A woman sits with her back to the camera wearing a blue shirt that says "A Puppy with a Purpose." Next to her, a yellow Labrador puppy wearing a green guide dog vest and a head halter looks up at her.

Guide Dogs for the Blind

San Diego Puppy Raisers

We are a welcoming community of dedicated animal lovers who volunteer to provide the foundational training for future Guide Dogs. Puppies typically stay with us from about 8 weeks to 16–20 months of age. During this time, we help them build confidence through positive training, daily routines, and exposure to a wide variety of sights, sounds, and environments.

When a puppy leaves our club, their journey continues with formal guide dog training at one of Guide Dogs for the Blind’s campuses in California or Oregon. We proudly support youth puppy raisers and have a long-standing tradition of involvement with 4-H and FFA.

To learn more, please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Learn more

Close-up of a person in a blue shirt holding a small black Labrador puppy. The puppy looks directly at the camera with a calm expression.

Meet Our Puppies

Get to know our current puppies as well as the many dogs who have been raised by our club.

Two handlers lead a yellow and a black Labrador through an art museum. Both dogs wear green training vests and head halters. They are practicing socialization and calm behavior near display cases and framed paintings.

Explore Our Events

Visit our calendar to see upcoming meetings, outings, and club activities.

A puppy raiser conducts a training session with a yellow lab puppy in training. The raiser is smiling and reaching into her treat bag to reward the puppy who looks up at her eagerly.

Get Involved

Start your journey as a Guide Dogs for the Blind puppy raiser or supporter today!

About Guide Dogs for the Blind

Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals who are blind or have low vision. Through comprehensive client services and the support of professional trainers, puppy raisers, volunteers, and donors, GDB prepares highly qualified guide dogs to support greater independence and mobility.

All services are provided free of charge to clients. Guide Dogs for the Blind operates two main campuses: one in San Rafael, California, and another in Boring, Oregon.

Visit the Guide Dogs for the Blind Website