Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation
4.4 from 35 reviews
Address 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT 06002
Phone Number +18602435200
Description Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation specializes in the breeding, raising, & training of German Shepherd guide dogs for people who are blind. It is an internationally accredited nonprofit with locations in Bloomfield and Wilton, CT. Fidelco has placed more than 1,550 guide dogs throughout North America. Each guide dog takes two years, 15,000 hours, and $65,000 to produce – yet all services are provided to clients at no cost. Fidelco pioneered In-Community Placement in the United States, a process that allows guide dog users to be trained by professional instructors in the communities where they live and work. Fidelco clients receive 24/7 support for the entire working life of their guide dogs –typically 10 years.
Website http://fidelco.org/
A Google User
This is an amazing place. We raised a puppy for a year and now he is in training. Felt very good, we miss him. Staff is excellent, extremely helpful and assists with the process. The vet-techs are so awesome, prompt and helpful.
A Google User
A great organization to volunteer with by being a Puppy Raiser, a kennel worker or a pup house worker. Very rewarding working with dogs with a purpose.
A Google User
I worked at Fidelco for years, working tons of overtime and loved the dogs and the mission, but I only got $13/hr with a bachelors degree, never was there talk of a raise or thank you. Horrible environment to work in, huge pressure put on employees who have to work 3 jobs to support themselves. The Dogs there are wonderful, but the way the organization is run is not.
A Google User
Before donating to Fidelco, ask LOTS of questions: how many dogs are placed with clients (successfully!) each year?; how many dogs are trained AS GUIDE DOGS each year (not including the dogs they provide for police K-9 units)?; how many dogs were whelped by Fidelco each year?; how many dogs were purchased outside of Fidelco and from whom were they purchased?... This organization does not typically publish these kinds of numbers - there is a reason for it. There is also a reason for the high staff turnover. Caution.
A Google User
The dogs are wonderful, the trainers are great, but the administration is HORRIBLE! The food (which we had to buy from them at full list price) was rated as low quality by dogfoodadvisor. But the real problem was that the organization didn't seem to want to spend a penny on vet care for the dogs. In the months that I had the puppy, the puppies never had a vet checkup, despite the fact that we brought her there weekly. An experienced veterinarian friend, while visiting us, noticed a significant medical issue with the dog, which required prompt attention. Fidelco denied that it was an issue, and refused to do anything to treat it. This was a serious, progressive, and eventually very painful congenital condition running in their breeding line, but they refused to admit it. I spoke with three other veterinarians, including an office which had previously treated this specific congenital condition in Fidelco's dogs, who all confirmed that the dog needed expensive (over a thousand dollars) treatment, to spare her a lifetime of pain and disability, and if the treatment were delayed, the condition would require even more expensive treatment, with a potentially worse outcome. When I insisted on speaking with their vet, Fidelco demanded that I bring the dog back to them immediately, and kept it. I had nightmares for months about the poor dog suffering untreated. Since then, I have spoken with a number of people who have had similar experiences. One woman had a Fidelco dog that she suspected had pancreatic insufficiency. Over and over, Fidelco refused to have the dog tested for this. She was smarter than me. She gave up on trying to get Fidelco to address the issue. She disobeyed her contract with Fidelco, and simply took him to a private vet, and paid over a thousand dollars out of pocket to have the condition diagnosed and confirmed. When she notified Fidelco that the dog did indeed have pancreatic insufficiency, they didn't offer to reimburse her for the testing, but they did tell her that she could keep the dog. I heard other similar stories. So it's a wonderful experience to raise a puppy for them - until there's a health issue. Then it's an absolute, frustrating, heartbreaking nightmare. Shame on you, Fidelco.
A Google User
Home of the best German Shepherd Guide dogs.
Business Hours
Monday:08:00AM - 16:00PMTuesday:08:00AM - 16:00PMWednesday:08:00AM - 16:00PMThursday:08:00AM - 16:00PMFriday:08:00AM - 13:00PMSaturday:ClosedSunday:Closed
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
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