**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.
Puppy Sitters provide essential support by offering temporary care for our service dogs in training when their primary Raisers or other volunteers are unavailable. This role is perfect for those who want to be involved with our dogs on a flexible, as-needed basis. As a Sitter, you’ll help ensure that our dogs continue to receive the care, socialization, and training they need, even during short-term gaps in their regular routine.
Responsibilities:
- Temporary Care: Provide short-term care for a service dog, ensuring their daily needs are met, including feeding, exercise, and companionship. Your care helps maintain the dog’s well-being during transitions or when their regular caregiver is unavailable.
- Consistency in Routine: Follow the established routine and guidelines provided by the dog’s Raiser or trainer. This consistency is crucial for maintaining the dog’s training and comfort during their time with you.
- Basic Training Reinforcement: Continue to practice basic commands and behaviors with the dog to reinforce their training. While Sitters are not responsible for teaching new skills, maintaining existing ones is essential. Volunteers in this role are required to attend a training session once during a 3 month period while they are actively working with our dogs.
- Socialization: If appropriate, continue to expose the dog to various environments and experiences, helping to maintain their confidence and adaptability. This could include walks in different settings, visits to public places, or other activities that align with their training.
Commitment Structure:
- Flexible Involvement: Sitters are called upon as needed, providing care for varying durations depending on the situation. This could range from a few days to a couple of weeks, offering flexibility for those who cannot commit to long-term involvement.
- As Needed Availability: Sitters are often contacted on an as needed basis, so flexibility and readiness to step in when needed are key aspects of this role.
- Time Committed: A few days to a few weeks.
- Requirements: 1 training meeting a month while actively sitting.
Support and Resources:
- Guidance from Raisers and Trainers: Before taking on the care of a dog, you’ll receive detailed instructions and support from the dog’s primary Raiser or trainer. This ensures you’re fully prepared to provide the necessary care and maintain the dog’s routine.
- Ongoing Support: Our team is always available to assist with any questions or issues that arise while you’re caring for a dog. Whether you need help with routine adjustments or advice on handling specific situations, we’re here to support you.
How Sitters Fit into the Volunteer Program
Unlike Starters and Raisers who are involved in the long-term care and training of our service dogs, Sitters provide critical short-term support. This role is designed for those who prefer or require a flexible commitment but still want to contribute meaningfully to the success of our program. Sitters ensure that our dogs receive continuous care and training reinforcement, even when their regular caregivers are unavailable.
