Full-Time Puppy Parent Volunteers

Meet our newest Service Dogs in Training at our Instagram Account - https://bit.ly/3ZUC6KQ

With our four additions, we are looking for Puppy Parent Volunteers!

What we do -

New Life K9s is a non-profit program that provides service dogs free of cost to veterans and first responders living with PTSD. We collaborate with the California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo. Pairing service dogs-in-training with two handlers, this helps us reduce our costs as well as providing incarcerated individuals with a solid skill as well as all that comes with the profound human-canine bond.

The service dogs-in training also spend time outside CMC for socialization and daily-life exposure.

This is where the Puppy Parent Volunteers come in the picture. Both part-time and full-time Puppy Raisers are essential to our mission to provide service dogs to communities in San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Fresno, Kings, and Kern counties. With more Full-time Puppy Raiser Volunteers, we are also able to provide additional service dogs to those in need.

The Role of a Full-Time Puppy Raiser Volunteer

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.

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 will help the puppy master foundational training, house manners, and public behavior as they prepare for life as a service dog. This Volunteer position requires commitment and dedication and it also brings an incredible impact and rewards. If you are interested in becoming a dog trainer or work with service dogs, becoming a Puppy Raiser Volunteer is a fantastic opportunity.

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 at our office in San Luis Obispo as needed
• Participate in outings and training sessions with trainers (min. 2/month)
• Complete weekly Puppy Raiser updates via our online portal
• Follow the training curriculum and guidelines
• Practice consistent training and socialization at home and in public
• Ability to lift and carry 50lbs

*Optional: co-raise with another volunteer

Find out more about our New Life K9 program - https://www.newlifek9s.org/