Retirement of your guide dog

As your guide dog ages and their retirement approaches, it's important to consider what's best for the next stage of your lives. When you're nearing the end of your working partnership, the thought of being without your guide dog, or considering training with a new dog, can be a difficult time.

We're here to give you support and discuss your options with you. It's essential to think about what you might like to happen and talk things through with your friends and family, so you feel prepared when the time comes for your guide dog to retire.

When should your guide dog retire?

Your guide dog's retirement marks the end of your working partnership. The age your guide dog retires is dependent on your dog’s needs and their individual health and wellbeing. Your Guide Dog Mobility Specialist will start discussing retirement options with you when your dog is around eight years old, but your dog may not retire for a few more years. We always aim for a gradual transition into retirement, however there are situations where an immediate retirement may be necessary – for example if your dog is diagnosed with a health condition which means continuing to work would be detrimental to their welfare.

Signs that your guide dog is approaching retirement

As a guide dog owner, knowing the signs that your dog is approaching retirement is key. As your dog ages, they'll slow down and may not be as energetic as they used to. Your dog may develop more health issues as they age, and you could find yourself visiting your vet more regularly. It’s important to be aware of changes, so you can do what's best for you and your dog in order to keep you both safe and happy.

Your role as your guide dog approaches retirement

As your dog gets older, you'll need to continue to meet their welfare and health needs and check for signs that they need additional help and support. This will include monitoring for any signs of discomfort, continuing regular check-ups and treatment, and managing your dog’s diet and weight.

What happens after a guide dog retires?

Many of our guide dogs stay with their guide dog owner as a pet dog following their retirement. Sometimes, however, this isn’t possible or isn't the right decision for you or your dog. We’ll support and work with you to consider whether rehoming or keeping your retired guide dog is the right decision, as we want to ensure a happy and healthy retirement for your dog and make sure the decision is right for you, too. Your dog's wellbeing is vital, and you'll need to weigh up if you can meet the needs of an ageing dog.

If you can’t keep your dog, you can nominate a home which is well known to you and your dog - often family members or friends. This nominated home will need to be assessed for the dog’s welfare to ensure it’s an appropriate fit for them. If you'd like to nominate a home to look after your dog in its retirement, they’ll need to meet the rehoming eligibility criteria.  

If there’s no suitable nominated home, we may approach volunteers who’ve looked after your dog in the past, to see if they’re interested in rehoming your retired guide dog. Otherwise, your dog can be rehomed by the general public, into a new, loving home.

Life after your guide dog retires

Adjusting to life without your guide dog is a big change. Whilst you may begin to consider another guide dog partnership, this isn't suitable for everyone, particularly if your needs or lifestyle have changed. Our staff will work with you to understand if a new guide dog is right for your current goals. If you’re eligible for a guide dog, our team of Vision Rehabilitation Specialists can support you until you’re matched with your new guide dog. 

Feelings of grief and loss when your guide dog retires

After your guide dog retires, it's perfectly normal to experience feelings of grief and loss. This is a natural response to a significant change in your life. It's important to recognise and acknowledge these feelings and to allow yourself the space to process them.

You might want to talk to friends, family, or fellow guide dog owners about how you're feeling. They'll understand the unique bond you shared and expressing your emotions can be helpful.
The Blue Cross offer a Pet Loss Support Service, and their experienced and compassionate support staff are available by phone, webchat, and email.