Reclassified & rehomed dogs - Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

How to apply for a reclassified Guide Dog

A limited number of reclassified dogs are offered to the general public.

We are currently accepting new expressions of interest to adopt one of our Reclassified Pet Dogs.

To apply to welcome one of our reclassified dogs into your home, please fill out the form below or you can apply to become a Puppy Raiser!

At eight weeks of age, our Guide Dog pups are placed in the community with volunteer Puppy Raisers. These families or individuals ensure that our new puppy recruits get the best possible care, in a loving home environment while receiving necessary training.

Raising and training a puppy is an amazing experience that is incredibly rewarding for the whole family.

Learn more about Puppy Raising.

A close up image of a black labrador dogs face.

Apply now

Join the Pet Dog Waitlist.

We are currently accepting new expressions of interest to adopt one of our Reclassified Pet Dogs. Fill out the form below to get started!

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If you would like to support Guide Dogs in another way, you could donate today, become a Puppy Pal, or learn more about other volunteering opportunities.

Training dogs home boarding program application form

Fields marked with * are required.

Applicant Details

I have read the Pet Dog Applicant Important Information document.* I agree

Salutation

Other (please specify)

Given names *

Last name *

Street Address

Street * (Flat, Unit No. and Street Name)

Suburb *

State *

Postcode *

Residence type? *

Not eligible at this time

We're sorry! Our dogs are best suited to larger living spaces.

Preferred Contact Number * Format: AreaCode + No.

Alternative Contact Number Format: AreaCode + No.

Email *

Alternative Email

Is your property: *

Have you advised your landlord of your intent to apply for a dog and are they aware the dog will require access to inside the home? * Please note, owning a dog can make it difficult to secure rental accommodation. Please consider this and your ongoing commitment to a dog when applying

Not eligible at this time

We're sorry, it is important that you have appropriate permissions from your landlord before applying for a pet dog.

Have you or any household members: *

been investigated by any government, semi government, administrative, fiscal, judicial or other body, department, commission, authority, tribunal, agency or entity in relation to animal cruelty; or
been in breach or alleged to have been in breach of any legislation or local by-laws relative to the keeping of dogs, cruelty against animals or animal welfare?

Not eligible at this time

Date of Birth *

Are you over the age of 21 and reside in a stable home? *

Not eligible at this time

We require our pet dog applicants to be aged 21 years and above and reside in a stable home.

Living Arrangements

Number of adults living at residence (over 18 years old) *

Number of children (under 18 years old) living at residence and their ages: *

Do you or any residents of your home have a health condition or behaviours that may negatively impact the dog? This includes both physical harm though direct handling (biting, pulling ears and tail, pinching, or other), harm through indirect means (objects being thrown), and verbal harm (being yelled at directly, being in the presence of screaming, yelling, breakdowns). *

Not eligible at this time

We're sorry, our dogs' safety is of the utmost importance when we are looking for a suitable home.

Why would you like a pet Labrador from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT? *

Do you have current or previous experience with dogs? If yes, please describe: *

Are you physically capable of handling a dog with the weight of approximately 35kg? *

Not eligible at this time

Thank you for taking the time to apply, at this time you do not meet the criteria to proceed with this application.

We require our pet dog adoption applicants to be physically capable of handling an approx. 35kg dog.

Do you have the financial means to cover all ongoing costs associated with caring for a dog, including but not limited to, Pet Insurance, food, bedding, toys, equipment, vet costs, medication, and other costs as needed? *

Not eligible at this time

Thank you for taking the time to apply, at this time you do not meet the criteria to proceed with this application.

We're sorry! It is essential that our applicants are able to financially support a pet dog.

Other Pets

Do you currently have a dog(s) living at your home? *

Please describe the dogs that currently live at your home: *

Are they sociable with people? *

Are they sociable with other dogs? *

Do you have a cat(s) living at your home? *

Please describe the cat(s) *

Please note that not all our dogs have been socialised or exposed to cats. If you own a cat, there will be a settling period whilst the dog and cat learn to co-exist. This can take weeks to months.

Home Environment

Dogs from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT are accustomed to being around people and are generally not left alone for longer than 4 hours at a time. Please describe when the dog will be left alone without human company, including any work hours if relevant: *

Are you willing to allow the dog inside your home to sleep and ensure frequent access to the home throughout the day?  *

Not eligible at this time

We're sorry! It is a requirement that our dogs sleep inside the house.

There are many ways you can help Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, such as:

What areas will the dog be allowed inside the home? *

Please describe where the dog will and won't have access. *

Please describe when the dog will be left alone including any work hours if relevant. *

Do you commit to exercising the dog daily for approximately one hour outside of the home? *

Not eligible at this time

We're sorry! It is a requirement that our dogs are exercised every day.

There are many ways you can help Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, such as:

Who will be primarily responsible for the dog’s exercise? *

How will the dog be exercised? *

Will the dog be taken to designated off lead areas such as dog parks, beaches, or other areas? *

Please describe the off lead areas? *

Will the dog be taken to dog-friendly cafes, shops, and public areas? *

Do you have a securely fenced dog-proof house, yard, fencing and gates? *

Not eligible at this time

Thank you for taking the time to apply, at this time you do not meet the criteria to proceed with this application.

We're sorry, it is a requirement that our dogs are kept on a secure property.

Do you have a sheltered area connected to the home? *

Is there a dog door into the home suitable for a Labrador? *

Please describe how the dog will be kept safe from weather when outdoors? *

Dog Health

Will you ensure the dog remains at a healthy weight and is not overfed? *

Do you reside in or visit an area known to have paralysis ticks? *

Are you willing to provide a regular tick preventative? *

Are you willing to provide, at minimum, a yearly vet check-up and ongoing veterinary care? *

Please provide vet clinic details *

Are you able and willing to transport the dog to the vet for both annual check-ups, preventative treatments, and in cases of emergency? *

Are you able to provide Pet Insurance? *

Please provide pet insurance details *

Guide Dogs NSW / ACT Staff Safety

In the case that the dog is transported to or from your home, please complete the following:

Is there mobile phone reception where you live? *

Is there safe and secure parking near your residence? *

If you smoke, are you willing to cease smoking whilst in the company of Guide Dogs NSW / ACT staff? *

Do you or anyone residing in your home have a condition or illness which may threaten the safety and health of Guide Dogs NSW / ACT staff? *

Please describe the condition or illness *

Guide Dogs NSW / ACT staff reserve the right to discontinue service if they feel threatened or unsafe at any time.

Keeping in Contact

Regardless of the outcome, the raising of a dog for Guide Dogs NSW / ACT is a lengthy process, which takes considerable commitment of both a physical and emotional nature from both staff and their Puppy Raisers. As such, keeping in contact is important to ensure the dog is being well cared for in its new home.

Please advise your preferred method: * Phone CallEmail

I understand that Guide Dogs NSW / ACT assesses Pet Dog Adoption Applications on the merit of each case and has the right to determine the suitability, or not, for applicants to be allocated a pet dog. I agree that all information provided is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. I understand my information will be kept confidential and is protected by the Guide Dogs NSW / ACT Privacy Policy. Required I agree

View the Guide Dogs NSW / ACT Privacy Policy.

Marketing Consent I want to receive marketing communications from Guide Dogs.

What makes a good fit for a Guide Dog home?

The perfect home is a loving, welcoming environment.

Generally speaking, a welcoming, loving environment makes a fantastic fit for a reclassified Guide Dog. Beyond that, there are some specific requirements for best-possible forever homes:

A ten week old yellow labrador puppy eating some dog food from a person's hands.

Our dogs are accustomed to sleeping indoors and spend most of their days in the company of humans. We ask that our dogs are generally not left alone for more than 4 hours at a time and do not become ‘back-yard’ dogs.
You must have a fully fenced yard or a suitable living space for a large sized dog.
Labradors are often joyful and energetic dogs that need sufficient exercise and daily enrichment to live happy and healthy lives. We ask that applicants are able to provide this, and have a basic understanding of general canine husbandry.
All dogs from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT are de-sexed and microchipped. All dogs are vet checked prior to placement with their new owner and are up to date with vaccination, heartworm and worming treatment.
There is a charge for the dogs and prices will vary dependent on a range of factors.

How old are the reclassified Guide Dogs?

Every rehomed or reclassified dog is unique!

Most of the dogs that become available for adoption are around a year and a half old and have been given a career change because of circumstances that are unique to them.

We look for homes that will be understanding of each dog’s individual needs and prepared to put in the time and management that any young dog in a new home requires.

How can I find out more?

Follow us for more information and updates moving forward.

Owning a dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience but it comes with many responsibilities. Please consider all aspects of our dog ownership expectations before submitting your application to our pet adoption list.

To learn more about our dogs, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

An eight week old yellow labrador puppy outside looking at the camera.

Other ways to get involved

There are many ways to help out.

Volunteer as a Puppy Raiser

As a Puppy Raiser, you're responsible for giving the best care and training possible for a young pup, usually for around 12 months.
Become a Puppy Pal

As a Puppy Pal, you'll be part of a community following a litter of adorable pups on their journey to becoming Guide Dogs.
Make a Donation

Your donation goes towards ensuring people with low vision and blindness can partner with Guide Dogs, if and when they choose to.
Become a Whelping Family

Provide a loving home for one of our specially selected breeding dogs.
Volunteer

Volunteer for Guide Dogs - there are lots of ways to help out.
Fundraising for Guide Dogs

Join an unstoppable community of fundraisers!

Reclassified Dog Adoption

On this page:

How to apply for a reclassified Guide Dog

A limited number of reclassified dogs are offered to the general public.