Guide dogs can play a vital role in helping blind people live full lives. Many in need of the dogs may not be aware that there are programs available to help them deal with the initial costs as well as costs for the animal's care. These programs often have few to no fees for those who qualify. Charities providing this assistance rely on donations to operate.
Schools
There are several schools that pair blind students with guide dogs, such as Guiding Eyes for the Blind (guidingeyes.org) in Yorktown Heights, New York. The majority of these schools are nonprofit and depend on donations. Usually, a person will go to the school for about a month to learn about guide dogs in general in addition to getting to know his own new guide dog. Class sizes are small to allow the most hands-on instruction. All forms for consideration to any of these schools are available online or by phone. Staff at the schools can help in completing the applications if necessary. An evaluation is necessary to provide a better guide-dog-to-owner match. Some schools also offer financial assistance with veterinary costs.
California Department of Social Services' Assistance Dog Special Allowance Program
The California Department of Social Services' Assistance Dog Special Allowance Program (cdss.ca.gov) gives eligible participants a monthly payment to cover expenses that come with owning a guide dog. These expenses include food, grooming and any health-care needs that arise. To receive this assistance, a person must live in California, have a diagnosed disability and receive assistance from one of several programs, such as the Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance. Anyone receiving Social Security Disability Insurance also has to meet federal poverty regulations.
Paws for Patriots
Southeastern Guide Dogs (guidedogs.org) offers the program Paws for Patriots. This organization is located in Palmetto, Fla., and works to see that blind U.S. soldiers have access to guide dogs. Several hospitals, such as the National Naval Medical Center, work with the program to bring dogs into their facilities for therapy as well as training. There is no charge for soldiers to participate in this program.
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (va.gov) does not pay guide-dog fees for blind veterans but does offer some assistance. Each veteran goes through an assessment to see it she is a good guid- dog candidate. If so, the veteran gets a referral to accredited agencies that provide guide dogs at no charge. Assistance with veterinary care and equipment from the Veterans Administration is also available.
Tags: guide dogs, Allowance Program, Assistance Special, Assistance Special Allowance, California Department, California Department Social