Rehome a dog
Your house could become a forever home for a dog that’s seeking a new path in life.
Express your interestGetting a fur-ever friend
Not every dog is destined to become a Guide Dog. The dogs that don’t meet the high standards expected of our Guide Dogs during training can either be reclassified and move into a different career, or they can be rehomed as loving pets.
Every Guide Dog is valued and ultimately, finds its place in the world, whether it’s as a highly trained Guide dog, another type of “service dog,” or as a loving family pet.
Nicci,
Making a Guide Dog
It takes almost two years to breed, raise and train just one Guide Dog.
You can help me learn!
Newborn
0 - 8 weeks old
I live in the nursery with my Mum and siblings. Here I start finding my feet and learning more about the world around me.
Growing puppy
Approx 2 to 15 months old
I’m so excited to go and live in the community with my Puppy Raisers! My new family takes me on lots of outings so I can gain new skills and experiences. I'll get to share my journey with 3 families!
In training
Approx 15 to 20 months old
I return to the kennels to start my formal training when I’m about 15 months old. My trainer teaches me everything I need to know to be a Guide Dog!
Guide Dog
20 months onward
After years of training I’m ready to start the job I was born for. My handler is carefully picked from the people on our waiting list to make sure we’re the paw-fect match.
I love being a Guide Dog!
How can I help?
If you’re looking for a new addition to your family, you might like to consider rehoming a retired or reclassified dog. By rehoming a dog, you would be giving them a safe and loving home while gaining a new family member of your own. These special dogs love spending time with people and make great companions.
Once you’ve expressed your interest, we’ll get in touch if we think we’ve found a dog that will be the paw-fect fit for you.
We receive many expressions of interest and it’s important that we choose families that will complement our dog’s personalities. Due to the success of our Guide Dogs and those who pursue alternate career paths, we have a limited number of dogs available in our rehoming program. We consider every match a success because we know that they’re going on to their loving forever homes.
Nicci
‘Lennox’ and ‘Iggi’ came to us from Guide Dogs and are now part of our family. They fit right in and it has really meant a lot to us to be able to give them a loving home.
Joan and Neil
What should I consider?
If you’re interested in opening your home to a furry new family member, there are some important things to consider.
These dogs have been specially trained
Your dog will be used to spending time around people. They will likely want to spend most of their time by your side.
They need to be welcome in your home
Your dog will have spent its life as an indoor dog, so you need to be willing to allow it to live and sleep inside your home.
You are not guaranteed to find your paw-fect match
As many of our dogs are successful in the Guide Dog program, there is only a small number available for rehoming. For this reason, we encourage families to continue looking for their perfect canine friend elsewhere as well.
Your dog will come with ongoing costs
Once the dog has become part of your family, they are your financial responsibility as with any other pet.
Why might a dog need to be rehomed?
As part of the training process, we continually assess our pups and dogs to make sure they are suited to become Guide Dogs. Whether it be due to a minor health issue, a difference in temperament, or even a lack of interest in their training, some dogs end up moving into a different job.
While many dogs can be reclassified and move into new careers, others are best suited to being rehomed as a family pet. We’re always sad to see them go, but we love seeing them settle in with their new families!
From time to time we also have retired Guide Dogs looking for a new home to enjoy their golden years. These dogs also make excellent companions for those looking for a new best friend or family member.
The application process
Our simple application process helps us and you determine whether you’re the paw-fect fit for rehoming a reclassified dog.
Express your interest
If you’ve checked the criteria above and think rehoming a dog could be for you, click here to register your interest and apply online.
Receive additional information
A member of our friendly team will get in touch with you via email to give you more information about rehoming a dog.
Apply to rehome
Fill out the formal application form so we can get to know you better and learn what type of dog would be best suited for you.
Join the expression of interest list
You’ll join our expression of interest list and we’ll get in contact with you should we find your paw-fect match.
Register your interest
If you’re ready to bring a reclassified dog into your home and heart, apply online today!
I’m interestedHelp Guide Dogs in other ways
If rehoming a Guide Dog doesn’t work for you, why not consider lending a helping paw in a different way?
Make a donation
Become a Puppy Pal
