Full-Time Puppy Parent Volunteers

Our non-profit program New Life K9s provides service dogs and emotional support dogs free of cost to veterans and first responders with PTSD. Help support our mission by becoming a Puppy Parent Volunteer!

A Full-time Puppy Raiser is an essential part of this mission. Puppies are placed with Full-time Puppy Raiser Volunteers at a crucial time in their life. During this time, they learn how to be part of the community and be comfortable in real life situations. The more Full-time Puppy Raiser Volunteers we have, we are able to provide more service dogs and emotional support dogs to the community.

As a Full-time Puppy Raiser, you will raise a puppy through their first year of life with guidance from New Life K9 trainers. You’ll help them master foundational training, house manners, and public behavior as they prepare for life as a service dog.

Expectations and Requirements:

• Be 18 years old, or at least 13 years old with an adult co-raiser in the same household
• Ability to have a dog in your home full time for a minimum of 6 months
• No personal dogs under 2 years of age living in the same home
• Attend weekly puppy raiser meetings
• Drop off for training in office as needed
• Participate in outings and training sessions with trainers (min. 2/month)
• Complete weekly puppy raiser updates via portal
• Follow the training curriculum and guidelines
• Practice consistent training and socialization at home and in public
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs

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• Optional: co-raise with another volunteer*