At CNIB Guide Dogs, our dogs have four possible career streams: guide dog, buddy dog, ambassador dog, and brood/stud dog. Occasionally, a dog that is not suitable for one of our four career streams is offered to another service dog organization, or they become available for adoption as a pet dog.
Most of our dogs in training go on to become life-changing guide dogs for people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. However, some dogs have health conditions or behavioural needs that mean they couldn’t complete all the stages of their training. While they aren’t destined to be a guide dog, they’re still incredible dogs that are much better suited to life as a family pet with people who can provide the time, patience, care and commitment they need.
Why might a future CNIB Guide Dog be career changed to a pet dog?
Some reasons dogs are career changed to a pet dog from our program include:
- Health concerns like allergies, skin, eye and joint conditions.
- Temperamental reasons like lack of adaptability, high chase or prey drive, sound sensitivity, low motivation.
- Behavioural reasons like low confidence, high activity level, distractibility, reactivity, fearfulness, suspicion and/or anxiety
Interested in adopting? Browse our adoption criteria to learn more.
Why adopt a career change dog pet dog?
While career change dogs pet dogs are not destined to be a guide dog, they’re still incredible dogs that can make wonderful companions and bring joy to families looking to welcome a pet dog into their home.
Here’s what adopting career change pet dog offers:
- A chance to share your life with a loving pet and enjoy their loyal companionship.
- An understanding of all the available information around the dog’s health, background, training and known behaviours (including their temperament, likes and dislikes), limiting surprises and helping to set realistic expectations.
- The opportunity to support important cause – adoption fees for career change pet dogs support the CNIB Guide Dog Program.
Adoption criteria
What you need to know
Adopting a career change pet dog with complex needs is not for everyone. Here are some things to consider before applying for a career change pet dog.
- Time, commitment and flexibility: Some dogs often require more patience, structure and consistency than other dogs. Whether it's building trust, working through behavioural issues or managing medical needs, be prepared to invest extra time in their care.
- Financial implications: Some dogs may have additional costs for medications, vet visits, or special dietary needs.
- Lifestyle/environment compatibility: Some dogs may not do well in busy households, with young children, or around other animals.
We will always explain a dog’s history and any issues to you so, you can understand the level of commitment that comes with owning a career change pet dog with some complexities and make an informed decision.
Adoption fees
Our adoption fees for a career change pet dog from CNIB Guide Dogs are on a sliding scale of up to $3,000 depending on specific needs of the dog. The adoption fee for each dog listed on each dog’s profile.
Full payment is required at the time of adoption via online payment portal.
All adopted dogs are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up to date on their vaccinations and preventatives. All dogs are health checked by a veterinarian prior to the two-week adoption trial commencing. At the completion of the trial, the adopter assumes full financial responsibility for all food and veterinary care. CNIB Guide Dogs recommends adopters explore pet insurance.
Adoption fees are reinvested back into the CNIB Guide Dog program, supporting our mission to raise, train and match guide dogs and buddy dogs with Canadians who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision.
Career change pet dogs available for adoption
PETE
Pete is a bright, curious, and energetic young dog who thrives on mental and physical engagement. He loves exploring his environment and quickly learns new skills when guided with positive reinforcement.
SCOTTY
Scotty is a sweet, affectionate, and intelligent young dog looking for a calm, structured home with an experienced handler. He loves trail walks, long-line country strolls, and enrichment games.
The adoption process
Step 1: Submit the Adoption Application Form
If you see a career change pet dog that you’re interested in, complete the online application form for the specific dog you are interested in to tell us a bit more about your lifestyle and household.
Our team will carefully review your application to determine if you are a suitable match for the dog you are interested in adopting.
If your application is selected, you’ll receive an email outlining next steps in the adoption process.
Due to the volume of applications received, only those selected for an adoption conversation will receive a follow up email to schedule a call.
Once a dog is removed from our website, you can rest assured we’ve found the right home for them.
Step 2: Adoption Conversation
Our team will contact you to schedule a virtual adoption interview and home assessment to discuss the dog’s history and needs and determine if the dog is a suitable match for you.
Step 3: Meet and Greet
If you live in Ontario, you will be invited to an in-person meet and greet at the CNIB Guide Dogs Canine Campus in Carleton Place, Ontario. If the dog located outside of Ontario, we will facilitate a meet and greet in a different location.
All individuals who will reside with (or be in frequent contact with) the adopted career change pet dog must be present at the adoption interview.
Step 4: Two-week trial
Following a successful adoption interview/meet and greet, we will arrange for a two-week trial period with the dog. During this time, our team will spend a few hours with you and the dog to set the family up for success. At this time, we will provide you with all the details about caring for your new companion.
Step 5: Finalizing the Adoption
If everything goes well during the two-week trial period, and both you and the CNIB Guide Dogs rehoming specialist feel that the dog is a good match for your home, we’ll move forward with finalizing the adoption.
This will include paying the adoption fee and signing the formal adoption agreement.
Once the agreement has been signed, we’ll follow-up with a few more important details and paperwork, including transfer of ownership and microchip information, all health record information for your vet.
Post-adoption, we’ll periodically keep in touch by email with an annual health survey. Tracking the health of all dogs in the CNIB Guide Dog program helps us to ensure the health and longevity of our future guide dogs.
If the adoption does not work out, whatever the reason, the dog will always be welcomed back to CNIB Guide Dogs. We always want the best for our dogs. Please note: The adoption fee is not refundable.
If adopting a career change pet dog isn’t right for you, have you considered becoming a puppy raiser for CNIB Guide Dogs?
Puppy raising and boarding is a rewarding volunteer opportunity filled with unconditional love that changes many lives – including yours! By raising a puppy to become a guide dog, you can help change the life of someone who is blind, Deafblind, or has low vision. Learn more about puppy raising.