Changing Lives One Dog At A Time
What Is a Puppy Raiser?
A Puppy Raiser provides a safe, structured, and loving home while a service dog puppy learns essential life skills. During this period, the puppy is introduced to everyday environments, basic obedience, and positive social experiences that are critical to their future success as a working service dog.
This volunteer role is ideal for dog lovers who want to make a meaningful impact in their community while supporting our guide and service dog training programs.
Puppy Raiser Responsibilities
As a Smart Service Dog Puppy Raiser, your role includes:
- Daily socialisation in diverse environments and real-world situations
- Daily leash walking and confidence-building activities
- House training and foundational obedience training
- Feeding, grooming, and general puppy care
- Attending scheduled training sessions with a Puppy Raising Supervisor
- One-on-one training support during the puppy’s early weeks
- Ongoing individual and group training sessions throughout the placement
- Transporting the puppy to routine veterinary appointments
- Providing regular progress updates to the Smart Service Dog team
- Introducing the puppy to public places for structured socialisation
Time Commitment for Puppy Raisers
- 12–15 months
- Availability during business hours for training and appointments
- Daily time commitment to support consistent training and routine
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for volunteers who are:
- Comfortable, calm, and confident around dogs
- Excellent communicators who enjoy working with staff, volunteers, and the public
- Well-organised and able to follow structured training plans
- Flexible and open to positive reinforcement-based training methods
- Willing to dedicate time, patience, and consistency to a puppy in training
- Previous dog handling experience is beneficial but not required
Home Requirements for Puppy Raisers
To ensure a safe and supportive environment, applicants must have:
- A home located within one of our active Puppy Raiser area.
- Permission for dogs to live in the home
- Access to a safe relief area for the puppy (preferably paved)
- A household fully supportive of fostering a puppy for approximately one year
- A clean, clutter-free home (puppy-proofing support provided)
- Friendly, fully vaccinated resident pets
- A smoke-free environment
A home assessment will be conducted as part of the application process to ensure suitability for a future guide and service dog.
Minimum Requirements to Volunteer
Applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have access to a reliable vehicle for transportation
- Have internet access and an active email address
- Be emotionally prepared to return the puppy for formal service dog training
- Be physically capable of handling a large, energetic dog daily
- Be comfortable walking the dog in varying weather conditions
- Be willing to take the puppy into public spaces for socialisation
- Agree to the terms and conditions of the Puppy Raiser Program
- Complete a background check as required by Smart Service Dog
What Smart Service Dog Provides
Smart Service Dog supports Puppy Raisers with:
- Full coverage of veterinary care, food, and essential equipment
- Dedicated guidance from an experienced Puppy Raising Supervisor
- Ongoing training, education, and learning opportunities
- Phone and email support during business hours
- Access to emergency assistance
- Occasional short-term boarding support when available
Apply to Become a Puppy Raiser
If you’re searching for service dog volunteer opportunities, puppy raising programs, or ways to support guide dog training, this role may be perfect for you.
Apply today to become a Puppy Raiser with Smart Service Dog and help shape the future of a life-changing service dog.