BC & Alberta Guide Dogs Services

Raise a Puppy

 "We're preparing a gift; it's about something so much bigger than us. It's an awesome responsibility, but we get back so much more than we put into it." — Victoria Kirby, Volunteer Puppy Raiser

What is Puppy Raising?

Puppy Raising is a 24 hour a day, 7 days per week, volunteer job. It is unlike any other form of volunteering. Puppies begin living with volunteers at about 7 weeks old until they are ready for advanced training at about 15 months of age. Our Puppy Raisers expend energy, time, love and caring of our puppies in order to raise pups that are well-prepared for their professional training as a working dog.

The program is overseen by a Puppy Supervisor who will become the direct link to the training facility and the resource person for any questions you may have regarding the puppy. We cover the cost of dog food, veterinary care, and other basic necessities. The Puppy Supervisor will visit families on a pre-arranged meeting schedule. Minimum contact will include monthly training walks and bi-monthly obedience classes.

One of the underlying characteristics of your puppy, when he/she is ready to leave your home, is that he/she has developed social skills and behaves in such a manner that his/her presence will be acceptable in homes, offices, elevators, restaurants, hospitals, public areas, as well as on public transportation and in private vehicles.

Who is Eligible to be a Puppy Raiser?

At the present time our Puppy Raising programs are located in the following areas:

• Greater Vancouver
• Victoria, B.C.
• Calgary, Alberta 
   

Volunteer Puppy Raisers must: 

• be home during the day
• be available to meet with the Puppy Supervisor once a month for pre-arranged visits
• be available to attend obedience classes in Ladner/Victoria/Calgary twice a month
• have a vehicle
• provide a home that includes a secure outdoor area for the puppy to relieve him/herself 
• provide a home which can be puppy-proofed without undue alteration or trouble. (i.e. poisonous plants removed, valuables put out of reach, electrical wires concealed, etc.) There must be areas where the puppy can be safely left for short periods of time (e.g. a kitchen where doors may be closed or blocked off to keep the puppy from roaming through the house)
• live in a home where there is no more than one other dog as a permanent resident. If there are children in the home, it is preferable that they be of school age. 
• be physically fit and strong enough to control a large dog

For more information about becoming a Puppy Raiser, please contact:

British Columbia:
Linda Thornton
Email: linda.thornton@bcguidedog.com
Local: 604-940-4504
Toll Free (North America): 1-877-940-4504

Alberta:
Sherri Olsen
email: sherri.olsen@albertaguidedog.com
Local: (403) 258-0819

Summary

The contribution of our Puppy Raisers is essential to the success of BC and Alberta Guide Dog Services, and we are extremely grateful to these individuals and families for their dedication. We believe that, should you choose to pursue becoming a Puppy Raiser or Boarding Volunteer, you will find the experience both fulfilling and rewarding. If you have any further questions regarding our programs, we'd love to hear from you (see contact information above).