Become a Puppy Raiser.
Change a life, one paw at a time! Guide Dogs puppy raising is one of the most rewarding ways you can make a difference because every great Guide Dog starts with a loving volunteer home.
What is Guide Dogs Puppy Raising?
As a Puppy Raiser, you’ll:
- Provide a safe and loving home.
- Look after the puppy’s health, wellbeing and safety.
- Take your pup on daily adventures to build their confidence in different environments.
- Teach good manners and introduce basic training (with plenty of support from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT).
But don’t worry, you won’t do it alone! Our Puppy Development Advisors (PDAs) will be with you every step of the way, with expert advice, ongoing training and plenty of encouragement.
What’s the time commitment for puppy raising?
Most Guide Dogs puppy raising volunteers care for a puppy for around 14 months, starting when they’re eight weeks old.
Not ready to commit to 14 months?
You can still make a difference by becoming a Temporary Carer. It’s a great option if you’d love to volunteer with Guide Dogs but need more flexibility.
What’s involved in puppy raising Guide Dogs?
Volunteering for Guide Dogs as a Puppy Raiser is a rewarding way to make a lasting difference. Here’s what’s involved:
Training
Attend weekly puppy classes for the first eight weeks, then fortnightly.
Socialisation
Take your pup on daily walks, play with them, and visit new places to build confidence.
Routine care
Feed, toilet, groom and teach your puppy good behaviour around the house.
Health
Attend vet appointments and keep Guide Dogs NSW/ACT updated on any issues.
Next step
Return your pup to our Guide Dogs Centre in Glossodia when they’re around 14 months old for assessment.
“If all we have to do to help someone gain mobility and independence is to love a dog in this environment and expose them to lots of people, then that’s a pretty easy thing for us to do—and an amazing experience to be a part of,” she says.
— Puppy Raiser Allysia.
What support do Guide Dogs Puppy Raisers receive?
We’ve got you covered, so you can focus on enjoying the journey! As a volunteer Puppy Raiser, you’ll receive:
- A dedicated Puppy Development Advisor (PDA) to provide one-on-one support and answer your questions at every stage.
- All food (Blackhawk) and vet costs covered by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
- Essential gear including a collar, leash, bowl, crate, preventatives, a Kong toy and more.
- Partner vet clinics in your area.
Who can become a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs?
To make sure both you and the pup thrive, you’ll need to:
- Live in Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Newcastle, South Coast, Southern Highlands, Goulburn, or Canberra//Queanbeyan.
- Be home often enough so your puppy isn’t left alone for more than four hours at a time.
- Attend puppy classes (held on weekdays during business hours).
- Have time for regular exercise and social outings with your pup.
- Maintain your puppy’s health and wellbeing.
- Have access to a car for training sessions, classes and vet visits.
- Be physically able to manage a growing Labrador puppy.
- Communicate with your Puppy Development Advisor (PDA) about any concerns.
- Provide a safe, loving home environment where your pup sleeps indoors and is part of the family.
- Follow Guide Dogs’ policies and procedures.
Are you ready to raise a life-changing Guide Dog?
Being a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is a fun, heart-warming and unforgettable experience. You’ll laugh at silly puppy antics, make friends with other Puppy Raisers at classes, and watch with pride as your puppy grows into a well-trained dog who will transform someone’s life.
Start your Guide Dogs puppy raising journey today and help us raise the next generation of life-changing Guide Dogs!
“I would say don’t hesitate. Get your family on board, whatever that looks like, and get others on board too, because it’s not a solo project. The level of support you get from Guide Dogs is amazing. You’re not alone in it.”
— Allysia, Puppy Raiser.
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