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National Guide Dog Month is observed throughout September, celebrating the extraordinary work of guide dogs and the profound independence they provide. This month-long initiative raises crucial awareness and support for the rigorous training and care these animals receive. Join us in recognizing their dedication, supporting guide dog schools, and advocating for accessibility.
Want to sponsor National Guide Dog Month? Learn how
Expected National Guide Dog Month Deals
Throughout National Guide Dog Month, many organizations and brands partner to raise funds and awareness for guide dog schools. Expect to see donation match programs from companies like PetSmart Charities and Chewy, where a portion of pet supply purchases goes directly to supporting guide dog training. Nonprofits such as Guide Dogs for the Blind and Leader Dogs for the Blind often launch special campaigns, inviting public donations and showcasing their work. Look for limited-edition merchandise or roundup-at-checkout options at retailers like Target and Petco. We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns as September approaches.
Platform Guide for National Guide Dog Month
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #GuideDogMonth. Share heartwarming photos and videos of guide dogs in action, highlighting their impact on daily lives.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #GuideDogMonth. Create a community post asking followers to share stories of guide dogs they know.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #GuideDogMonth. Tweet facts about guide dog training, the breeds commonly used, and the independence they provide.
National Guide Dog Month Hero
Dorothy Harrison Eustis
History of National Guide Dog Month
Dogs have been domesticated for around 150,000 years and have been coexisting with humans since back then. Ancient artifacts and scrolls show instances where dogs were guiding their human companions. The first attempt to train guide dogs was in Paris at the ‘Les Quinze-Vingts’ hospital for the blind. The founder of the Institute for the Education of the Blind ‘Blinden-Erziehungs-Institut’ in Vienna, Johann Wilhelm Klein, wrote about guide dogs in his book published in 1819. This provides evidence that dogs have been helping humans for a long period.
After the First World War, when many soldiers came back blind, the use of guide dogs peaked. The demand for this service prompted the opening of the first school for guide dogs in Oldenburg, Germany. Dog trainer Dorothy Harrison Eustis is attributed with bringing the first guide dog to America, and Eustis later established the ‘Seeing Eye School’ in Morristown, New Jersey.
Dick Van Patten was the inspiration behind National Guide Dog Month. He admired the ability of these dogs to improve the standards of life for those living with blindness but he was also aware of the time, energy, and cost that went into training these dogs. He decided to take action and raise awareness and monetary support for guide dog schools. Van Patten owned a pet food company that underwrote all costs for the promotion of National Guide Dog Month. The first guide dog fundraiser was in Southern California with the support of the Petco Foundation. Thanks to Van Patten’s effort, many guide dog organizations have now become beneficiaries of these month-long events.
National Guide Dog Month timeline
The ‘Les Quinze-Vingts’ hospital for the blind in Paris makes the first attempt to train guide dogs.
Dr. Gerhard Stalling establishes the first school for guide dogs in Oldenburg, Germany.
The month of May is picked as National Guide Dog Month.
National Guide Dog Month is moved to September due to conflicts with other fundraising drives.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Guide Dog Month
Local businesses can honor National Guide Dog Month by raising awareness and supporting guide dog organizations. Retailers could host a ’round up at the register’ campaign, donating the proceeds to a local accredited guide dog school. Pet stores might offer discounts on supplies for guide dog puppies in training or host an informational event with a local guide dog organization. Restaurants could feature a special menu item and donate a portion of sales, or simply display educational materials about guide dog etiquette and the importance of these working animals.
National Guide Dog Month FAQs
When is National Guide Dog Month?
National Guide Dog Month 2026 runs throughout September, from Tuesday, September 1, to Wednesday, September 30. It’s a full month dedicated to celebrating guide dogs.
How many guide dogs are working in the U.S.?
While exact numbers fluctuate, it’s estimated that there are approximately 10,000 to 12,000 working guide dogs in the United States. These highly trained animals provide essential assistance to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
How much does it cost to train a guide dog?
The cost to breed, raise, train, and place a guide dog can exceed $50,000, though these services are typically provided free of charge to the recipient. This substantial investment covers everything from veterinary care to specialized instruction.
What is the difference between a guide dog and a service dog?
A guide dog is a specific type of service dog trained to assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired with navigation. Service dogs, more broadly, are trained to perform tasks for people with various disabilities, which can include mobility assistance, alerting to medical conditions, or retrieving items.
National Guide Dog Month Activities
Reward your pooch
This is the month to spoil your furry friend. Celebrate by getting him some treats and dog toys.
Give financially
Donate to a guide-dog training facility. This money is sure to go a long way in improving the services at the facility
Throw a dog playdate
Host a party for other dog owners to celebrate. It is a great opportunity to hang out with your fellow ‘dog people.’
5 Facts About Guide Dogs
Some breeds make better guide dogs
The most popular breeds are Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds.
They are allowed to disobey
A guide dog will disobey its owner's commands if they see a hazard that its owner did not.
Not all dogs graduate
Only about 75% of dogs complete the rigorous training.
Their names are important
Guide dog names are chosen carefully and have one to two syllables for fast communication.
They also go into retirement
Guide dogs retire after about eight to 10 years of working.
Why We Love National Guide Dog Month
We love dogs
Dogs are man’s best friend and they have been for centuries. We welcome any reason to celebrate them.
Guide dogs are self-sacrificing
These dogs are incredibly smart and well-trained. They will do whatever it takes to keep their owners safe from harm.
It is a feel-good month
Dogs are wholesome and amazing companions that indeed deserve a month of acknowledgment. We have had great relationships with them for years.
National Guide Dog Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 1 | Friday |
| 2029 | September 1 | Saturday |
| 2030 | September 1 | Sunday |
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