Our Services - Our Clients

How to apply for a Guide Dog

Application for training may be made directly to British Columbia Guide Dog Services. All applicants should contact Bill Thornton CEO at (604) 940-4504. The minimum age for applying for a Guide Dog is 14 years.

All interviews are conducted in the applicant's home and are carried out by a qualified Guide Dog Instructor. The applicant's spouse and family members are welcome to attend the interview; this is often very helpful, as the arrival of a dog in the family affects not only the new Guide Dog User, but all members of the family.

Training Classes

British Columbia Guide Dog Services will provide both Domiciliary (at-horne) training and Residential training. The Residential classes are structured to have a maximum of 3 Clients per Instructor; these classes will take place at the British Columbia Guide Dog Services residence, and will run over a 21-day period.

Many Clients will receive Domiciliary training. In these cases, Clients will have their dogs placed in their homes one week prior to the commencement of Domiciliary training. This will allow the dog to settle in to the new home environment before the pressures of the classes begin. This pre-class period will be supervised by the Class Instructor.

How much does a client pay for their Guide Dog?

Our clients pay a symbolic "one dollar" for the use of their Guide Dog.

Our coats are off... it's time to play! Guide Dogs can have fun too!