
In France, nearly 2 million1 people have problems with their vision but only 1% of them2 have a guide dog.
Guide dogs are given free of charge to visually-impaired and blind people. From their birth until they are matched with their new owners, all of the costs involved in raising (accommodation, food, veterinary care, etc.) and training a guide dog must be funded by donations:
There are many people involved at every stage: researchers, veterinarians, dog handlers, instructors, trainers, etc. The visually impaired must also complete training to learn to lead and take care of their new companion. The association also needs money to ensure the follow up of the owner-dog pair after they have been matched but also to rehome withdrawn dogs (those who have not been able to become a guide dog for medical or behavioral reasons) or retired dogs (getting a new guide dog is generally considered once they reach 8 years old).
The estimated total cost of a guide dog is €25,0003:
Promoting animal well-being and also developing the relationship between an owner and his/her companion are values that Dermoscent® shares with the FFAC. Therefore, several years ago, our brand of natural dermo-cosmetics decided to get involved in this solidarity chain. This commitment translates into a regular donation in order to help the association provide more and more guide dogs to the visually impaired. Moreover, this donation is not the only action in favor of the visually-impaired. In order to facilitate their life, the Dermoscent® brand made its first packaging available with braille inscription and continued to offer this service on its whole range.
1 https://www.aveuglesdefrance.org/quelques-chiffres-sur-la-deficience-visuelle
2 https://www.chiensguides.fr/federation/qui-sommes-nous
3 http://www.chiensguides.org/fr/cout-du-chien-guide-50.html
And if you gave, you too?
Since 2009, Dermoscent® has donated to the French Federation of Guide Dog Associations (FFAC). What is this annual donation used for?
Pet insurance policies could reimburse part of your costs for preventive expenses (vaccination, sterilisation, flea treatments, hygiene products, etc.). Ask for advice at the clinic!
2018 was a year of great change for Dermoscent®, which included the redesign of our packaging.
Dermoscent® continues its development. Its new headquarter offers a modern and comfortable environment for its team working at the service of veterinarians in the world to help preserve animal health and well-being.