Dogs Inc, the guide- and service-dog nonprofit formerly known as Southeastern Guide Dogs, will celebrate the opening of its Lakewood Ranch visitor center Saturday, Oct. 24, at 5815 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

The grand opening runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, according to the organization’s event announcement on the Manatee Chamber of Commerce website.

The official visitor-center page lists guide and service dog demonstrations at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Guests can meet ambassador dogs, speak with a graduate of the nonprofit’s programs, learn about puppy raising and explore the interactive Discovery Zone and gift shop.

Guide and service dogs are welcome. Visitors should leave pets at home, Dogs Inc says.

Building a local presence

Dogs Inc has operated its Palmetto campus since the mid-1980s, according to Your Observer. The Lakewood Ranch center gives the organization another place to introduce residents to its work.

Team members, including ambassador dog Sparky, attended the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance’s Community Impact Showcase on Sept. 10 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.

“We want to make sure that we’re active and present in the Lakewood Ranch community,” media relations manager Lydia Baxter told the Observer at the showcase.

What comes after opening day

The Lakewood Ranch center lists regular hours of 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday, with Sundays closed. The Oct. 24 celebration has its own 10 a.m.–4 p.m. schedule.

Its calendar includes instructor sessions, guide and service dog demonstrations, conversations with graduates and puppy-raising information sessions. Dogs Inc lists these experiences as free with no sign-up required; visitors should check the center’s calendar for dates and times.