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A world where people who are blind or have low vision can access quality guide dogs and associated services so that they can live life on their terms.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to support our members in their efforts to encourage and advance the provision of guide dogs as a safe means of independent mobility for people who are blind or have low vision.
I G D F conference 2025
IGDF members are invited to join us for the 2025 IGDF conference
IGDF Podcasts
The latest podcast regarding the 2026 IGDF Standards is now available.
Visionary Magazine
Read our March 2025 edition of IGDF’s Visionary Magazine here
Guide Dog Help
Use our online guide dog reference to answer your questions about guide dogs.
Why Become an IGDF Member?
Membership of the International Guide Dog Federation has a multitude of benefits. By becoming a member of the IGDF, an organisation gains access to a worldwide community of institutions dedicated to providing and improving safe, independent mobility of blind and visually impaired people.
IGDF members may use the IGDF logo to demonstrate their compliance with the IGDF Standards. Other membership benefits include; access to member-only content and resources, access to development support and advice, regular news and technical updates, and the ability to attend IGDF’s bi-annual Seminar.
IGDF also offers development support to new guide dog organisations through Applicant and Enquiring Organisation Status. Applicant and Enquiring Organisations can access developmental support and advice from the IGDF Development Committee to help build and develop guide dog services.
Guide Dog FAQs
How Do I Train my Dog?
IGDF certifies organisations that train guide dogs. IGDF does not train or certify individual dogs. All guide dogs trained by an IGDF member organisation will have met that organisation’s own training requirements which are regularly reviewed and verified by IGDF.
How Do I Apply for a Guide Dog?
Each IGDF member organisation operates their own application and assessment process for being matched with a guide dog. You can find your closest IGDF member organisation (LINK) and follow their application process.
Can You Train Any Dog to be a Guide Dog?
Training a guide dog is a long and complex process, which needs to start early in a dog’s life. Not all dogs will have the temperament to be a guide dog. You can apply for a guide dog by contacting your closest IGDF member organisation. A guide dog provided by an IGDF member organisation is safe and has been trained in accordance with modern, humane standards.
Donate Today
Guide dogs make an enormous difference to the lives of blind and visually impaired people. Not only do they bring the gift of independence, they also bring support, companionship and joy to people who really need it. The International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) relies solely on member contributions to continue our work. Help us give the gift of a guide dog to a blind or visually impaired person today!
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© 2025 International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF). All Rights Reserved. Registered Office: Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 3YG, United Kingdom. A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (2376162), and a charity registered in England and Wales (1062441)
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