As a Puppy Raiser, you will welcome a gorgeous puppy into your life and daily routines, caring for them and introducing them to a range of new experiences and environments as they start training for a life of helping people navigate their world.

Our puppies begin training from 8-10 weeks of age in the care of their new family, and will stay in training until approximately 12-14 months old, but may be moved to other raisers in different environments during this time to aid in their development (so you don't need to be able to commit to 12 months to be a Puppy Raiser!).

As a volunteer Puppy Raiser, costs will be covered (including food, bedding, toys and vet visits), and you’ll be guided every step of the way by our Puppy Raising Advisors. Our Puppy Raising Advisors provide support, training and will answer any questions you may have on the day-to-day handling of your puppy.

Your advisor will also personally help you with the puppy’s ongoing training program. Our goal is to ensure each puppy develops into a well-socialised, confident and focused dog before they embark on their formal Guide Dog training.

We are looking for volunteer Puppy Raisers in the local community who:

• Are over 18 years old, have a full driver’s licence and 24/7 access to a vehicle
• Have a home and secure yard that can accommodate a puppy
• Are able to perform repetitive physical tasks such as bending, kneeling and handling a dog that could grow to be in excess of 30kg
• Can accommodate the puppy’s training and socialisation into their daily routine, including weekly training sessions at different locations, potentially during business hours.
• Will ensure the puppy is not left alone for more than 2-4 hours at a time. Where necessary, this may mean developing flexible work or study arrangements so the puppy can attend your workplace or university.