Founded in 1939 by Lions Club members Charles Nutting, Don Schuur and S.A. Dodge, Leader Dog has successfully matched and graduated over 13,000 person / dog teams since its inception. The dream of these men became vision and independence for thousands. 

The dedicated staff at Leader Dog is over 100 strong. The facilities, located on the original 14 acres first purchased by the founders, have morphed from a farm with numerous outbuildings to a superb residence center, a stellar kennel, and well manicured grounds. This complex is home to our students, dogs, all services departments and the support staff that enable Leader Dog to enhance the lives of blind and visually impaired individuals from all over the world.

Today, Leader Dogs for the Blind is proud to have assisted over 13,000 people in achieving the freedom of safe and independent travel. Graduating approximately 300 teams a year, the school serves individuals from all areas of the globe. Leader Dog is one of only two schools in the world to offer dog guides to persons who are both deaf and blind. Certainly Schuur, Nutting, and Dodge would be very proud of their dream and the opportunity it has offered to so many.

There is no charge for any of the services offered by Leader Dogs for the Blind.  The cost incurred by Leader Dog per graduating student and dog is approximately $35,000.  However, students need only be concerned with bringing spending money with them as all room, board, meals, transportation, instruction and their dog are free of charge.

For more information visit the Leader Dogs for the Blind web site.