Guide Dogs for the Blind
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GDB is one of the largest guide dog schools in the world. Our passionate community employs innovative practices to create life-changing partnerships.
At Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), we believe that everyone deserves to move through the world safely and confidently—to live the life they want to live. And, we advocate for the policy reforms that change how the world views blindness and disability. Because when everyone is empowered to participate, our communities are stronger. With world-class client services and a robust network of instructors, puppy raisers, donors, and volunteers, we prepare highly qualified guide dogs, provide guide dog readiness skills, and offer youth programs to empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired. GDB not only improves mobility for our clients, we further inclusion. More than 16,000 guide teams have graduated from GDB since it was founded in 1942. All of the services for our clients are provided free of charge, including personalized training and extensive post-graduation support, plus financial assistance for veterinary care, if needed. Our work is made possible by the generous support of our donors and volunteers; we receive no government funding. We operate two training facilities (one is headquartered in San Rafael, California—20 miles north of San Francisco, another in Boring, Oregon—25 miles east of Portland), and have more than 2,000 volunteer puppy raising families throughout the Western states. More than 16,000 teams have graduated since our founding, and there are approximately 2,200 active guide dog teams currently in the field. This page is moderated in accordance with the Facebook Community Standards (facebook.com/communitystandards) and we will remove posts and/or ban accounts that violate these standards, or are:
- Abusive or threatening towards any individual;
- Violating any law or individual's rights;
- Fraudulent or deceptive;
- Repetitive postings or spam;
- Off-topic or not relevant;
- Solicitations or advertisements.
Okay I guess I’m crying now
GDB client Kimberly stands with their yellow Lab guide dog Harlan on a graduation stage next to their 3 puppy raisers. There is a photo of Kimberly and Harlan as well as a photo of them with their puppy raisers all smiling together.
“How do you train dogs to avoid overhead obstacles?”
This video has clips of GDB instructors practicing overhead training with guide dogs in training. It ends with a clip of a client walking in the city with their Golden Retriever guide dog.
10/07/2026
Congrats to our newest qualified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI), Jenna Reimer!
Learn about this former puppy raiser turned GDMI at https://www.guidedogs.com/blog/jenna-reimer
10/05/2026
Happy World Teachers’ Day! Today we’re celebrating our amazing Guide Dog Mobility Instructors and Orientation & Mobility Instructors. Thank you for helping our clients and participants feel more confident, independent, and empowered every single day. 💛
10/03/2026
As part of Blindness Awareness Month (and all-year round), we encourage everyone to brush up on blindness and guide dog etiquette. Because when everyone is empowered to participate, our communities are stronger. Here are a few pointers to help ensure everyone has a positive experience:
1. Treat a person who is blind the same as you would anyone else. People who are blind do the same things as you, but may use different techniques.
2. Please do not pet or talk to a guide dog. The dog should never be distracted from its job of guiding a person. It is ok, however, to ask someone to meet their guide. Many people enjoy introducing their dogs if the time is right.
3. Educate your family about responsible pet ownership to prevent potential distraction or attack on guide dogs.
Have a tip we didn't mention? Let us know in the comments below.
10/02/2026
October is Blindness Awareness Month.
We recognize that blindness is a spectrum. It's estimated that only 18% of people who are visually impaired are totally blind, according to the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). More often, it’s loss of central or peripheral vision, or spotted/blurred vision as the result of disease, injury to the eye, or an inherited or congenital condition. Even people who can’t see anything at all may have the ability to perceive some light.
Central Vision Loss
Caused by damage to the macula. Located at the back of the eye, the macula is a tiny and extremely light-sensitive part of the retina that provides color and fine detail. Macular degeneration is a condition that affects this portion of the eye.
Peripheral Vision Loss (Tunnel Vision)
Diseases or injuries affecting other parts of the retina will obstruct the peripheral field of vision, sometimes constricting it so much that it is like viewing the world through a pinhole. Glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa are two common eye diseases that can result in tunnel vision.
Spotted/Blurred Vision
Various circumstances affect the entire field of vision, producing symptoms that result in spotted, distorted, blurred or double vision. Diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of pre-maturity, and injuries to the eye can cause such symptoms. These conditions may result in a random loss of a part of the visual field or in a loss of all of it, resulting in total blindness.
This post contains three versions of the same image of a yellow Lab puppy and a black Lab puppy seated shoulder to shoulder. In each photo, the image is obscured to simulate the three types of vision loss described above.
10/01/2026
Guide dogs are trained to settle calmly when they aren’t actively guiding. This makes everyday moments—like grabbing that much-needed morning coffee—much easier for their handlers.
09/29/2026
Join us for Conversations with Chris: Inside the Client Experience with GDB President and CEO Christine Benninger on October 10, 10am-12:30pm
A client's journey at GDB is filled with excitement, anticipation, and possibility. Take an inside look into the thoughtful care, personalized support, and vibrant community that make the Client Residence experience an essential part of each client’s journey.
RSVP at https://www.guidedogs.com/about-guide-dogs-for-the-blind/events?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D207172788
Yes, we know they're cute. No, you may not give my guide dog a treat.
If you're a guide dog or service dog handler, what else would you want people to know?
This video has clips of guide dog teams in various settings: walking by the Golden Gate Bridge, settled at a restaurant, going up the stairs, crossing an intersection, and bonding together on and off-harness. There is also a clip of dogs splashing around in a pool during play time.
09/27/2026
Discover how the Guide Dogs for the Blind - Enumclaw, WA Puppy Raisers reached a 40-year milestone with Guide Dogs for the Blind, raising over 300 puppies and changing 100+ lives.
In this episode of the Central Bark Podcast, we sit down with club leader Jana Decker to explore volunteer puppy raising, community impact, and the legacy of service that started 40 years ago. Listen in at guidedogs.com/podcasts
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Website
Address
350 Los Ranchitos Road
San Rafael, CA
94903
Opening Hours
| Monday | 8am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 8am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 8am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 8am - 5pm |
| Friday | 8am - 5pm |
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