Career change dogs from organizations like Guide Dogs of America (GDA) | Tender Loving Canines (TLC) offer a unique opportunity to provide a loving home to a dog that, while not suited for service work, can make a wonderful pet. These dogs are carefully bred and raised with the intention of becoming guide or service dogs, but due to various factors, they are released from the program and made available for adoption. If you’re exploring How To Get A Career Change Guide Dog, this guide will provide you with the necessary information.
Understanding Career Change Dogs
Not all dogs born into a service dog program are ultimately successful in completing the rigorous training. When a dog doesn’t meet the requirements for service work, it’s designated a “Career Change” dog. These dogs may be released for several reasons, including:
- Medical Concerns: Allergies, cataracts, arthritis, hip or elbow dysplasia, and other health issues can prevent a dog from performing service work.
- Behavioral Concerns: Low confidence, fearfulness, poor house manners, high distractibility, elevated activity level, incompatibility with cats or dogs, assertiveness, or difficulty interacting with small children or elderly individuals can also lead to a career change.
These dogs are carefully evaluated by the GDA | TLC team to determine their suitability before being placed on the Career Change list. Before offering the dog for public adoption, the organization typically offers the dog back to the Volunteer Puppy Raiser who initially raised it. If the puppy raiser is unable to adopt, the dog then becomes available to the general public.
Important Note: Once adopted, career change dogs are strictly for pet placement only. They should not be trained or used as guide dogs, service dogs, facility dogs, or emotional support dogs.
Navigating the Adoption Process
Securing a career change dog is a competitive process. GDA | TLC receives many more applications each year than they have dogs available. The process is based on suitability, not a first-come, first-served basis. Dogs are matched based on the needs of the dog and the adopting home, regardless of when applications were received. This approach ensures the best possible outcome for both the dog and the adopter. Wait times can vary significantly depending on numerous factors.
Key Adoption Criteria
To be considered for adopting a career change dog from GDA | TLC, you must meet the following criteria:
- Current Application: You must have a current application on file. “Current” means the application was submitted no more than 12 months prior to the date the dog becomes available for adoption. To remain current, applications must be re-submitted every 12 months.
- Travel to Campus: Potential adopters must travel to the GDA | TLC campus in Sylmar, CA, at their own expense, to meet the dog within one week of being notified that a potentially suitable dog is available.
- Household Meeting: Everyone in the adopter’s household must meet the dog before adoption.
- Existing Dog Meeting: All dogs currently in your household must be brought to the GDA | TLC campus to meet the new dog on neutral ground. Proof of current vaccinations must be provided prior to your visit.
- Adoption Fee: An adoption fee of $1500 is payable at the time of adoption.
- Safe Transportation: Adopters are responsible for safely transporting the dog to its adoptive home. Dogs will not be released from GDA | TLC to travel in the back of a pick-up truck or open vehicle.
Applying for Adoption
If you meet the criteria and are interested in adopting a career change dog, the first step is to submit an application through the provided link. Be sure to provide detailed and accurate information about your lifestyle, home environment, and experience with dogs. This will help the GDA | TLC team determine if you are a good match for a career change dog.
Providing a Loving Forever Home
Adopting a career change dog is a rewarding experience. While these dogs may not have become guide dogs, they still have plenty of love and companionship to offer. By providing a safe, comfortable, and loving environment, you can give a career change dog a second chance at a happy life. Remember, these dogs still require training and socialization to help them adjust to their new home. Patience, understanding, and positive reinforcement are key to a successful adoption. With the right care and attention, a career change dog can become a cherished member of your family.
