Pennsylvania Lions for Leader Dogs was started in the fall of 1993, when a group of concerned Lions saw the need to be able to give financial assistance to a dog guide, or a future dog guide, with a catastrophic or chronic illness or a career-threatening accident or illness.  Since the beginning of the organization, the purposes have been expanded to include locating qualified visually-impaired persons and assisting them in obtaining a Leader Dog to guide them, and promoting the rights of visually-impaired persons and their dog guides for free access to all public accommodations.

        In the case of a career-threatening accident or illness of a dog guide, the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Lions for Leader Dogs will review the case and may award an amount not to exceed $500.00 for the veterinary care of the dog guide or future dog guide.  All monies are paid directly to the veterinarian or hospital giving the care.

        Our only means of "fund raising" to meet these expenses is through our yearly memberships ($5.00 per year), a life membership ($100.00, a one time payment) and through direct donations by individuals and Lions and Lioness Clubs.

        Since our beginning, many cases of career-threatening illnesses and accidents to dog guides have been presented to our group, and many thousands of dollars have been paid out to give financial aid to the visually- impaired for the care of their dog guides.  Realizing that the cost of raising and training a working pair (a dog guide and a visually-impaired person) is nearly $40,000.00, we as Lions should also be concerned with keeping a dog guide in good health.