to keeping its handler safe.28-Aug-2019
Can you adopt failed guide dogs?
Adopting a failed or retired guide dog is not a simple process and it may take some time until you are matched. The selection process is usually based on suitability rather than on a first-come, first-serve basis. The easiest way to adopt is by approaching a guide dog charity, breeder or training organisation.
How old do guide dogs live?
These dogs usually retire from work around 9 to 11 years of age. It is common for the guide dog to remain with their owner or their family or close friends who have been associated with the dog throughout its life.
How long do guide dogs last?
A guide dog's average working life is six to seven years and they are normally retired at about 10 or 11 years old, depending on their health and the amount of work they need to do.20-Nov-2017
What happens when a seeing eye dog retires?
Retired Seeing Eye dogs may be kept as pets, given to a friend or relative as a pet, or returned to The Seeing Eye and re-homed through our dog adoption program. Visit our training page to learn more about how Seeing Eye dogs are trained.