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Puppy and Dog Donations

Approximately 10% of the dogs used in our dog guide program are donated to Leader Dogs for the Blind by the general public or outside agencies, such as rescues and humane societies. All dogs are evaluated for temperament and health prior to being placed into our dog guide program.

Dog Donations

Dogs donated to Leader Dog must be a Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Flat-coated Retriever, German Shepherd, Smooth Collie, Standard Poodle, or a cross of these breeds.

Criteria for dog donations include:

  • Must be between 12-30 months of age. We start with the youngest dogs possible to maximize their time in the field after graduation.
  • Must have basic obedience (sit, down, stay) and walk nicely on a leash (does not lunge, dart, spin).
  • Must be comfortable walking near traffic.
  • Must be between 20-26 inches tall, from ground to top of shoulder.
  • Must be in good health with no history of chronic ailments, allergies, fractured or broken bones.
  • Must be friendly with people and other animals, particularly dogs. Dogs showing ANY aggression will be turned down.

If you feel that you have a dog that meets the following criteria, contact our kennel at 248-650-7115 to schedule an evaluation. When calling, anticipate 10-15 minutes of answering questions before scheduling an evaluation at our kennel.

Puppy Donations

Leader Dog accepts donations of Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd and Standard Poodle puppies from preapproved breedings. 

Required health clearances for donated puppies include:

  • OFA certification and results (hip and elbows)
  • CERF results
  • Complete pedigree and health records
  • Previous litter results (if any)
  • PRA, Cardiac, SA testing may be required

Donated puppies are evaluated by our veterinary staff and, if found medically sound, placed with a volunteer puppy raiser for approximately one year. Raisers teach puppies house manners, basic obedience and socialize the dog by taking it into the community on a regular basis. The puppy will return to Leader Dog between 12 to 15 months of age for formal dog guide training before being placed with a student.

Puppy donors receive a photo and letter, which includes hip and elbow X-ray results when their puppy completes the program.

If you are interested in donating a puppy to our program, please call at 888-777-5332.

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