Southeastern Guide Dogs Reviews

A beautiful facility with great people doing wonderful work. They offer training programs for pet dogs as well as working dogs.

I was pleasantly impressed with how nicely developed and how well planned the property was. It seems that the management and volunteer staff are very passionate about their mission. We took the behind the scenes tour and talked to a few employees and volunteers. Very impressive, well run organization. We decided to become donors.

A must see for dog lovers visiting the Bradenton/Sarasota area. See puppies before they begin their training and "patients" learning along with their new BFF. Facility is fully funded by private donations. Advance booking needed for tours.

This is one amazing facility and service to the blind and to our Vets in need. The puppies and dogs are treated with kindness, grace, and dignity. They seem to be so happy, and are given lots of play time.

I've witnessed several training classes, and the training appears consistent and quite effective. The puppies/dogs are never yelled at, spanked, or otherwise mistreated in any way, from my observations.

The staff appears quite professional and competent. While some Foster puppy raisers seem to not follow instructions from the trainer and Area Coordinators when they bring their fostered puppies in weekly for training and evaluation, the trainer just tries to reinforce the need to be consistent in how the puppies are being raised. The Regional Manager, Christie, who is the only experienced trainer on staff, who we have witnessed, does not say or do anything to make the puppy raisers feel badly. Christie is professional, courteous, attentive, and extremely effective. Christie appears to be in the exact position that uses her extraordinary talents.

Hopefully, others, who assist, give special attention to these puppy raisers who do not follow instructions consistently. For example, when told to show excitement and provide reward (a treat) when a puppy does exactly what he/she is directed to do, I observed the Foster puppy raiser just responding like a zombie, not following as asked. The trainer, or assistants should gently reminded everyone of the importance of positive feedback, and do it by not making the puppy raisers feel as If they are "wrong." This was well done by Christie.

After visiting the expansive facilities of Southeastern Guide Dogs, we are so impressed, we are looking forward to raising one of these marvelous heros, if qualified.

Kudos to Southern Guide Dogs for managing this important work in our society, and hiring such effective staff like Christie! Other staff employees who deserve exceptional recognition are Leslie, Christie's boss, and Joanne, who matches the puppies to their puppy raisers, as just one of her many functions.

Anyone reading this should visit this marvelous facility, If for no other reason but to see the great contribution to society being done.

They are doing great work for the Blind and for Vets with the Dogs they provide.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Southeastern Guide Dogs. Everyone that I dealt with at the school from those who assisted with my application until graduation, was wonderful. The facility itself is beautiful. The food and accomodations were top notch. The entire staff from trainers to administration puts your welfare and the welfare of their dogs first. My first guide dog has given me back my independence after 10 years of dealing with my blindness on my own. I am so thankful for this school and all the sponsors, puppy raisers, and donors who make this possible. I cannot believe this priceless gift (my new best friend and guide) was provided at absolutely no cost to me. Trust me, if you need a guide dog, do not hesitate to apply at Southeastern Guide Dogs.

SEGD is a tremendous place to volunteer. This organization has something to offer everyone, no matter age or talent. Next month, I will be returning a black lab puppy that I raised and trained for them for 14 months. I can easily say that it has been very rewarding to be a part of SEGD's mission.

The trainers are very helpful. The trainers take the time to answer all questions that we have. The facility is spotless. And the food was absolutely amazing!!! All of the staff as well as the trainers take the time to meet you and listen to you and they want to know all about you. Be entire staff at Southeastern guide dogs was very friendly and was always smiling. I am so thankful that I went to Southeastern guide dogs. Also, knowing that I will be able to speak with my puppy raiser makes me very happy. I will get to learn more about my dog when he/she was a puppy! I would definetly recommend Southeastern to anyone who is looking to get a guide dog.

We have raised three puppies for Southeastern Guide Dogs-two went on to become Guide Dogs. While it is hard to raise a puppy and then give it back to the school after a year, the amazing feeling of pride you get when you see the dog you raised doing his/her new job is indescribable The volunteer experience also allowed our teens to have wonderful stories and it's a great thing to have on your resume. In fact, our daughter is now raising her own Southeastern Guide Dog puppy to put on her graduate school application. Because Southeastern is so organized, thoughtful, and provides great support they are a great place for volunteering. It's truly an incredible place that uses it's funds wisely to help not only the visually impaired, but service men and women, their families, and provides dogs for other careers.

Amazing organization helping those who need assistance.

Amazing, loving and graceful! Saved my life! Thanks to all.

I had the tour today and was so impressed with the entire organization and the services they provided.
Book a tour and you ll be amazed.

Southeastern Guide Dog is an incredible place. As a volunteer there I witness the world class staff and the way they operate this state of the art facility. The full time management is dedicated and caring and have created an atmosphere where employees and volunteers want to be involved and foster success. The animals are so special and the end results are heart warming. The guide dogs and service dogs provide a life changing opportunity for the people they are paired with and every time a new class graduates the smiles and emotions are in full bloom. If you have an opportunity, definitely visit the facility and get involved in any way that you can. You won t regret it.

My wife and I have been involved both financially and volunteer work for more than 7 years. This organization is amazing for what they do for the visually impaired that it is impossible to put into a few words. Please if you are able support this organization.

Beautiful, purposeful campus. What could be more fun than puppy hugging with a litter of energetic, rambunctious puppies.

We have been very fortunate to have had the Southeastern Guide Dogs join us for the last few years at our car show, the SRT4 Showdown. The volunteers and dogs have been top notch and we love having them each and every yary! We enjoy donating to this amazing charity and look forward to their attendance this October 21!

My husband and I raised Shadow from about 10 weeks old. (We took him back for college in October - yes you can do that! It's hard, but SEGD does a magnificent job with the ceremony!) It's hard to find words to describe how gratifying it is to know that you are raising a beautiful superhero to be. And, at the same time, get constant puppy love. Your puppy will come with a manual - with plenty of detail. And you will have support of SEGD and your area "family" of puppy raisers.

I am a graduate of class 264 just yesterday and I can t say enough good things about Southeastern. The attention to detail by EVERY member of the staff from answering all 8000 of my questions before arrival to making sure I made it back home safely. Kudos to Chef Rob who kept us good and full. Most important people that don t get enough recognition are the trainers. Kim, Laska and Katie are simply the greatest! Special shout out to Laska for picking up my Starbucks every morning just in time for breakfast! More people need to know about the great things happening at SEGD! If you have it to donate please do so! Your contributions are quite honestly saving lives!

Southeastern Guide Dogs is truly a world class state of the art training facility for both Guide dogs and Service dogs. As a student and now graduate of the school I am can not say enough at how wonderful and great this place is. The campus is well maintained. My first impression upon arriving there put me in awe. The campus buildings are recently built and you feel as though you are on a college campus for humans. This place breeds their own service dogs and has a research lab on site that helps detect defects in canine dna so that healthy Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers can be born. Students get to stay in their state of art dorm rooms which is equipped with its on mini fridge, Amazon
Alexa, full bathroom, flat screen TV, closet and Central Air. Each room has its own patio with and an astroturf area for your service dog to use to go to the bathroom. School provides students with 3 free meals a day from its onsite full industrial kitchen that staffs cooks with great culinary talent. This organization is non profit, ADI accredited school. They rely solely on private donations and do not take any government funds. If your looking for a service animal school that is top notch, Southeastern Guide Dogs is definitely it!

Amazing facility. The tour provides a lot of interesting information.

Dedication! Incredible facility...take the tour and presentation, complete with coffee bistro. Great place.

Reviewing an organization like Southeastern Guide Dogs is not an easy task. From conventional standards (location, staff, accommodations, cleanliness, etc.), Southeastern is already exceptional and surely exceeds any reasonable expectations; however, Southeastern far and away transcends such standards in a manner difficult to explain. I am a proud graduate of class #281 of the guide dog program, and I speak with the outmost sincerity when I assure the quality of the service provided by every member of the Southeastern staff. From their pleasant disposition to their compassionate yet informative teachings, the trainers and staff of Southeastern crafted a personable and thoroughly enjoyable situation that pleasantly accented the already lifechanging nature of their services. I honestly cannot praise Southeastern enough for not only providing me with a partner that promises hope and support in my future endeavors but also managing to make the experience one of the most enjoyable and surreal moments of my life. Sure, Southeastern Guide Dogs could merely complete the service expected of them; however, in my experience with the many members of faculty that constitute Southeastern, everyone strives to go far beyond in the delivery of support and instruction. Wholeheartedly, it has been my pleasure to be assisted by such a wonderful organization.

Great organization. My friend is on her 2nd dog. They are so wonderful.

I am currently raising my 4th puppy for SEGD. As a puppy raiser I have been so happy with the experiences they provide. Puppy pick up is a breeze, and while emotionally hard, drop off is made as easy as it can be. You really feel the love of the mission when you are on SEGDs beautiful campus. The dogs are loved by staff just as much as we all love them at home. Our dogs have all been placed with perfect matches. We love SEGD.

Southeastern Guide Dogs are a non-profit who place guide dog and service dogs to blind and others in need. I have visited a couple of times and decided to be a volunteer to help out. If you love dogs you should see this place!

Terrible staff bands together and gangs up on companies on Facebook to which they've only been maybe once or twice you ladies are unprofessional and although I'm not going to name drop on here I will be in there today to speak with whoever's in charge

Southeastern Guide Dogs runs every phase of its programs with the highest level of skill, experience, integrity, and profound caring. They are a top nonprofit that has given me three worldclass guide dogs. They spend every dollar wisely and prudently and are worthy of a donation of any magnitude.

We've applied, and are awaiting word back. God bless this organization for ALL that you do. My man was in the service & suffers w/ ptsd every single day since his time in the Navy years ago. Im praying the Lord will bring our family back together, heal & bless him with the love I can not provide through his service dog. I believe dogs are connected to a higher power than we humans are and thats why they've been blessed with "superhealing"powers for our Veterans. The sacrifices you all have made, I am forever grateful. God Bless you all. And thank you Southeastern GuideDogs for what is to come in Jesus name, Amen!!

I have been a volunteer puppy raiser for the past 5 years and positively love this organization!

If I were able to get more stars I would that's the best place I could go to their food is excellent there's places are excellent

My family has been involved with Southeastern Guide Dogs for two years now. We are currently raising our 2nd puppy for the school which has been so rewarding! Additionally, I have volunteered in the Canine University (a.k.a. Training Kennel) for over a year and I love spending time with the dogs and staff on Saturday mornings. My mom is also involved and after volunteering in the Puppy Kennel for several months she moved up into a Puppy Educator role. She loves working with pups from 7-12 weeks of age introducing them to new things! And who doesn't LOVE to play with puppies?!?!?

We are not only weekly volunteers and current puppy raisers, but also Cornerstone Society members as well. Please consider volunteering in some capacity for this organization! Our continued volunteer support allows them to place extraordinarily trained Guide and Service dogs to those in need at NO COST and NO government funding.

Raising a SEGD black lab puppy. This dog (Raven) is so smart! I know she's going to be the perfect service dog for someone. I will miss her so much when she goes In For Training, but there are many more puppies who needed to be loved and taught house manners.

Wonderful Organization. I had the pleasure of meet Nicole Potter from SE Guide Dogs Inc. Very passionate about her role there and speaks very highly of the entire staff and Organization. I highly recommend this Organization should you need such service.

I haven't gone yet. I am trying to put together a trip for the people who live in our community. I think that our seeing how these wonderful dogs are taught to help humans (whom they love anyway) would be a trip well worth taking. I am looking for someone who can help us come visit you next season.

By the way, our grandchildren up north have two labs, one black one yellow who came from the same litter. They live with them (and us when we're there) and they provide us with such pleasure. They are not well-trained, but are very humorous and loving -- so loving.

So would someone get back to me about how we could bring a group of people to watch some of this amazing experience? Thanks so much.

The staff Is extremely friendly, and the tour Is quite extensive.

If you are local, consider raising a pup! Become a volunteer!

Great people, all types of training, veteran service dogs as well.

I am a proud volunteer and couldn t wait to begin my service with Southeastern Guide Dogs. I love my job as a nursery helper. I get to be with new moms and their newly born bundles of joy! Who wouldn t want this job right? Going to volunteer puts a smile on my face. The nursery team of folks work tirelessly to ensure mom and puppies get the best care 24/7. Everyone should make the trip to come down and tour these incredible facilities and campus.

I started 2016 off by reporting to Southeastern guide dogs on January 4, It was an extremely pleasurable experience . The administration staff Is always available to help you , your private room and bathroom are cleaned four or five times a week, three meals a day prepared by two chefs ( excellent food ), The trainers are excellent they are so caring and considerate with every person in my class . My dog Rondo is my first guuide dog when the time comes I will be back .

The people there are really nice and the dogs are super smart

If you need a service dog, this is one of the best. Outstanding training for both the service dog and the recipients. Both are well cared for. If you need help, ask a Lion member or call SEGDI.

I called everywhere looking for volunteer work for over the summer to get community service hours for school. Then a friend told me about this place. So I filled out an online application form, called them, and was volunteering the next day. The puppies are ADORABLE.

Last February, we arrived at Southeastern to pick up a puppy to raise for Southeastern Guide Dogs. The puppies had just finished a 'puppy hugging' class where families could go in and spend a half hour just playing with these spunky 10-week-young pups. As our puppy was placed in our arms, the group of puppy huggers crowded around and oohed and ahhed over how lucky we were to go home with one. We have had a year of wonderful adventures with this pup and he is now ready to return to Southeastern to further his training. We have been so thankful to have been a part of the process and cannot wait to see what this pup goes on to do. We have met many people whose lives have been changed by the work Southeastern Guide Dogs does and we are just grateful to be a part of the process. If you are thinking of raising a puppy for Southeastern, it is an experience like no other. Letting go is never easy but going home with a new 10-week-old bundle of love helps! What an amazing organization!

This is an amazing place! My son and went for a tour with his class. They did an excellent job with the tour. If you or someone you know who maybe looking for a guide dog in FL or anywhere else in the US, this is the place to go! They match guide dogs with persons with sight disabilities as well service dogs for veterans. Of course they are always looking for volunteers who can help with these beautiful pups! Give them a call :)

Lynn and I have been volunteering with SEGD for about 4 years now here in New Smyrna Beach. What a great organization and a great cause. Their state of the art facility is amazing and the work they do changes lives not only for the recipients but also for those of us that volunteer.

Il love this place.People who are blind can have some dog to help
YAY!!

This is a top notch organization! I volunteer in the puppy kindergarten and it is a tight run ship. They treat their volunteers with the highest respect and appreciation. I would give them a 100 stars if I could!

Where we got our guide dog puppy Olivia. Wonderful facility. Very efficient

They have great customer service across the whole store. The location is just wonderful. They offer a quiet calm atmosphere.

We hold Southeastern Guide Dogs very close to our hearts. They provide guide dogs to the blind and visually impaired at no cost. We had the opportunity to name a dog (Doc Champion... aka Champ) and our very close friend that is a puppy raiser, raised the dog we named. Champ made it to guide dog status and is now helping her new mom in Louisiana. Please donate to this wonderful organization and pay it forward!

Great nonprofit organization that does wonderful things for the disabled.

From the moment I arrived at Southeastern Guide Dogs, everyone was extremely friendly and helpful and kept asking if they could do more. I found the facilities on campus amazing and first class. The trainers at Southeastern Guide Dogs were absolutely top notch in the way they were able to assess each student and match the perfect dog to their needs.It was not until I arrived home that I realized how well Southeastern Guide Dogs had prepared me and my new best friend, Ella, to navigate the world beyond my own front door.

Wonderful facility! Incredible organization. Public tours. Visit and donate!

I cannot say enough great things about SEGD. I am a disabled veteran with PTSD and physical issues. The service dog trainers at SEGD picked a beautiful Goldador named Sasha as my new battle buddy, I could not be happier and she started changing my life from the day I met her 30 days ago. The service dog trainers are amazing, extremely knowledgeable, caring, loving and become your newest best friends by the time the class is over. The facilities are very modern, clean and beyond expectations. The Chefs are great, friendly and the food is amazing. The entire staff and volunteers are great. This is a fantastic organization that cares about veterans and want to help. I have been so blessed to have them in my life and providing me with the best new battle buddy in the world.

Thank you for everything,

Terry

This place is run by the most loving generous and wise staff ever. They lovingl raise, train, clean up, love and then give up these beautiful animals to people who need them.

Omg what can I say, In the first week of training and I can already see how my dog Bowen will improve my life, he keeps me calm helps me get around, knows when I am hurting and distracts my mind, no Better Program for vets

My husband and I are ready to pick up our third puppy to raise for Southeastern Guide Dogs School. We are so thrilled to volunteer for this amazing organization. The details that they think of regarding teaching us how to train their puppies is completely impressive.

The school helps so many people have full lives through their dogs services. When people ask how we can give up the puppies, we say, how can we not?! The good that these dogs do for the people who are matched with them are forever enriched.
Go visit the school to see for yourself! You may want to get involved!!

It was fantastic, loved the place and loved their mission!

I have been volunteering at Southeastern Guide Dogs for over a year, and I really enjoy interacting with the staff and other visitors while driving the shuttle around the campus. Southeastern Guide Dogs is the BEST place to volunteer. If I lived closer, I would volunteer more often. The staff has so much passion for their jobs and the important mission of training dogs for the visually impaired and for Military Veterans. I highly recommend that you apply to volunteer and/or financially support Southeastern Guide Dogs. You will not regret your decision. I am honored to have been selected as a volunteer. Chuck Bishop

Southeastern Guide Dogs is an incredible organization. I've been volunteering and visiting their campus since 2017 and am so impressed with the constant dedication to excellence displayed at the SE Guide Dogs campus and community events! The dogs are incredible, and so well trained and well cared for. The staff and my fellow volunteers truly love every one of these superheroes.

I just returned home with my 2nd guide dog from SEGD, and my opinion of this amazing facility continues to cgrow along side with my independence as a result of my guide dog, Tom Don. Upon having to retire my first guide dog, it was a "no brainer", that I would return to SEGD for my next Super Hero! My experience was, once again, filled with positivity, enthusiasm, and of course luxury, as the amenities are top notch! If you're on the fence about receiving a guide dog, trust me, you won't be disappointed if you choose SEGD!

Great organization. Your donation for to a truly worthy cause.

100 out of 10! Nov 2015 I graduated with Lou, my third guide dog, from SEGD. The program has grown so much since I first attended back in 2001. I thought it was great back then, but now it's like a 5 star vacation, with the world's best guide dog at your side! Private rooms, excellent food (not the place to come and lose weight), superior trainers, still led by Rick who was there when I went for my first guide dog. The grounds are well organized for all our training needs. The graduation program we had was over the top, Lou and I felt like celebrities!
I recently tested out Lou's training, by going on a trip that included 4 airplane fights, 2 hotels, 10 bus rides, a riverboat, with multiple distractions and new environments everyday. A real testament to SEGD was Lou did great! She handled the pressure and stress beautifully, I never bumped into a thing, or got hurt, I was able to negotiate the ship safely and all by myself, once she learned the route! SEGD has given me freedom of mobility with three dedicated guide dogs (DeeDee, Destinee, and now Lou)!

A beautiful place I ve gotten my 2 guide dogs here. Yager & Rolf. The staff are wonderful very friendly & supportive I will definitely recommend this school to anyone this school is truly amazing

Laura & guide dog Rolf

Awesome friendly employees doing amazing things for people in need and great atmosphere for the dogs

I just recently graduated with my first guide Beecher! I had a fantastic experience! The trainers and staff were wonderful and Beecher is very well trained! I would highly recommend this school for a guide dog!

Southeastern Guide Dogs has transformed my life for the better. They have given me back my independence. The trainers at the campus are some of the most dedicated and hardworking group of people. You leave the campus with a few more family members. The classes are designed to help those with visual impairments to better gain their independence. The students are put through training that will help them better navigate through different settings from malls to restaurants, to trails in the country or through the city. Each student is given their own rooms that are very clean and neat and come with a house keeper. The food is great and the atmosphere is just like being at home. Highly recommended for those with visual challenges and veterans suffering from PTSD.

Wonderful place I love them all. They have helped me alot with my new pup

My life has forever been changed for the better! Southeastern Guide Dogs is an amazing place that goes out of their way to not just match you with your perfect partner, but to also make sure you are comfortable during your stay and made to feel like family! I have been so blessed by them and I'm truly thankful for all that they do!

Great People. Great cause! Humble leadership! God Bless! :)

Southeastern Guide Dogs can be described as a place where super heroes are born. Countless individuals invest their time and talents to raise and develop guide dogs that unleash the lives of those who face blindness. As a recent graduate I am continually surprised and overjoyed with the guide dog who leads me to where I want to go and where I never thought I could go. My highly intelligent Labrador was loved by her puppy raiser for her first year of life which is evident in the gentleness and calmness that my family and I experience each day. After my guide dog returned to Southeastern she continued to be loved and patiently trained by a team of individuals who truly have their whole heart into providing an amazing guide dog. For the first time in my life I have someone who gets my blindness, which I never thought that would happen. These well skilled trainers continued to show their patients and expertise to me as I attended this school. The level of challenge resulted in a unique experience that developed my confidence in my dog and provided exciting outings. The team of trainers were also very considerate to any health struggled that occurred and as a cancer survivor I was very grateful for their concern. While opportunities to rest were available, the trainers insured that I still received all the training that was required.
Each person at Southeastern works with diligence to ensure that every aspect of my experience was beyond my expectations. The lodging provided was clean and comfortable. The food was amazing as the chefs prepared healthy meals that span a number of cultures. The deserts where outstanding and were a nice way to end each day away from home.
The pinnacle of the experience came on graduation day. The time was truly focus on the new life that awaited my class. Please consider Southeastern Guide Dogs if you want your life unleashed!

Cart driving gives me the opportunity to meet a large number of staff and volunteers.
All are dedicated members of the guide dog family.
Always with a smile and and kind words.
Doesn't get much better.

Overall: 9/10. Landscaping: 9/10. Architecture: 8/10. Price: 8/10. Activities: 8/10. Service: 10/10! I thought I'd make a review because there aren't many and this is a great organization that deserves more recognition. Southeastern Guide Dogs is fun little place to check out when you're in the mood for puppies! I went there to do what they call "puppy hugging," where you go sit down and play with their future guide dogs for a while. It costs $10 (and it goes to their services). The puppies are absolutely adorable! If you come at the right time, you can take a peek through a window and see newborns. You can also walk older dogs around the campus. Speaking of their campus, it's very clean and features some very pretty trees and landscaping. When you're done looking around, there is also a cute gift shop near the entrance with a vending machine. If you're not interested in Southeastern Guide Dogs for its public attractions, their main purpose is helping the blind. They offer their services for no charge! I think it's a very nice program for the blind here in the US. Make sure to check it out if you're in the area!

My wife and I have raised, trained 15 dogs. One dog per year. Beautiful facilities. Caring staff. I could not imagine, not having a puppy to train.

I lost my vision about a 1.5 years ago and during my O&M training it was suggested that I would benefit from a Guide Dog. I had looked at multiple schools and from first phone call Southeastern Guide Dogs was a cut above the rest. From initial application through to completion of my training on campus, I really did not have one complaint. The dog I was paired with is beyond amazing. She is brilliant! My first full day home we went for a walk at Universal City Walk and it was amazing. I got to enjoy the afternoon without looking down or being stressed about who (or what) I was going to bump into. Today is my first day back at work with my Guide Dog and the morning has been beyond expectations. No more running my fingers along the wall or counting steps. Thankful for the ongoing support I have through Southeastern Guide Dogs as well. They are never more than a phone call away. The words thank you just isn't enough.