Raise a puppy that can change two lives, yours and someone who is blind!
Puppy raisers take a puppy into their home and raise it for a specific period of time. While in the home, with the guidance of Leader Dog staff and specially trained volunteers, you will be training the puppy in basic house manners, commands and exposing it to new environments in a safe manner. Once the raising period is over, the puppy returns to Leader Dog to start its formal guide dog training.
Puppy Raising Options
Since no two households are alike, we’ve created multiple puppy-raising opportunities to fit different lifestyles. Which option is right for you?
One Household
It’s the traditional way to puppy-raise and perfect for
families, college students, active
singles, retired couples and empty nesters. Usually, the puppy is picked up at 8 weeks and is raised in the home for 12-14 months.
Co-Raising (Primary and Secondary Raiser)
This option is for someone who wants to share duties with a person from another household.
- The primary and secondary raisers work together to schedule who the puppy is with and when
- Ideal for people who are close by and can share the responsibilities during the year
Pass-Along
One raiser has the puppy for the first six months, and a second raiser has the puppy for the next six months.
- Ideal for people who can commit only to a limited time raising a puppy
- Individuals with pet weight/size restrictions or who may be more comfortable handling a younger, lighter dog can raise for the first six months
- Individuals who prefer a dog that already has foundational behaviors may be interested in raising the last six months
Corporate
Employees can raise puppies individually or in teams of up to three.
- Great for employee engagement and social responsibility
- Provides marketing, traditional media, and social media opportunities
Campus Puppies
For college students raising on campuses approved by Leader Dog.
- Must participate in campus puppy club and meet with assigned puppy counselor
- All supplies, veterinary care and food paid by Leader Dog
To learn more, we recommend you attend an in-person information session or, watch a pre-recorded session. Visit www.leaderdog.org.
*a full application, screening and criminal background check are required of all applicants
