Dog Adoption Application for staff, volunteers and their referrals only.

***We are not currently adopting to the public. Please email Dawn.Spano@GuideDog.org if you were not referred. Thank you.***


Dear Friend of the Foundation/Potential Adopter,

We appreciate your help in supporting our missions and providing a home for one of our career-change dogs. Our list is closed to the public so please include the name of the staff member or volunteer referring you. If you meet our requirements, they can email a reference letter to Dawn.Spano@GuideDog.org.
  • We have a limited number of dogs available so the average wait time could be at least 12-24 months. 
  • As of June 1, 2023 the average fee for adopting a career-change dog is $2500. We collect the full fee at time of adoption. The fee helps offset a small portion of our costs for spay/neuter, veterinary care, training, and support of the dog. We anticipate it to increase by $250 each June.
  • Please consider if this is the right time to add a new member to your family. The average cost of owning a dog can start at $900-$1100 per year for food, preventive care and veterinary expenses. Unexpected illnesses and injuries could occur at any time, increasing these figures. X-Rays and Testing can easily start at $500-$700 or more. Surgeries range from $1500-$5500. We can provide additional information upon request.
  • We do not adopt to homes with electric/invisible fences or doggie doors due to safety.
  • Please be advised that the online application will time out. If you do not receive an automated email confirming your submission within 20-30 minutes of completion, you will need to start again.
  • Once you receive the confirmation email, you are added to the waitlist and will receive announcements as dogs become available.

If you have any questions, please email: Dawn.Spano@GuideDog.org. We look forward to meeting you!

Thank you.

First NameLast Name

Address Line1

Address Line2

CityStateZip

Home phoneCell phone

Work phone

Email Address

Secondary Email Address

Do you live in a

If Other, please describe

How did you hear about the Guide Dog Foundation?


Who were you referred by? (Active staff and volunteers please indicate your position at GDF)


Which breed(s) are you interested in, please number in order of preference.
1.  2.   3. 
4.  5. 

What ages would you be willing to adopt? (Check all that apply)


Would you consider adopting a dog with special medical needs?

Would you consider adopting a dog with special behavioral needs?

Do you have a fenced in area in your yard?

If yes, what kind of fence and how high?

If you do not have a fenced yard, where would you bring your dog for off-leash play time?


Please describe your dog handling experience so we can make the best match for you:


Please list your past pet history:
Animal Type - Breed - Gender - Altered - Age


Please list all other pets you currently own:
Animal Type - Breed - Gender - Altered - Age


Please provide the name and phone number of the veterinary clinic you plan to use for your adopted dog's care:


Have you used this vet before?

Please indicate the number of people living in the household:


If there are children under 18, what are their ages?


Will your adopted dog have regular contact with (check all that apply)
Children under 3 years old      Children 3 - 10 years old   Children 10 years or older
Adults with limited mobility (regular use of a walker or wheelchair)

Where will your adopted dog stay during the day?


Where will your adopted dog sleep at night?


How long will your adopted dog be left alone during the day? (Adopted dog should not be left alone more than 6 hours.)

What is your expected time-line to adopt a dog from us? You can remain on the list while you are considering your options.

Why are you interested in having a dog?

Please tell us anything else you would like us to know about your adoption preferences

Please be advised that the online application will time out. If you do not receive an automated email confirming your submission within 10 minutes of completion, you will need to start again.