How To Apply For a Guide Dog?

Where Am I in the Process?

1. Call the Office Manager
2. Speak to an Instructor
3. Fill out and Return Both Sections of the Application
4. Set up an Interview with an Instructor
5. Interview

Step One: Call the Guide Dogs of Texas Office

Speak with Guide Dogs of Texas’ Office Manager, Annie, who will answer your questions and discuss the criteria of being legally blind, being a resident of Texas, being at least 17 years of age, knowing and walking routes independently, and crossing streets without sighted assistance. If you are planning on moving within the next year please wait to apply till after you move.

If you are not a candidate for a guide dog at this time, you may be referred to an outside agency as necessary such as Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) if you are unable to walk routes independently or to a different guide dog school if you are not a resident of Texas.

Step Two: Speak with an Instructor

If you are a candidate, an Instructor will call you to answer any questions you might have about guide dog mobility, the process of applying, and Guide Dogs of Texas. This is YOUR time to learn about guide dogs and Guide Dogs of Texas. The Instructor will ask detailed questions about your current mobility, current routes, and motivation for applying for a guide dog. An application will be sent out if you and your Instructor determine that a guide dog might benefit you. The application can be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed. We also have Large Print or Braille copies.

Step Three: Fill out and Return the Application

The Application has a short section for you to fill out. It can be filled out by yourself, a friend, or over the phone with a member of the Guide Dogs of Texas Staff.

Another section is the physician’s report that your Doctor is to fill out. This form gives the Instructors additional information regarding the type of dog that might be needed or the type of training schedule required.

Return BOTH sections to Guide Dogs of Texas via mail, fax, or e-mail.

Step Four: Discuss Setting up an Interview

Once both sections of your application have been received, an Instructor will call you. If possible, a date for the interview will be set up at this time. Guide Dogs of Texas strives to interview each Applicant in a timely manner. However, sometimes an Applicant’s interview must be combined with other visits for travel and scheduling purposes. In that case, you will be told when to expect a call to set up your interview.

Read more about Walking Routes Independently.