On-campus Puppy Raiser

Position Overview:

On-Campus Puppy Raisers work with groups of puppies who are less than three months of age and waiting to go into their puppy raisers’ homes. Volunteers work in teams of two or independently to provide general husbandry, introduce litters to new sensory experiences, as well as document interactions and observations. Volunteers will assist with feeding and cleaning and may also assist paid team members with medicating and collecting stool samples for testing.

This role is very physical. Volunteers will be lifting puppies, stepping over baby gates, using mops, bending, twisting and crouching repeatedly throughout the shift.

Volunteers in this role provide essential support to team members who are managing a few to dozens of puppies on campus at one time. Beginning in the first weeks of life, early socialization can enhance desirable traits utilizing massage, auditory stimulation, and giving them opportunities to explore and discover the world around them. Supporting puppy’s physical and mental welfare is critical to their growth at this early stage.

Skills and Attributes:

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and attributes:

• Have previous Leader Dog puppy raising or breed stock host experience (preferred but not required)
• Be comfortable, confident, and positive about handling active puppies
• Be willing to clean up frequent messes
• Be a quick learner who can work with minimum supervision
• Be dependable and punctual
• Be able to read and follow written and verbal directions
• Be observant of the emotional and physical status of puppies and be able to document observations in writing
• Be commitment to our mission: “Our mission is empowering people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel.”