Puppy Raisers are needed for the Munster area, including Waterford.
The raisers foster the young dogs from age eight weeks until approximately 12-14 months.
At eight weeks old Irish Guide Dog puppies begin their journey to becoming a Guide Dog for a person who is vision impaired or an Assistance Dog for a family of a child with autism.
The Association says
This journey starts in the homes of our Puppy Raising Volunteers. The puppy will live with your family in your home. Under the direction of our Puppy Raising Supervisors, puppies learn basic rules and obedience. At approximately 14 months they move into our Training Centre with our highly skilled trainers and the hard work towards graduating as a Guide or Assistance Dog begins.
Criteria to become Puppy Raisers
- No more than two other dogs in the home.
- They must be sociable, well behaved and neutered/spayed
- The puppy must not be left alone for prolonged periods of time (max 4 hours but this is age dependent)
- You must have access to a secured outdoor area
- Children in the home must be over five years of age
- You must be 18 years or older, but the whole family can get involved
- Must have internet access and be able to use Zoom platform
To find out more, you can visit the Irish Guide Dogs website or email [email protected].
Animal lovers in Waterford might also like to read about a new arrival to Fota. More here.
