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Published 8/14/25 8:00PM

Help with the next generation of service dogs as a Canine Caretaker!

Canine Companions- Northwest Region (Northern California, Northern Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho
Hybrid, Volunteer must be in California, US
I Want to Volunteer

    • Details

    Available Times:
    Weekdays (daytime, evenings), Weekends (daytime, evenings)
    Commitment Details:
    Female breeder dogs are typically retired after 4-5 litters. Male breeder dog retirement varies.
    Recurrence:
    Recurring
    Volunteers Needed:
    25
    Cause Areas:
    Animals, Disability, Family, Veterans
    Benefits:
    Training Provided
    Good For:
    Teens, Age 55+
    Participation Requirements:
    Attend Orientation
    Other Requirements:
    All ages welcome (under the age of 18 must have support of an adult).

    Description

    Help with the next generation of service dogs as a Canine Caretaker!

    Imagine the reason a service dog takes their first steps toward changing a person's life - is because of you!

    As a breeder caretaker, you'll bring a loving dog into your home, who will contribute to the next generation of service dogs destined to help people with disabilities! By caring for a carefully selected Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or cross in our breeding program and their litter, you'll play a vital role in helping the next generation of future service dogs to transform lives!

    What’s in it for you?

    • A Heartfelt Experience: Surround yourself with unconditional love and contribute to a meaningful mission.
    • An Incredible Community: Collaborate with our dedicated veterinary, breeding and canine care teams, and connect with other experienced volunteers who’ll support you along the way.
    • Wagging tails & furry love: Once retired, the dog will be spayed or neutered and offered to you as a cherished pet.
    • Teamwork: You'll work closely with our expert staff and fellow volunteers to get support each step of the way.

    How do you know if it's a match?

    • Location: Reside within ~100 miles from our headquarters in Northern California (Santa Rosa), including areas up to Reno, Nevada, and down to Central California.
    • Responsibilities:
      • Health & Wellness: Provide a healthy diet and regular exercise for the breeder dog.
      • Regular Visits: Bring the breeder dog to our HQ in Santa Rosa for (this means minimal vet bills):
        • Males: Breeding dates and vet appointments
        • Females: Heat cycles and pregnancy check-ups.
      • With the support of experienced volunteers & staff, follow our early care protocols for whelping, rearing and socializing a litter of puppies for the first eight weeks.
    • Guidance: Follow Canine Companions guidelines and protocols, with options to get direct support with the whelp.
    • Training & Meetings: Attend required training sessions and meetings (virtual options available).

    Discover how you can be a part of this incredible and adorable journey by joining an upcoming info session or by reaching out to us today.

    Location

    Hybrid
    Volunteer must be in California, US
    Associated Location
    2965 DUTTON AVE, SANTA ROSA, California, US

    How to Volunteer for This Opportunity

    Please express your interest here, or go to canine.org/getinvolved to complete a volunteer application.

    Illustration

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