Guide Dogs for the Blind

Puppy Center Phase Two

Located in San Rafael, California, Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) cares for more than 800 puppies per year are whelped and raised by a dedicated team at GDB’s National Headquarters located in San Rafael, California. On any given day, non-profit GDB is caring for and training a new litter of frisky puppies at their school campus. The Puppy Center includes 19 neonatal kennels and eight new whelping kennels for moms and puppies, and 30 new puppy kennels in the Young Heroes Academy where the puppies stay until 10 weeks of age. Each area will have dedicated gown-in facilities, medical support spaces, staff work areas, laundry, food preparation area and restrooms. The building systems include industry best practices in biological risk management, acoustics, air quality, radiant heating, and lighting. 

This new puppy birthing and enrichment facility supports GDB’s mission of preparing highly qualified service canines to be lifelong partners for individuals who are visually impaired. By providing a healthier, more ergonomic, and socially enriching environment for the puppies and their caretakers, GDB will better equip these future companions to reach their full potential. The facility also includes a Learning Lab (in lobby), which will help educate the public through interactive displays, dedicated areas to view puppy enrichment, and other learning spaces.

A new courtyard and park across from the Puppy Center entrance also enables staff to exercise dogs and train them in real world outdoor settings.