Apply for a guide dog

Criteria for Acceptance

There are basically only two criteria for acceptance to the guide dog training program :

The person must need one and must be visually impaired
The person must have the physical and mental ability to work
and be able to control a guide dog

The final factor is the ability of the person to pay R100.00 for accommodation and R5.00 for the dog and be able to meet the costs of feeding and veterinary expenses for the duration of its life.

The Application Process

The applicant is provided with 2 forms

Application Form
This form is normally completed by a family member or friend. Click here for an electronic copy of the form.
Medical Form
This form is completed by the applicant’s personal physician. Click here for an electronic copy of the form.

From these 2 forms S.A.G.A. is able to build a very clear picture of the applicant, his state of health, the type of work he does and the environment in which he or she lives. The applicant is then visited by an instructor in his/her area to make a detailed assessment of the person’s physical attributes e.g. balance, gait, co-ordination, sense of direction, use of remaining senses, residual vision etc. An assessment is also made of the family situation, work environment, pets owned, type of housing as well as the immediate environment. One of the most important assessments made is the need and motivation to use a guide dog.

At the beginning of each year each applicant on the waiting list is asked if they are still interested in receiving a guide dog. Interested applicants are of course carried forward until a suitable dog becomes available.