I realized that my review of Southeastern Guide Dogs isn't accurate now. Unfortunately even before COVID-19 they removed their program that lets the public interact with their puppies. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't heartbroken by this. Playing with the puppies and learning about how they could grow up to be service dogs was such a wonderful activity. We did it more than once and just loved it. Probably a couple people didn't act properly and ruined it for the rest of us. In spite of this I still donate money yearly to Southeastern Guide Dogs. They provide incredibly trained dogs to help those with visual impairment, veterans with PTSD and other disabilities, and children with huge challenges for FREE. The dogs that don't pass the program are adopted to loving families. I miss those puppies but I still support them and their mission to help others. read more

First let me say that I am one of the people responsible for this company being in Florida. As a long time member of Lions I helped to get it here over objections of many other members. Secondly, I approached SE for a dog as my service dog had passed and was told that I don't qualify in a very rude comment by the staff. I am a Vietnam Veteran, United States Marine with PTSD. I have problems with walking but that would not prevent me from walking with a service dog so trained. I spoke with a physician friend of mine who annually donates a lot of money to the organization. I don't think he will be supporting it this year. Sincerely Gordon Kuhn read more

Dogs Inc. has changed my husband's life. He is visually impaired (5% of available vision) and received a guide dog after living on site and training for three weeks. The staff was professional, kind, and patient. The students learned every imaginable scenario with their dog - the people at Dogs Inc. have thought of everything! My husband has regained confidence and independence. This nonprofit organization provides everything to the students for free - three weeks of lodging and meals, expert training, pet food, monthly preventive medications and of course the dog - all at no cost. To say we are grateful is an understatement. Thanks to everyone who made this gift possible. read more

I am a former long time (8 years+) volunteer Puppy Raiser, and after being repeatedly lied to by Puppy Raising management I ended my volunteer engagement with the organization. Honesty and transparency is crucial to me, SEGD cares far more about their donors than their volunteer puppy raising staff and parades some of their students and graduates like circus animals. Important mission, but a lot of room for improvement. read more

I've been a volunteer for this organization for several years in various roles (puppy raiser, club leader, fundraising captain for our local group). I've always had great support from the staff, particularly the Puppy Raising Services team. As a volunteer who is 6 hours away, it's never felt like I've been that far. My questions have always been answered, my voice has always been heard, and I've always felt like my time I've spent volunteer has been valued and appreciated. There have been many changes in recent years, but following along the adage of "when you know better, you do better", the changes have all been for the betterment of the dogs we work with and the graduates we serve. I want to make sure my investment of time and effort is put into an organization that not only makes an impact on the greater community, but appreciates the work put in, and Dogs Inc (formerly Southeastern Guide Dogs) does just that. I'm looking forward to many more years to come volunteering with this incredible organization read more

My father is a retired veteran and needed a service dog to aid him throughout the day. Fortunately, he was able to do a weeks worth of training at the facility and was able to take his dog home. Throughout this whole process, my dad was able to connect and secure himself by the dogs presence. The manner in which Southeastern Guide Dogs trains their dogs is stupendous and simply astounding. Katie is one of the trainers at this establishment and from the bottom of my heart, she's a dog whisper and does her job amazingly. The dog has made my dad's life 100% better and easier. The dog helps him search the house before we come in, reminds him to take his medications, opens doors, turns on lights and most importantly provides my father with the love and attention that veterans deserve after combat. Every single day, the dog is making a positive change to his life and we couldn't be happier. Nevertheless, the dog has changed my dad's life for the better and has also changed my mom and I. Never knew that a dog can bring a family together like he has. read more

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I just returned home from Dogs Inc with my new Service Dog Penny! This was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life! Everyone involved in this organization is wonderful and really care about you. From the admissions office, to the trainers, chefs, housekeeping, puppy raisers, sponsors, EVERYONE is so kind and helpful. Dogs Inc is the only place I will ever go to get my Service Dogs. My dog is the absolute best! She has brought a level of independence I've needed in my life and I have Dogs Inc to thank for that! I can finally feel like it is safe to leave the house. Seriously if you are looking for a Service Dog or Guide Dog, Dogs Inc is the one for you! They are knowledgeable and personable they will truly make your service dog process easy, rewarding and fun! read more

I highly recommend this business. They helped my partner with his seeing eye dog training and he loved every minute. The complex is very clean, does not smell like dogs, the staff is very professional and the seeing eye dogs are very well trained. If you or someone you know needs a seeing eye dog they would be my number one choice. read more

This is a review of being a volunteer "puppy hugger." We went this morning with the grandparents and the kids (youngest was 4). We sat on the floor and petted puppies that will grow up to be guide dogs. The puppies today were 6 week old lab-golden mix puppies. SO CUTE! Call for hours. You can just stop by and pet puppies. There are lots of volunteer programs here to help out a good cause. read more

Dogs - Volunteer Puppy Hugger - Pet Training Near Me - Palmetto, Florida

We recently adopted a Labrador Retriever from Southeastern Guide dogs. Many times their puppies don't end up meeting the high expectations that they need to become a guide dog. Those dogs become available for public adoption. We were on a wait list for over a year because we had some special requests for a dog, but last week we got a call that they had some dogs for us to come and look at!! The kids and I headed down there, and drove home with our new family member! No, it wasn't as easy as that. They had to make sure that the dog was a good fit for our family, and that our family was a good fit for the dog. And we were a perfect match! He's a beautiful 13mo 80 pound and growing yellow lab. He came nearly fully-trained. He has a few small issues that prevented him from becoming a guide dog 1) he is easily distracted by squirrels and 2) he doesn't like other dogs getting in his personal space. These two things make him lurch on a leash, so ya not a good fit for a guide dog. But a good fit for us! If you are looking to adopt an older puppy, check out Southeastern Guide Dogs! You won't be disappointed. read more

Horrible Horrible Horrible!!!!! My husband was approved for a service dog, went through the entire class graduated and everything. Got sent home with a dog that as it turns out was petrified of fireworks..... UMMM how is that supposed to work for a veteran? The trainer was supposed to help find a new dog for him because his had to be adopted out as it couldn't be a service dog and have a fear like loud noises. Instead they send him a letter and tell him that they denied his application for a new dog... Ummmm why would you give us a defective dog and then not replace it. How can you deny him for a dog that you already approved him for and he had because your trainers obviously missed a pretty big trigger for most veterans. We can't get anyone to return an email or call and its like they are just sweeping it under the rug they messed up and the veteran pays the price... shame on them ! read more

I have been volunteering at Southeastern Guide Dogs for over four years. I look forward to spending time at their campus because I know what miracles they create for those in need of a professionally trained service dog...at absolutely no cost to the recipient. The employees treat all of the hundreds of volunteers like we are family. No matter what the task the volunteers perform, staff understands that our work is helping to achieve goals of helping more deserving people find their freedom and independence through their dogs. Proud to be a little part of the wonderful work they do! read more

If you are a disabled veteran looking for a Service Dog or a philanthropist, steer clear of this organization. I and others from West Palm Beach VA Medical Center applied to get a service dog years ago. Some are still waited 5 years before giving up. 1. Filed paper work in 2010 for Service Dog - After 6 months I called them and they lost my application. 2. Filed Application again. They said they would contact me within a year. Year goes by and they haven't actioned my paperwork. They are missing a note from a friend, so my file has been sitting there gathering dust. After I give them the notes, they say it is going to be six months. 3. Also, every time I call, whoever worked there the last time I call, has left. I have never spoken to the same person twice. 4. Year goes by, No call. I call them and it takes a week to find my file. I tell them to forget it but they ask to do a site visit. Two weeks later a couple comes out and shows me a service dog and inspects my house. They say there is no problem with my house but it will be a 9 months before I get a dog. 5. A year later, I call and speak to a new person. She tells me, Oh, you ve been denied a service dog. You dont need one. Thanks for taking 4 years to tell and show me that this organization is incompetent, rude, and poorly run. So if I, a 90% disabled Special Operations soldier, is told after 4 years that I dont warrant a service dog think of all the others service men that are wasting there time with this poorly run and rude organization. The last lady said, Oh no, you havent waited for 4 years, its been only two. Well, if you didn't lose my paperwork and then not do anything with it for 2 years, yes, by your time standard, its 2 years. If they are so incompetent with customers, then what are they doing with your money. Thank you for wasting my time. read more