Independence Begins with Partnership.
Personalized training. Meaningful partnerships.
Greater independence. All at no cost to you.
The Freedom of Partnership
At Freedom Guide Dogs, we believe that independence is about more than getting from one place to another. It’s about having the confidence to navigate the world, embrace new opportunities, and live life on your own terms.
Our guide dogs are thoughtfully raised, professionally trained, and carefully matched with individuals who are blind or visually impaired. We recognize that every person is unique, which is why our approach is centered around each individual’s lifestyle, mobility needs, and personal goals.
From the first conversation to the many years of partnership that follow, our commitment is to provide exceptional training, personalized support, and guide dogs at no cost to those we serve.
Who We Serve
At Freedom Guide Dogs, we believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to experience greater independence, confidence, and mobility. We proudly serve individuals who are blind or visually impaired throughout the East Coast, while extending our services nationwide to veterans experiencing vision loss.
We also recognize that blindness or visual impairment may be accompanied by additional disabilities. Our individualized approach allows us to consider each applicant’s unique abilities, needs, and goals, because no two people or guide dog partnerships are alike.
Our Veterans
We are honored to serve the men and women who have served our country. Freedom Guide Dogs extends its services nationwide to veterans who are blind or visually impaired, with our experienced instructors traveling throughout the United States to provide individualized training and placement. We recognize the unique experiences and needs of each veteran and are committed to helping them build a trusted guide dog partnership that supports their independence, confidence, and everyday mobility.
The Blind & Visually Impaired
We are dedicated to empowering individuals who are blind or visually impaired to navigate the world with greater confidence, independence, and freedom. Serving individuals throughout the East Coast, we recognize that every person’s lifestyle, travel needs, and goals are unique. Through thoughtful matching, personalized instruction, and ongoing support, we work to build successful guide dog partnerships that enhance mobility and open doors to new opportunities.
Individuals with Additonal Disabilities
We recognize that vision loss is not always the only challenge an individual may experience. We believe that every person deserves to be recognized for their unique strengths, abilities, and potential, rather than defined by their disabilities. Our team takes the time to understand each applicant’s individual circumstances, mobility needs, and personal goals. Through thoughtful evaluation, personalized training, and careful matching, we strive to create successful guide dog partnerships that promote greater independence, confidence, and quality of life.
Is a Guide Dog Right for You?
A guide dog partnership offers an incredible opportunity for greater independence, confidence, and mobility. However, working with a guide dog also requires dedication, responsibility, and a commitment to building a strong working relationship.
At Freedom Guide Dogs, we believe that a successful partnership begins with understanding the needs of both the individual and the dog. Our admissions process helps us learn about your lifestyle, travel experiences, and personal goals while determining whether a guide dog is the right fit for you.
Our Eligibility Requirements
Our guide dogs and individualized placement training are provided at no cost to our clients. Once placed, graduates are responsible for the ongoing expenses associated with caring for their guide dog, including food, routine veterinary care, grooming, and other everyday needs.
Minimum Age
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
Legal Blindness
Applicants must be legally blind.
Orientation & Mobility Training
Applicants must have completed orientation and mobility training and demonstrate established independent travel skills.
Geographic Eligibility
We serve individuals who are blind or visually impaired along the East Coast. Veterans who are legally blind may apply from anywhere within the United States.
Daily Walking Ability
Applicants must be able to walk a minimum of one mile per day to support an active working partnership with their guide dog.
Financial Responsibility
Applicants must be financially prepared to provide ongoing care, including food, routine veterinary expenses, grooming, and other necessary daily care. After placement
A Partnership Provided at No Cost
At Freedom Guide Dogs, we believe that financial barriers should not stand in the way of greater independence. Our guide dogs and individualized placement training are provided at no cost to those we serve.
Once a guide dog is placed, graduates are responsible for the ongoing expenses associated with their dog’s care, including food, routine veterinary care, grooming, and other everyday needs.
Your Path to Partnership
Taking the first step toward a guide dog partnership is an exciting decision, and we’re here to help you navigate the process. At Freedom Guide Dogs, we take the time to get to know each applicant, understand their individual needs, and carefully consider the qualities that will make a successful partnership. Here’s what you can expect when applying for a guide dog through our program.
Complete Your Application
Your first step toward a guide dog partnership begins with completing our application. This provides our admissions team with important information about you, your lifestyle, mobility experience, and individual needs, helping us better understand your goals for working with a guide dog.
Supporting Documentation
Once your application is received, our team will send the necessary forms directly to the individuals you have listed, including your personal references, physician, ophthalmologist, and orientation and mobility instructor. We ask that these individuals complete and return their forms as promptly as possible so we can continue moving your application forward.
In-Person Interview & JUNO Walk
When we have an instructor in your area, we will arrange an in-person interview with one of our Guide Dog Mobility Instructors. During this visit, we'll take the time to learn more about your community, daily routines, travel needs, and lifestyle. As part of the interview, you'll participate in a JUNO walk, which allows our instructor to assess your walking pace, mobility skills, and preferred working style. This visit also helps us better understand the environments and situations your future guide dog will need to navigate comfortably and confidently alongside you.
Application Review & Determination
Following your interview and mobility assessment, our team will carefully review your completed application, supporting documentation, and evaluation results. Each applicant is considered individually, with thoughtful attention given to their needs, abilities, and readiness for a guide dog partnership. Once a determination has been made, our team will notify you of your application status and discuss the next steps.
Matching & Hometown Training™
Once approved, the next step is finding the right guide dog for you. Our training team carefully considers each dog's temperament, working style, pace, and abilities to identify a match that complements your individual needs and lifestyle. When a suitable match becomes available, our Training Department will contact you to share the exciting news and coordinate dates for your Hometown Training™. Rather than requiring you to travel to our facility, our Guide Dog Mobility Instructors come directly to you, providing personalized instruction in your own home and community. This allows you and your new guide dog to develop your partnership while navigating the routes, environments, and everyday experiences that are part of your life. Hometown Training™ typically lasts 12–14 days, with instruction tailored to the needs and progress of each individual team.
Training Where Life Happens.
At Freedom Guide Dogs, we believe that the most meaningful training takes place where life actually happens. Through our Hometown Training™ program, our experienced Guide Dog Mobility Instructors travel directly to you, providing personalized instruction in the comfort and familiarity of your own home and community.
Rather than learning to work with your new guide dog in an unfamiliar training environment, you’ll develop your partnership while navigating the streets, routes, and everyday destinations that are part of your life.
Our individualized training approach allows us to focus on your unique mobility needs, lifestyle, and personal goals while helping you and your guide dog build the confidence, communication, and trust needed for a successful partnership.
Hometown Training™ typically lasts 12–14 days, with instruction tailored to the progress and needs of each team.
A Partnership for Life
Your partnership with Freedom Guide Dogs doesn’t end when your initial training is complete. We’re committed to supporting our graduates and their guide dogs throughout their working lives, offering continued guidance, encouragement, and assistance as their needs evolve.
Whether you’re adjusting to a new routine, navigating a change in your environment, or simply have a question along the way, our team is here to help you and your guide dog continue working together with confidence.
Ongoing Guidance
Continued support and advice as you and your guide dog grow together.
Changing Needs
Assistance as your routines, travel environments, or mobility needs change.
A Team You Can Count On
A lasting relationship with the people who helped bring your partnership together.
Your Next Chapter Starts Here.
Greater independence begins with the right partnership. Whether you’re ready to apply or simply exploring the possibility of working with a guide dog, we’re here to answer your questions and help you take the next step.
We look forward to learning more about you and the opportunities that lie ahead.