Fact Sheet - Out-of-State Guide Dog Instruction

1. Can an out-of-state guide dog instructor who is not licensed as an instructor in California perform an initial interview/assessment for training?
There is nothing in the Guide Dog Act that prohibits an out-of-state instructor who is not licensed in California as an instructor from performing an initial interview or assessment of an individual for training.

2. Can an out-of-state guide dog instructor provide follow up services?
Business and Professions Code Section 7209.5 defines "instructor" as a person who instructs blind persons in the use of guide dogs or who engages in the business of training, selling, hiring, or supplying guide dogs for the blind. Section 7210 states that "It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale, give, hire or furnish under any other arrangement, any guide dog or seeing-eye dog or to engage in the business or occupation of training any such dog unless he holds a valid and unimpaired license issued pursuant to the provisions in this chapter." Follow up services would not be prohibited by state law so long as guide dog "instruction" was not occurring. For example, a home interview or verbal assessment of the day-to-day activities of a guide dog team would not be prohibited.

3. Can I, as a California resident, go out-of-state to receive guide dog instruction?
Yes. The California State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind does not have jurisdiction over guide dog instruction in any other state.

4. If I would like to encourage my out-of-state instructor to become licensed, how would he or she start the process?
If an out-of-state instructor can provide evidence that the instructor has handled 22 man-dog unit teams (Business and Professions Code Section 7209), the instructor can apply for the guide dog instructor examination. The licensure process can be accessed on the web at www.guidedogboard.ca.gov