Yesterday, at local celebrations held across Canada, 24 new partnerships (including 15 guide dogs, one buddy dog, two ambassador dogs and six brood dogs) formally graduated as part of the CNIB Guide Dogs class of 2026.
Watch the ceremony and meet the class of 2026!
It takes approximately two years of training, care and support for a puppy to become a guide dog – a journey made possible with the help of many people including staff, volunteers, partners, donors and supporters. For many, the celebrations marked the end of months of anticipation and the completion of formal training, as well as an opportunity to recognize the collective effort behind each partnership.
For people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision, a guide dog can be life-changing, opening doors to independence, safety, confidence, and connection. Since launching in 2017 with just two puppies, CNIB Guide Dogs has grown into a national program built on Canadian innovation, homegrown expertise, and community-powered care.
This year marked a major milestone for CNIB Guide Dogs, with two former buddy dog partners graduating as first-time guide dog handlers; the first in the program’s history and a testament to the growth, confidence, and independence buddy dog partnerships foster over time.
In another full circle moment, two graduating guide dogs (Jedda and Angus) are from the first-ever litter of CNIB-bred future guide dogs, born in 2023.
On behalf of all of us at CNIB, congratulations to the class of 2026!
By volunteering with or donating to CNIB Guide Dogs today, you can support the future graduates of tomorrow. To get involved, visit cnibguidedogs.ca