Our guide dogs and assistance dogs usually «retire» between the ages of 9 and 11. The exact date of retirement varies from dog to dog, depending on any age-related ailments and other medical factors. The school and the dog owner decide together whether the dog can remain with the owner for its retirement, or maybe stay within the owner's family or circle of acquaintances. If that’s not possible, the school will - with the agreement of the dog owner - find a suitable person with whom the dog can enjoy the rest of its days. The school invites interested persons to an interview. We can then check whether we could provide them with a retired guide dog.
The pre-conditions for keeping a retired dog
- If the person caring for the dog works away from home, it has to be a part-time job (max. 50%).
- The housing situation must be suitable for the medical needs of an aging dog.
- A sympathetic understanding of the dog’s physical and health care requirements
- The house owner must have given his permission for keepig a dog.
- Any children who live within the same household are ideally at least between 5 to 7 years old.
Please note that there is a waiting list for retired dogs. Because the interest in our “pensioner” guide dogs is so strong, we cannot accept any new names onto the waiting list right now. Thank you very much for your understanding.
We will be pleased to provide you with more information by phone at +41 61 487 95 95.