Information for People thinking about applying for a Seeing Eye Dog

For the right person, getting a Seeing Eye Dog can have a huge and postive impact on the quality of their lives and Seeing Eye Dogs Australia would like to provide trained dogs to all appropriate individuals.

However, it is important that all the implications of having a dog are understood.

When you take one of our dogs you become responsible for all aspects of the health and well being of the dog, and also take on a responsibilty in respect of the behaviour expected by the public. Every person with a Seeing Eye Dog is something of an ambassdor for every other peson with a Seeing Eye Dog.

Seeing Eye Dogs are expected to live in the house with you, often they sleep in peoples bedrooms, but this isn't a requirement, but you will need to expect that the dog will shed hair in your house, although this can be kept to a minimum by a good diet and regular grooming.

The dog will also need to have a toliet area and arrangements will need to be made to keep this clean.

Seeing Eye Dogs Australia will supply some parasite control drugs to you free of charge, and many vets are generous in thier treatment of Seeing Eye Dogs, but veterinary costs my occur at times.

The user of the dog is also repsonsible for the feeding of the dog, the cost involved will vary depending on the size of the dog and the type of food given, but a rough guide would be $10 - $15 a week.

Once a dog has become settled with a person, working with them is usually a relaxing and enjoyable experience, but it can take time for the dog to become attached to the new handler and happy in the new environment. The skills that need to be learnt can also be very new to some people. Even though people will only be accepted if they are suitable and efforts will be made to try and match the right dog with the right person, things do need time to develop. This is why the training program is up to four weeks long and Seeing Eye Dogs staff will maintain contact even when the team has qualified. Staff will always be available to Seeing Eye Dog users if problems develop further down the line.

The choice of the type of dog and the way that the training is organised will be influenced by the preferences of the applicant although there may be good reasons why an Instructor will suggest particular options.

The decision to apply for a Seeing Eye Dog is an important one and we will be happy to try and assist you in making this. Informal talks can take place before any application either with a member of the training staff, or if you wish you can be put in contact with someone who is a dog user who would be happy to tell you about their experience.

You may also want to contact your local Guide Dog organisation who offers a similar service.

Having and using a Seeing Eye Dog not only increases a person's mobility, but also can be a source of companionship, enjoyment and pride. This organisation is dedicated to the provision of Seeing Eye Dogs to people who qualify for them and we do feel that it is important that anybody applying for one of our dogs makes that decision on an informed basis.

If you have any concerns at all please feel free to phone, email or write to us.