Rehome a dog

Could you give an incredible dog a forever home? By adopting a dog from Guide Dogs you’ll get a loving pet and you’ll also be supporting an important cause.

Our dogs available for rehoming

Dogs who haven’t completed guide dog training

Most of our dogs that are in training go on to qualify as life-changing guide dogs for people with sight loss, however, some dogs have health conditions or behaviour needs that mean they couldn’t complete all the stages of their training. They’re still incredible dogs, but they’re much better suited to life as a family pet with people who can provide the time, patience, care and commitment they need.

Retired guide dogs

We’re also looking for forever homes for our guide dogs who have reached retirement age. Many guide dogs remain with their partnership family as a pet dog after retirement, but this isn’t always possible. Find out more about rehoming an older dog from Guide Dogs.


Freddie is such a character, I can see why he couldn't be a guide dog but to us, he is a cheeky boy who is now a big part of our family.
Freddy's new owners

Is rehoming a dog from Guide Dogs right for me?

The welfare and wellbeing of our dogs is always our top priority and our experienced Rehoming Officers are passionate about finding the right homes for our withdrawn and retired guide dogs.

We often receive applications from people looking for a ‘perfect pet’. But the reality is that our dogs available for rehoming often will have health conditions or behavioural needs that need to be monitored or managed.

Our team will help you consider everything involved in adopting a dog, so we can be sure to get it right for both you and our dogs. We know the full history for each of our dogs, including their health, temperament, likes and dislikes, which means we can make the best rehoming match for each dog and family.

If you’re able to provide the time, patience, care and commitment required to look after a dog with an existing condition or an older dog and be flexible about the breed, this will increase the chance that we can find the dog for you.

Eligibility

  • You’ll need to be over 18 years old to apply.
  • If you live in a rented property, housing association or council-owned property we’ll need you to provide proof that you’re able to have a dog living in your home.

  • Your home will need to have a safe and easily accessible area for the dog to toilet.

  • Our dogs have been used to constant human companionship, so they can’t be left alone for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period. This means if you work full-time outside of the home we won’t be able to match you with a dog.

  • We ask that your dog be only looked after by a member of your household and not extended family or friends or professional dog walking services.

Looking to rehome one of our dogs?

Aspen

Meet Aspen

Aspen is a playful 1.3-year-old female German shepherd. She can get startled by unknown/unexpected noises, this can result in jerking or darting away from the sound. As a result, Aspen needs an experienced handler to help her overcome her anxieties. Once Aspen is settled into her new environment she is loving and playful. Aspen needs a home with no children and no other pets. The rehomer will need to travel to Leamington Spa to meet her.

How can I rehome a dog from Guide Dogs?


Rehoming success stories

Read some of our inspiring rehoming stories.

Black German Shepherd Dusty looking up towards in the camera in an open field

Dusty, a black German Shepherd, was unable to continue her guide dog training due to a health condition. Find out about her rehoming story.

Black and tan German Shepherd Pudley laying down in the sand at the beach with sunny blue skies

Read about how we found Pudley, an excitable German Shepherd and former guide dog in training, his special home.

Rehomed golden Labrador, Monty, laying down

Monty retired as a guide dog due to a health condition. Read how he enjoyed the rest of his retirement in a special home.

Frequently asked questions

A volunteer couple walking a guide dog

Volunteer with our dogs

If our rehoming service doesn’t sound quite right for you or you want to try out looking after a dog, you may be interested in one of our dog-focused volunteer roles. Volunteering as a puppy raiser or fosterer is a great way to support our work. If you become a foster home, you’ll receive guidance on your dog’s health and behaviour from our experts, and you won’t have to worry about the financial costs of being a pet owner. If you’d like to find out more

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A retired guide dog with its new owner in the park

Read more about rehoming an older dog from Guide Dogs. These are dogs that have retired from their service as a guide dog.

guide dogs fosterers with their black labrador guide dog

Provide a temporary loving home for a dog in training, whilst also doing the 'school run' for your dog throughout the week.

Lily lying on the grass

Sponsor a puppy for just £1 a week, and watch them grow from an eight-week-old puppy to a fully-qualified guide dog.

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There are many ways you can get together to raise money for Guide Dogs. From hosting your own tea party to pushing yourself in a challenge event. Find out more.

Got a question?

You can contact our national Guide Line at:

0800 781 1444