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Guide Dogs for the Blind provides enhanced mobility to qualified individuals through partnership with dogs whose unique skills are developed and nurtured by dedicated volunteers and a professional staff. Established in 1942, Guide Dogs for the Blind continues its dedication to quality student training services and extensive follow-up support for graduates. Our programs are made possible through the teamwork of staff, volunteers and generous donors. Services are provided to students from the United States and Canada at no cost to them.

The Seeing Eye is a philanthropic organization whose mission is to enhance the independence, dignity and self-confidence of blind people through the use of Seeing Eye dogs.

Leader Dogs for the Blind breeds and trains dogs (and future owners) to assist the blind. Our mission is empowering people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel. In support of this mission, our actions are guided, supported and measured by our values: Do what is right Respect and compassion Passion for the work Superior experience Teamwork Innovation Safety

The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation is dedicated to promoting increased independence to men and women who are blind by providing them with the highest quality guide dogs.

We rescue and rehome dogs (primarily) from local hi-kill shelters. We focus on but are not limited to special needs animals (deaf, blind, otherwise disabled and seniors). We provide foster homes to start and provide whatever it takes (rehab, medical, training etc) to make sure the animal never ever goes back into the shelter system. We are available to our adopters for the life of the animal, should they need assistance.

Service Dogs of Virginia's mission is to raise and train exceptional dogs and match them with individuals with disabilities in Virginia to create greater freedom and independence. Service Dogs of Virginia trains dogs in the following areas: Physical Assistance - these dogs are trained to assist people in wheelchairs with tasks such as opening doors, picking up items, getting the phone, and so much more. Autism Service - these dogs are trained to assist autistic children and their families by preventing children from impulsively running off, facilitating easier transitions from one activity to the next, assisting with social interactions, improving communication, and more. Diabetic Alert - these dogs are trained to alert owners to low blood glucose thereby helping to prevent short-term health consequences such as passing out or having seizures, as well as long-term consequences such as early death, loss of limbs and blindness that result from uncontrolled blood sugar swings. Amazingly, a well-trained dog is more reliable than available technology for "brittle" diabetics. We only place service dogs with clients who live in Virginia as both dogs and people require periodic "tune ups." When a program is geographically inaccessible, people go without help reducing the effectiveness of their canine helpmates. SDV makes a commitment to provide ongoing training and support for each individual with which it places a dog. If an individual's needs change, SDV provides additional training to customize their dog's commands and tasks. This ongoing relationship also provides us the opportunity to observe each dog's progress and to ensure it is being utilized to its maximum benefit. Education - In addition to the above programs, we consider educating the general public about service dogs an important adjunct program. From speaking to a wide variety of groups to having open houses and other public events, SDV staff and volunteers inform people about the importance of service dogs, their training, and their impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Our Mission: To help those who have served our country honorably live with dignity and independence. The service dog programs of America’s VetDogs® were created to provide enhanced mobility and renewed independence to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities, allowing them to once again live with pride and self-reliance. Not only does a service dog provide support with daily activities, it provides the motivation to tackle new challenges. VetDogs trains and places guide dogs for individuals who are blind or have low vision; PTSD service dogs to help mitigate the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder; hearing dogs for those who have lost their hearing later in life; service dogs for those with other physical disabilities, and facility dogs as part of the rehabilitation process in military and VA hospitals. It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog; however, all of VetDogs’ services are provided at no charge to the individual. Funding comes from the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations, businesses, and service and fraternal clubs. Once they make the decision to get a service dog, applicants become part of VetDogs’ open and welcoming community. They are supported with an uncompromised commitment to excellence, from highly empathetic and certified trainers to a meticulously constructed curriculum. VetDogs teams each student with the dog that’s right for them – and the power of their bond makes ordinary moments extraordinary. Crossing the street independently becomes a moment of liberation. Traveling alone becomes a welcome adventure. Embracing new experiences becomes an everyday occurrence. America’s VetDogs launched in 2003 as a project of the Guide Dog Foundation. In 2006, it became a separate 501(c)(3) corporation; the two organizations continue to share staff and other resources to ensure people with disabilities receive the best services possible. With an assistance dog from America's VetDogs by their side, a hero is never alone. With their courage and determination, these remarkable teams reconnect us all to the highest form of freedom there is: the freedom to experience the world around us in any way we choose, and to live without boundaries.