**You must live off campus to engage in this opportunity. Additionally, only fully trained service animals are allowed in classrooms, and you should connect with Belmont's Office of Accessibility Services to ensure access.
As a Puppy Raiser, you will play a crucial role in the ongoing development of our puppies, from 8 weeks old until they are ready for advanced training around 2 years old. Unlike the Starter role, which focuses solely on the initial care and basic socialization of young puppies, Raisers are responsible for maintaining and reinforcing the skills these dogs are learning during a longer period of the dogs’ focused training. This role is essential in ensuring our puppies are well-prepared for their future as service dogs.
Responsibilities:
- Comprehensive Care: Ensure the puppy’s overall well-being by providing daily care, including feeding, toilet training, crate training, socialization and exercise. Your care is vital to the puppy’s physical and emotional health.
- Skill Maintenance: Focus on maintaining and reinforcing the skills the puppy is being taught during their secondary training phase. This includes practicing cues, behaviors, and socialization techniques to ensure the puppy remains on track with their training goals. Volunteers in this role are required to attend training once a month with their dog for every month they are actively working with our dogs.
- Advanced Socialization: Continue to expose the puppy to a variety of real-world environments, including work, public places, and social activities. This ongoing exposure helps the puppy develop the confidence and resilience needed for their future role as a service dog.
- Record Keeping: Fill out a monthly report to help us track the dogs’ behaviors and progress throughout their journey.
- Furlough: Once the dog is at least 6 months old, they will enter their secondary training home, one of our prison programs. Raisers at this stage will work with their dogs on a furlough by picking up their dog from their pickup location each month for a week at a time.
Commitment Levels:
- 1 Week: Ideal for volunteers looking to dip their toes into puppy raising.
- 1 Month: Perfect for those wanting a more extended experience to bond with a puppy.
- 1 year: For the volunteer ready for a full commitment right away!
- Integrated Care Approach: Whether you are caring for a puppy full-time or during their furlough, your role is to provide consistent care and reinforcement of their training. This integrated approach ensures that the puppy’s learning and development are continuous. The commitment is full-time while the puppy is under 6 months, then shifts to just one week each month.
- Time Committed: Anywhere from 3 – 12 months.
- Requirements: 1 training meeting a month while actively raising, 1 general/furlough report a month.
Co-Raising Option:
We offer a co-raising option where you can partner with a friend or be matched with another volunteer. This allows you to share responsibilities and enjoy the experience together, making it easier to balance with your other commitments.
Support and Resources:
Throughout your time as a Raiser, you’ll have access to our community of experienced volunteers, trainers, and staff for any support or guidance you may need. Whether you have questions about puppy care or need tips on socialization, we’re here to help you every step of the way. RI will provide food, necessary supplies, and the cost of vet appointments.
