Graduate Services

Graduate Services


Our Objective

Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines not only provides highly trained guide dogs and service dogs as well as personalized instruction, but also strives to maintain the success of a team through longevity and a lifetime of support.  These services include telephone support, training follow-ups, veterinary care at our on-campus clinic, boarding, and advocacy services for each graduated team.

Support & Training Follow-up

Graduates are welcomed and encouraged to contact Guide Dogs of America| Tender Loving Canines with any concerns regarding the team at the numbers listed on the right. If training staff is not available, the Graduate Services Department will have an instructor return the call as soon as possible. There may be situations where we are unable to resolve graduates’ concerns over the telephone, and in these instances we will make arrangements to visit them in their home areas.

Veterinary Services & Boarding

Veterinary services are available to graduate teams free of charge on campus, and any prescribed medications may be purchased from GDA | TLC at a reduced retail price. Graduates may also board their guide dogs at GDA | TLC. Appointments are required, and contact numbers are listed to the right.

Access & Advocacy

Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines is committed to advocating for its graduates in matters of access and compliance.  We encourage businesses and organizations to educate their staff and clients about service dog laws so they are prepared to comply with regulations when they meet a working team. Resources are provided on our Advocacy page.

Guide Dog Etiquette

There are guidelines the public should follow when in the presence of a Guide Dog to allow for the safety of the dog and its handler. Disregarding these guidelines can distract the dog, which can create a dangerous situation for the dog and its handler. The harness is an indication that the dog is working. A guide dog in harness is “on duty,” even when sitting or lying down. Please don’t touch, call out to, feed, or otherwise distract a working guide dog. Allow the dog to concentrate and perform for the safety of its blind partner. When you meet a guide dog team, be sure to speak to the handler, not the dog. If you would like to pet the guide dog, ask the handler first. Some handlers will allow petting, but be sure to ask before doing so.

Service Dog Do’s & Don’t’s

DO:
Do keep in mind the handler is supported by the service dog for daily life.
Do offer help when appropriate, but do not insist.
Do use an encounter with a service dog team as an opportunity to educate children

DON’T:
Do not pet the dog without permission
Do not talk to the dog
Do not feed the dog
Do not make sounds to get the dog’s attention
Do not stare at the dog
Do not be offended if a handler says no to petting the dog or is unable to
chat with you about the dog.

Resources

GUIDE DOG SUPPORT:
(818) 833-6428
M-F, 8:30am to 4:30pm

SERVICE DOG SUPPORT:
(818) 833-6442
M-F, 8:30am to 4:30pm

AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCIES:
(818) 833-6428

VETERINARY APPOINTMENTS:
(818) 833-6428

BOARDING RESERVATIONS:
(818) 833-6448 boarding@guidedogsofamerica.org

For Advocacy click HERE