Placing dogs in new homes
When we see that one of our dogs needs a career change, we are committed to finding the best possible place for the dog's future. We apply a priority process each time a dog comes up for adoption, taking into account where the dog would be best placed.
The usual priority procedure follows:
- Former guide dog handlers (this applies to retired guide dogs). If a working dog has been retired from guiding, its handler or the handler's family can choose to keep the dog.
- Another service provider (if the dog is suitable). For example, the police (for use in the detection of drugs, solvents, explosives), NZ Customs Service, Search & Rescue, MAF, Epilepsy Assist and more.
- A Companion Home. If the dog is suitable as a companion for a disabled person who does not require a guide dog.
- A friend of our guide dog service, such as a donor or volunteer.
- The former puppy walker who raised the puppy from 7 weeks of age through to 14 months when the pup came in to the guide dog centre for assessment.
- Any person who would like to adopt a dog from us.
