Volunteering to train guide dogs is a rewarding experience that changes lives. Canine Companions relies on volunteer puppy raisers to provide specially-bred puppies with a safe home, obedience training, a healthy diet, socialization, and plenty of love. Every hour spent caring for a puppy is crucial to its development as a future service dog.
Consider starting your puppy raising application by completing the puppy raising application request.
The Importance of Puppy Raisers
The puppy raising program offers a unique opportunity to contribute to Canine Companions’ mission. If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian must complete the application, with you as a co-applicant.
What Does It Mean to Raise a Puppy for Canine Companions?
Raising a puppy for Canine Companions involves dedicating your time and effort to nurturing a future service dog. It’s more than just providing a home; it’s about shaping a young dog into a confident and well-behaved companion ready to assist someone in need.
Alt: A girl volunteers to train a guide dog puppy, bonding on the grass.
Requirements for Volunteer Puppy Raisers
To become a volunteer puppy raiser, you’ll need to meet specific requirements to ensure the puppy’s well-being and development:
- Safe Environment: Provide a secure home where the puppy is the only dog under 12 months old.
- Collaboration with Canine Companions: Work closely with Canine Companions to track the puppy’s progress and submit monthly reports.
- Training Classes: Attend an average of two Canine Companions-approved classes per month.
- Basic Skills Training: Teach the puppy good manners and basic commands.
- Financial Responsibility: Cover the cost of the puppy’s food, veterinary expenses, and puppy classes.
- Transportation: Transport the dog to the regional training center at the designated time.
- Diet: Feed the puppy a diet recommended by Canine Companions.
- Crate Training: Use a kennel or crate for indoor sleeping.
- Socialization: Provide age-appropriate socialization opportunities, such as public outings and vet visits.
- Leash Control: Keep the puppy on a leash at all times, unless in a secure, fenced area under supervision.
- Supervision: Supervise the young puppy throughout the day.
Alt: Volunteers training guide dog puppies in a class setting.
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering offers immense personal satisfaction, but Canine Companions also provides support to puppy raisers. Thanks to their partnership with Eukanuba, active volunteers can access discounts on Eukanuba diets for cats and dogs, and VCA veterinary care for up to four pets in their home.
Why Choose to Train a Guide Dog?
Training a guide dog provides an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society. It’s a chance to develop a strong bond with an animal while helping someone gain independence and improve their quality of life. The dedication and care provided by volunteers are instrumental in preparing these dogs for their life-changing roles.
Alt: Puppy raiser volunteering time to play with a golden retriever puppy.
Apply Today
Ready to make a difference? Apply to raise a future service dog now and embark on this extraordinary journey! Your dedication will help Canine Companions continue its mission of providing highly trained assistance dogs to those who need them.
Raising a puppy, changes a life.
