FAQ’s
South African Guide-Dogs Association was established in 1953 to train Guide Dogs, Service Dogs and Autism Support Dogs have been trained since 1990.
The College of Orientation and Mobility was established in 1974.
The actual training is approximately 6 to 9 months but South African Guide-Dogs Association is responsible for the puppy from the moment it is born. Assistance dog training commences at around 12 months, depending on the breed. Therefore the entire training process takes an average of 18 to 24 months.
It costs in excess of hundreds of thousands of Rands to produce a qualified assistance dog, from a puppy to its graduation. We have created sponsorship packages that start from R 5,000 to make sponsorships accessible to you.
Yes, we breed Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, cross Labrador-Golden Retrievers and German Shepherd Dogs.
You pay R205, which includes your trained assistance dog, training, accommodation and equipment.
We want assistance dogs to be available to you regardless of your financial position. You need to be able to afford to care for an assistance dog. You are responsible for the feeding and routine veterinary care of your dog.
No, you may apply if you have residual vision because you can benefit from using a mobility aid such as a Guide Dog or long cane.
Assistance dogs enjoy affection, therefore, physical touch is very rewarding, as is vocal praise. Assistance dogs often receive a small treat from after completing requested tasks.
Always ask the owner if you may talk to or touch their dog.
No. Assistance dogs should only be fed by their owner. The owner is aware of the amount and type of food that the dog should be eating. Some dogs have allergies and can only eat specific diets.
No, most assistance dogs are off duty for a large part of the day, and they are only on duty when they are guiding their owner or performing tasks. When the assistance dog is off duty, it has its harness or jacket removed, and it can behave as a normal pet would.
Usually about 8 – 10 years, but this varies according to the health of the assistance dog and the normal aging process.
An Instructor from South African Guide-Dogs Association will visit you within 24 hours wherever you live in South Africa.
The dog will stay with you. If this is not possible South African Guide-Dogs Association will find a loving home for the retired dog.
Yes, you may, however, we can’t accommodate ad hoc visitors.
We have regular graduation days where we can accommodate visitors. Contact us to find out when we have a graduation day and book your visit.
No, South African Guide-Dogs Association is the only training centre in Africa.
No, all of our funds come from donations and our own fundraising initiatives.
If the assistance dog is placed with you, then you do.
South African Guide-Dogs Association enters into a contract with you and can re-purchase your assistance dog under certain specified conditions.
We will visit you and your assistance dog annually for the life of your dog and we are available to offer advice and assistance