BECOME A FULL TIME PUPPY VOLUNTEER
Open your home and your heart to a pup in training
As a Puppy Volunteer, you’ll welcome a future Assistance Dog into your family from around 8-18 weeks of age until they are about 15 months of age. During those early months, you’ll be guiding them through puppyhood with love and care.
Your role is to socialise and educate the puppy in everyday life, from basic skills and outdoor experiences to developing good house manners, laying the foundations for their journey to become a life-changing Assistance Dog.
Is this for you?
This role could be the right fit if:
- You’d like the experience of raising a puppy for up to 15 months.
- You are retired, work from home, or have flexible hours, so the puppy is not alone.
- You are comfortable for the dog to live in the home with your family- our dogs are not left outside.
- You want to learn more about dog psychology or puppy training.
- You’re looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community
- You’d love to help raise a puppy on its path to becoming an Assistance Dog for a person with physical disabilities, Autism, PTSD or children with learning disabilities.
Co-Parenting
A popular option for Puppy Volunteers is to share the joy and responsibility of raising a future Assistance Dog with a family member, friend, or even a workmate. By co-raising, you work together to nurture and guide a puppy through their early development, playing a vital role in their journey to change someone’s life.
In this flexible arrangement, the puppy moves between your homes every on an agreed schedule. This means you both get to enjoy the rewards of puppyhood, while providing the pup with consistency, care, and plenty of cuddles. They also gain valuable socialisation by experiencing different home environments.
Co-parenting could be perfect if you:
- Can’t commit to full-time puppy parenthood
- Love working as part of a team
- Want the support of sharing the responsibility
What our puppy volunteers say
I recently had the privilege of being a puppy volunteer to a wonderful Assistance Dog puppy called Winnie. I was provided with on-going, expert guidance from lovely Fran at ADA throughout the year, and always felt completely supported in Winnie’s care and training. The result was a joyful and unforgettable 10 months shared with the beautiful Winnie as she grew from a tiny puppy to an awesome adult.
Irene and pup Winnie
It’s great to be a small part of something that will add so much value to someone’s life. I can’t describe how wonderful it is to be a part of ADA and how much support is provided by the whole ADA community.
Gary and pup Laser
The year we spent with Senna was intense but immensely rewarding.
Being a part of this journey meant that we were able to see him grow and mature from an intelligent and affectionate little puppy who loved to learn into a beautiful and proud boy who was able to accomplish new skills on a daily basis.
Whilst it was an emotional rollercoaster when saying our goodbyes, we were and still are filled with pride for our little learner who will no doubt graduate and make someone’s life better.
Gabby and pup Senna
Puppy Volunteer FAQs
Apply to become a puppy volunteer
Other Volunteering Options
As a volunteer, you play a vital part in the journey of a future Assistance Dog. Whether you’re caring for a puppy full time, short-term, or providing weekend support, you help socialise and guide these incredible dogs through life’s experiences.
Every Puppy Volunteer helps change lives
By opening your home to a super pup in training, you’re empowering someone with a physical disability, autism or PTSD with the gift of independence and connection.