Pilot Dogs gives its trained animals to the blind at absolutely no charge. The blind person, his family, friends or a sponsoring agency are not obligated for this service. The Pilot Dog, four weeks room and board, all equipment and round trip transportation are provided to the qualified student. The cost to the organization for this service is approximately $8,000. When the blind student arrives for their four-week stay, they immediately begin to take care of their dog. This usually starts with the new master bathing the dog. This bathing process is the preliminary teaching to the student about the dog's care. Simple short walks are taken, always in the company of our professional trainers. The walks and obstacles become increasingly more difficult. Eventually, the dog and master find their way about our largest department stores, off and on the buses and across our busiest thoroughfares by themselves.