Love Puppies? Become a Volunteer Puppy Raiser!

Raising a future Assistance Dog is truly a labor of love, and something we could not do without the help and dedication of our volunteer puppy raisers. Puppy raisers welcome these puppies into their home, where they are socialized in a variety of environments, learn basic obedience, and begin to experience the world around them. Puppy raisers take the puppies everywhere, including to work, school, events, field trips, and even out shopping. All of these experiences prepare the puppies to become successful Assistance Dogs, and help someone with a disability gain the freedom and confidence to live more independent lives.

The puppy raising experience is incredibly rewarding, but involves a commitment of both time and energy. Puppies stay with their foster homes for approximately 8-10 months, and attend weekly, evening puppy training classes to ensure puppies stay on track with their training program.

APPLY TO BE A VOLUNTEER PUPPY RAISER

If you are interested in learning more about the requirements of puppy raising, please review our Puppy Raising Guidelines and Puppy Raising Agreement.

If you would like to apply to become a puppy raiser, please complete our online application and our Program Manager will contact you with more details.

Puppy Raiser Application