Canine Companions Initiative

Pairing visually impaired individuals with carefully chosen dogs to serve as their pets and companions.

Puppy Progression Pathway’s Canine Companion Program pairs carefully selected dogs, who didn’t meet the criteria to become guide dogs, with individuals who are blind or visually impaired, spanning children, families, and adults of all ages.

We firmly believe that dogs can profoundly impact lives, fostering care, companionship, and responsibility through the human-animal bond. For children, dogs contribute to sensory development, inspire learning, and boost self-esteem. Similarly, adults benefit from companionship and enhanced confidence with a dog as a constant companion.

The Canine Companion Program links clients with our extensive PPP community of volunteers, supporters, and organizations for the blind. These dogs are provided free of charge.

Please note:

Currently, Canine Companion dogs are placed with clients across the United States. We aspire to expand into Canada, extending the reach of our remarkable dogs to more individuals in need, along with the supportive PPP community. Canine Companion dogs do not serve as mobility assistance dogs and are not trained to perform service tasks. Therefore, they are not recognized as service dogs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Consequently, individuals with Canine Companion dogs do not have access rights to public places (such as restaurants, malls, grocery stores, hotels, public transportation, etc.) as per the ADA. Canine Companion dogs are considered pets.

Who are Suitable Candidates for the Canine Companion Program?

Suitable candidates for a Canine Companion dog include children aged 5 years and older, as well as adults of any age, who have a verified visual impairment supported by an ophthalmology report, and who express a personal interest in having a Canine Companion dog. Candidates should demonstrate emotional stability and maturity necessary for the care of the dog (including feeding, grooming, and exercise), and provide a safe and nurturing home environment.

Canine Companion applicants will undergo a home interview to assess the environment and identify specific traits desired in a dog by the family or individual, ensuring a suitable match. Following the selection of a dog for the family or individual, they will receive training and support from a GDB staff member to facilitate a successful partnership.