Volunteer Puppy Raiser

We welcome volunteer applicants from any state to support our regions.

Canine Companions volunteer puppy raisers provide specially-bred puppies a safe home, take them to obedience classes, serve up a healthy diet, provide socialization opportunities and give lots of love.

Each hour spent caring for a Canine Companions puppy is vital to its development as a future service dog. The puppy raising program provides a unique opportunity for volunteers to assist with our very important mission.

If you are under the age of 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian fill out the application and you can sign on as a co-applicant.

Raise a puppy, change a life.

As a volunteer puppy raiser, we ask you to meet the following requirements:

• Provide a safe environment for a puppy who will be the only dog under 12 months old in the house.
• Work closely with Canine Companions to monitor the puppy’s progress and submit monthly reports.
• Attend an average of two Canine Companions approved classes per month.
• Teach the puppy manners and basic skills.
• Provide for the puppy’s food, veterinary expenses and puppy classes.
• Transport the dog to the regional training center at the projected turn-intime.
• Feed the puppy a diet recommended by Canine Companions.
• Acquire and utilize a kennel or crate for sleeping indoors.
• Provide the puppy with age-appropriate socialization opportunities, such as public outings and veterinary appointments.
• Keep the puppy on a leash at all times, unless supervised in a securely fenced area.
• Supervise the young puppy throughout the day.