International Guide Dogs Day – April 26

Photo of author
Updated On

I Love Veterinary blog is reader-supported, and we may earn a commission from products purchased through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Learn more About Us and our Product Review Process >

International Guide Dogs day is observed on the 26th day of the month of April (last Wednesday of April). This day is reserved to honor these very special dogs that live to guide and serve blind or visually impaired people. These dogs play a very important role in the lives of blind people helping them get around obstacles, and generally in life.

international guide dogs day

People that use guide dogs for guidance first get mobility training to learn how to guide the dog around street signs and similar obstacles with voice commands. The human is supposed to do the directing and the dog is to navigate around the physical obstacles.

The breeds of guide dogs that are mostly trained for this incredible role in the United States are 70% Labrador Retrievers, 15% Golden Retrievers, and 15% German Shepherds.

labrador retriever guide dog

The dogs go through a 2-year training and once they graduate, they have them matched with a blind or visually impaired person. The matching is done based on their size, energy level, lifestyle, and their personalities. It is very important for the dog and the human “to click” for a long and happy relationship.

The History of Service Dogs

The first official schools for training service animals were established in Germany right after World War I with the sole purpose of encouraging blinded soldiers to return home. This idea, of service dogs, became international when an American dog breeder that lived in Switzerland, Dorothy Harrison Eustis, published an article on the service animals school in Germany and was published in the “Saturday Evening Post” in 1927.

The service animals trend did not arrive in America until 1929 when Morris Frank returned from Switzerland where he received training on service dogs.

black army service dog with soldier

In Great Britain, the first service dogs were German Shepherds, trained to aid the veterans who were blinded in World War I.

Guide dogs, sadly, cannot be considered as pets by others. When we see a guide dog on the streets we mustn’t engage in a high pitched call for cuddling because that dog, however cute and cuddly, is “on the job”.

They received hard and long training and will most likely ignore your call. But, we must not be responsible for a situation where the dog will dig in its primal instinct and run to cuddle, thus putting his visually impaired owner in danger. Unless given permission, do not communicate with a guide dog.

Puppies that get selected to become guide dogs enter the selection phase at about eight weeks old. The actual working training usually starts when they are between three to nine months old, first they need to finish their puppy stage and “good pet” training. Generally, it takes about two years in total for the dog to finish the training. So they are in training to celebrate International Guide Dogs Day too!

german shepard puppy

The cost of getting a guide dog is an initial 50 000 dollars. It is estimated that this service dog will cost $1200 per year (yearly visits to the veterinary clinic, vaccines, and dental care). The average working life of guide dogs is around eight years. After that, they have a retirement party!

How Can You Be Part of International Guide Dogs Day?

brown guide dog

Most guide dog training facilities run on donations and almost never receive government funding. If you have time you can become a volunteer and help the process of making a puppy become a hero. If you have the resources, you can make a much-needed donation.

Some of the organizations offer a “sponsor a puppy” for a certain amount of $ a week where you can be part of the life and the training of that puppy and watch it grow from a fluffy bundle of joy to a professional service dog.

Guide dogs cost around $50,000 to be trained and paired with an individual in need of assistance. Donations help offset the cost of their care and training, allowing these loyal animals to continue their work.

You can also spread awareness about International Guide Dogs Month by attending events or organizing one of your own. Events can include anything from holding a fundraiser to raising awareness on social media, or even hosting an educational event about the work of guide dogs.

Additionally, you can volunteer with your local guide dog organization. Volunteering opportunities may vary, but could include fostering a guide dog in training, helping to groom and care for the dogs, or even participating in fundraising and marketing activities.

By celebrating International Guide Dogs Month, we can show our appreciation for the amazing work of these animals and help support them. Let’s come together to recognize their hard work and make a difference!

Happy International Guide Dogs Day

If you enjoyed this article, why not read our other blog post on Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, which is celebrated in April too!

Sharing is caring!

Photo of author

AUTHOR

Project dedicated to support and help to improve Veterinary Medicine. Sharing information and raising discussions in the veterinary community.