Puppy Parent Volunteer

Primary handler must have permission to take the dog to school or work or have someone available for the puppy every four hours at a minimum.

• Primary handler must be able to drive and have access to a car. (Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis)
• Handlers who are minors must have parental supervision.
• Handlers must be able to transport the dog to and from the Paws for Purple Hearts site as requested.
• Primary handler must own the home or have permission to have a dog in the home.
• Home must be safe and able to be puppy proofed, with a safe outside area to potty train.
• Handlers must be non-smokers or refrain from smoking around the dog, including in the house.
• Household cannot have dogs under 2 years old in the home and no dogs with aggression or other behavior issues, such as reactivity, resource guarding, or dogs that are not potty trained.
• All handlers must be mentally and physically capable of training the puppy, carrying the puppy, and handling problem behaviors.
• All handlers must have the physical and mental capacity to provide consistent and stable care and training and ensure the dog is not at risk inside or outside of the home.
• Primary handler and all members of household must be willing to utilize positive training methods, follow the Paws for Purple Hearts training method, and commit to socialization and potty training.
• Primary handler must be willing and able to provide reports and attend training as requested by Paws for Purple Hearts.
• Primary handler and all members of household must be committed to our mission to provide highly trained service dogs for service members and veterans with disabilities.
• Experience with dogs preferred.