Guide Dogs for Senior Citizens in Georgia

The ability to care for a guide dog is the most important requirement for a senior citizen seeking one. Dogs commonly used in assistant training are golden and labrador retrievers and German shepherds which can be trained specifically to serve the elderly person's needs. When looking for a senior guide dog in Georgia look for a facility that provides on-site training for the senior with the dog, followed up by in-home assistance.

Southeastern Guide Dogs - Georgia Outreach

• The Georgia Outreach program is located in Villa Rica, Georgia, with the main training facility in Palmetto, Florida. In addition to training dogs to assist the blind, this center trains dogs for those over 70 years of age who are wheelchair bound, hearing impaired, suffering from balance and mobility problems and other aging issues. The Special Needs Program trains the senior with the dog for 26 days free of charge before sending them home. The application process can take two months and requires primary care physician and caregiver involvement. This includes assessment of the senior's mental and physical health and the ability to take care of the dog.

Canine Assistants

• Located in Milton, Georgia, this training program has a one- to five-year waiting list depending on the needs of the senior. Dogs are placed free of charge for seniors in need, with a two-week training period at their facility. Canine Assistants have financial assistance available for those who qualify. The dogs in training are approximately 1 ½ years old and consist mostly of golden and Labrador retrievers.

Guide-Dogs for the Blind

• The main training facilities are in San Rafael, California, and Portland, Oregon, but this organization provides support and dogs to over 2,000 trainers and organizations across the country. There is no fee for a guide dog, but for those who can afford it, they accept donations. Guide-Dogs requires a 28-day training program before taking a dog home and will train for special needs other than blindness. This organization keeps in close contact with guide-dog owners once home in order to ensure success and to make adjustments when necessary.

Georgia Guide Dog Users, Inc.

• The organization's main office is in Brunswick, Georgia, and it's affiliated with the Georgia Council of the Blind. Its mission is to promote legislation supporting the rights of guide-dog owners. They also hold events and workshops to educate and inform guide-dog owners. This company is a good place to start when looking for a guide dog for a senior citizen; they have access to a variety of resources such as where to get a dog, laws and rules in your state in regards to owning a guide dog and support for owners.