Section 7215.5.

During the first year following the successful training of each person-dog unit, and release from a guide dog training school of the trained person supplied with a guide dog, the school may retain title to the trained dog. During this probationary year, the school may enter into a contractual agreement with the user of the dog describing the conditions under which the user may maintain the status of legal custodian of the dog. During the probationary year, the school, acting in what it deems to be the best interest of the user, the dog, or the public, may temporarily or permanently resume possession of the dog.

Within 15 days after the end of each calendar year, each licensed school shall report to the board the following:

(1) The number of dog ownership titles transferred to dog users pursuant to this section during the calendar year.

(2) The number of title recoveries and repossessions made by the school pursuant to this section during the calendar year.

(3) The number, type, and amount of charges assessed for followup training, instruction, veterinary, or boarding services, pursuant to this section, which make a distinction between users who have acquired title to their dogs and users who have not acquired title.

(4) The views of the governing entity of the school as to any problems or concerns relative to compliance with the provisions of this section, along with recommendations for appropriate legislative or administrative changes commensurate with the purposes of this section.

Immediately upon completion of the first year following the successful training referred to above, if the training school and the dog user are mutually satisfied with the operation of the person-dog unit, title to the dog shall be transferred to the blind user if the user so desires. Transfer of title shall be evidenced by a transfer of title agreement executed by both parties thereto. The school may retain an option to recover title and possession to the guide dog subject to conditions described in the transfer of title agreement. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) If in the school's opinion, the guide dog is being misused or neglected or mistreated by its blind user.

(2) If the blind person to whom the dog was furnished has ceased to use the dog as a guide and the dog is not too old to be retrained as a guide for another blind person.

(3) If, in the school's opinion, the dog is no longer a safe guide and the user refuses to cease using the dog as a guide after being requested by the school to cease this use.

The guide dog school shall make no distinction as to the quality or extent of followup or supportive services available to its blind graduates based on whether they elect to acquire title to their dogs or allow title to remain with the school after the probationary year. The school may, however, make this distinction when assessing reasonable and appropriate charges for followup training, instruction, veterinary, or boarding services.

No applicant for admission to a guide dog training school, nor any enrolled student, shall be required by the school prior to completion of his or her training to sign any instrument or to announce his or her intention regarding transfer of title of the dog from the school to himself or herself upon completion of the training and probation period.

(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 405, Sec. 12. Effective January 1, 2003.)