Raise a Puppy.
Change a Life.
Every life-changing guide dog partnership begins with someone willing to open their heart and home to a puppy with an extraordinary purpose. As a volunteer puppy raiser, you can help shape a future guide dog and change someone’s life forever.
THE HEART BEHIND OUR MISSION
Small Puppy. Extraordinary Purpose.
Every guide dog begins its journey as a puppy, and behind every puppy is someone willing to make a difference.
At Freedom Guide Dogs, our volunteer puppy raisers are the heart behind our mission. By opening their homes and hearts, they provide future guide dogs with the love, structure, socialization, and everyday experiences that help prepare them for their important work.
Puppy raising is a journey filled with milestones, new adventures, and unforgettable moments. And while saying goodbye when it’s time for formal training can be bittersweet, the knowledge that you’ve helped give someone greater independence makes every moment worthwhile.
THE PUPPY RAISING EXPERIENCE
What Does a Puppy Raiser Do?
The everyday moments you share help build the foundation for an extraordinary future.
Build Good House Manners
Help your puppy learn appropriate behavior at home and in the community.
Teach Basic Obedience
Introduce essential skills like sit, stay, come, and walking politely on a leash.
Provide Socialization
Expose your puppy to a variety of people, places, sounds, and enviornments.
Share Everyday Experiences
Include your puppy in your daily routine at home, around town, and out in the community.
We'll Be With You Every Step of the Way
Raising a future guide dog is a commitment of approximately 12-14 months, but you won’t be doing it alone. At Freedom Guide Dogs, we’re here to provide the guidance, resources, and encouragement you need throughout your puppy-raising journey.
From your puppy’s first days at home to the exciting milestones along the way, our team is here to help you and your puppy succeed.
- Ongoing Guidance: Support from our experienced puppy development team.
- Veterinary Care: Freedom Guide Dogs covers all approved veterinary expenses.
- Training & Education: Access to training guidance, educational resources, and puppy-raising activities.
- A Supportive Community: Connect with fellow puppy raisers who understand and share the journey.
The Difference You'll Make
The time, love, and experiences you give a puppy today help lay the foundation for someone’s independence tomorrow.
Every new experience, every skill learned, and every milestone reached helps prepare your puppy for the next chapter of their journey: formal guide dog training.
For puppies who go on to become guide dogs, that journey can lead to a life-changing partnership with someone who is blind or visually impaired, offering greater confidence, independence, and freedom.
You may only raise them for a little while, but the difference you make can last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous dog experience?
No! While previous experience with dogs can be helpful, you don’t need to be an experienced dog trainer to become a puppy raiser. What matters most is your willingness to learn, your patience, and your commitment to helping a puppy grow. Our puppy development team will provide guidance, resources, and ongoing support throughout your journey.
Can I have other pets in my home?
Absolutely! Many of our puppy raisers have pets of their own. We simply ask that your personal pets are well-behaved, non-aggressive, and able to safely interact with a puppy in training.
It’s also important to remember that your personal pets may have privileges that our future guide dogs do not. For example, while your own dog may be allowed on the furniture, your puppy in training will need to follow Freedom Guide Dogs’ guidelines. Consistency is an important part of preparing these puppies for their future roles.
Is there a cost to becoming a puppy raiser?
Freedom Guide Dogs covers approved veterinary expenses and provides the training guidance and support needed throughout your puppy’s development. As a volunteer puppy raiser, you’ll be responsible for providing a safe, loving home and helping your puppy learn and grow. Our team will review any additional day-to-day responsibilities and expenses with you before you begin.
How long will I have my puppy?
Puppy raising is typically a 12-14 month commitment. During that time, your puppy will become part of your everyday life as you introduce them to new experiences, teach good house manners, and help build their confidence. When they’re ready, they’ll return to Freedom Guide Dogs to begin the next chapter of their journey: formal guide dog training.
What happens when my puppy returns for formal training?
Saying goodbye is often one of the hardest parts of puppy raising, but it’s also one of the most meaningful. Your puppy will return to Freedom Guide Dogs, where our professional instructors will evaluate their readiness and continue developing the skills needed to become a guide dog.
Not every puppy will ultimately become a guide dog, but every puppy benefits from the love, care, and experiences their raiser provides. Your contribution makes a lasting difference, regardless of the path your puppy takes.
What kind of support will I receive?
You’ll never be on this journey alone! Our puppy development team is here to answer questions, offer training guidance, and help you navigate the challenges and milestones of raising a future guide dog. You’ll also have access to educational resources, opportunities to connect with fellow puppy raisers, and a supportive community that understands just how rewarding this experience can be.
What if I become too attached to my puppy?
It’s completely natural to become attached to a puppy you’ve welcomed into your and cared for over many months. In fact, that bond is part of what makes puppy raising so special! While saying goodbye can be emotional, knowing that you’ve helped prepare your puppy for a life-changing purpose can make the experience incredibly rewarding. Many of our puppy raisers find so much meaning in the journey that they choose to do it all over again.
The Journey Begins With You.
Every extraordinary guide dog begins as a puppy with someone willing to believe in their potential.
Open your heart, share your home, and become part of a journey that could change someone’s life forever.
Your Journey Starts Here
Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer puppy raiser with Freedom Guide Dogs!
Puppy raisers plan an essential role in preparing our future guide dogs for their life-changing work. Please complete the application below so our team can learn a little more about you, your household, and your interest in joining our puppy-raising family.
We look forward to getting to know you!