Leader Dogs for the Blind is in immediate need of volunteer puppy raisers and host homes/volunteers for three breeding stock “Moms.”
Volunteers are critical to the success of Leader Dog, which empowers people who are blind, visually impaired or Deaf-Blind with skills for a lifetime of independent travel, opening doors that may seem to have closed with the loss of sight.
Puppy raisers are responsible for housebreaking and teaching good manners, as well as basic obedience training. Breeding stock hosts to “Moms” are responsible for keeping breeding dogs healthy and safe in their homes, whelping puppy litters and caring for puppies for their first six to seven weeks of life.
Volunteer positions have transportation requirements and financial obligations, including providing food for the dogs. Volunteers are provided ongoing support by Leader Dog throughout the experience, which ranges from free veterinarian care to training support. To apply or for more information on either position, visit www.leaderdog.org/volunteersor call 888-777-5332.
Puppy Raisers
Being a puppy raiser requires a 12 to 15 month commitment. Volunteers are required to be located within one hour of Leader Dog’s Rochester Hills, Michigan headquarters. Raisers are also responsible for socializing puppies to many different kinds of environments, people, animals and situations. Having raised or owned a puppy in the past is not a requirement to become a puppy raiser.
Breeding Stock Hosts
Breeding stock host is a long-term volunteer position that provides homes for Leader Dog breeding stock dogs during the time they are producing puppies for the nonprofit’s program, which is closely monitored and managed for the health of the dogs. Volunteers with “Dads” are required to be located within four hours of Leader Dog's Rochester Hills, Michigan campus; volunteers hosting “Moms” may live up to eight hours away.
Volunteer Today
Combined, there are over 900 volunteers that help Leader Dog to empower people who are blind or visually impaired. For more information on volunteering with Leader Dog, visit www.leaderdog.org/volunteers or call 888-777-5332.
