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Published 9/30/25 1:31PM

Raise a Puppy, Save a Life as a Volunteer Weekend Puppy Raiser

NEADS Service Dogs
Hybrid, Volunteer must be in Massachusetts, US
I Want to Volunteer

    • Details

    Available Times:
    Weekends (daytime, evenings)
    Time Commitment:
    Part time (10-30 hrs/wk)
    Commitment Details:
    3 out of 4 weekends a month.
    Recurrence:
    Recurring
    Volunteers Needed:
    8
    Cause Areas:
    Animals, Disability, Prison Reform, Veterans, Volunteering
    Benefits:
    Training Provided
    Good For:
    Teens, Public Groups, Age 55+, Private Corporate Groups
    Participation Requirements:
    Driver’s License, Attend Orientation
    Age Requirement:
    16+
    Other Requirements:
    The ability to handle an energetic puppy that can grow to over 65 pounds. Access to the internet and ability to use internet-based applications. 24/7 access to a vehicle . Ability to attend classes during daytime hours is required.
    Wheelchair Accessible

    Description

    Raise a Puppy, Save a Life as a Volunteer Weekend Puppy Raiser

    NEADS Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization that breeds, raises, trains, and matches Service Dogs for children and adults with physical disabilities, individuals with hearing loss or deafness, children with autism, and veterans with PTSD. For 50 years, our volunteers have helped us prepare our more than 2,000 matched Service Dogs.

    Our Weekend Puppy Raisers socializing NEADS dogs located in Gardner, MA pick up their assigned dogs on Friday afternoon/evenings and return them on Sunday afternoon/evenings.

    Our volunteer Puppy Raisers:

    • Welcome a young puppy into your home for at least 3 out of 4 weekends each month.
    • Socialize NEADS puppies and dogs with the support of NEADS.
    • Attend monthly obedience classes with a NEADS Instructor.
    • Use NEADS methods to reinforce learned obedience and desired behavior.
    • Communicate regularly with NEADS Instructors and support volunteers.
    • Take part in volunteer Puppy Raiser community events.
    • Help us prepare NEADS puppies and dogs for their career as Service Dogs.

    To help volunteers better enjoy the experience and feel successful, NEADS happily covers the cost of all food, equipment, and medical needs of each of our future Service Dogs.

    Location

    Hybrid
    Volunteer must be in Massachusetts, US
    Associated Location
    Gardner, MA, USA

    Express Your Interest in This Opportunity

    Instructions:

    Please apply on the NEADS website: https://neads.org/get-involved/volunteer/raise-a-puppy/

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