SDV always needs puppy raisers. The more puppy raisers we have, the more service dogs we can place with the people who need them. SDV puppy raisers are very special people, and we depend on them to help get our babies off on the right paw.

As a Puppy Raiser you bring one of our service dog candidate pups into your home and care for him for the first 12 – 18 months. During the dog’s time with you, SDV pays for veterinary care, equipment, and training. There are few things in this world more heart-warming than handing your pup’s leash over to its new partner and knowing that you’ve given a disabled handler a level of independence they didn’t have before. Where else can one person have such a direct, profound, positive impact on another person’s life?

Puppy Raiser FAQs

How do I become a puppy raiser?
Once we receive your completed application, we will schedule an interview in your home. This interview gives you a chance to ask further questions about our Puppy Raiser Program and gives us the opportunity to meet you personally. Next, plan to take one of our six-week training classes to learn how to properly train your puppy.

All puppy raisers must have a fenced yard and live within the Charlottesville/Albemarle area.

How old are puppies when they are placed in foster homes?
Puppies are placed in foster homes between 7 – 12 weeks of age. We believe strongly in early education and the puppy will begin its service dog training classes by 12 weeks of age.

How long do I have the puppy?
Depending on the dog’s temperament and abilities they usually go to advanced training at around 12 to 18 months of age. And then along comes your new puppy so you can be a part of this wonderful process again.

Where do potential service dog puppies come from and what breeds are used?
We use primarily Labrador Retrievers in our program due to their size, natural retrieving instinct and their strong desire to work for and please people. We also use Great Danes for clients needing balance/support, and look for candidates from our local SPCA and rescue groups.

Is the entire family involved?
Yes. Considering the investment of emotion, time, and energy in raising a service dog puppy, the entire family needs to be in favor of taking on this commitment. Family members may participate in the training process; however, one family member should be designated as the primary trainer.

Can we have other animals?
We are in favor of puppy raisers having other pets. This allows our puppies’ exposure to other animals and gives you more opportunities to socialize and train your puppy. However, your animals must accept a puppy in your home. If you have an older dog or an animal that is dog-aggressive, we will not be able to place a puppy with you. This prevents harm to the puppy, your other dog(s), or yourself. If your dog(s) is not experienced around puppies or you aren’t sure how your other animals will react, we would be happy to set up an appointment with you for temperament testing.

What is involved in the training process?
Our training methods are based on positive reinforcement, and we know you will truly enjoy the experience. You will attend weekly training classes at our Training Center, train the puppy at home in several short sessions throughout each day, and train the puppy in public as guided by SDV and the weekly lessons. You do not need prior experience in training a dog to be a puppy raiser. We will guide you through the process every week, teaching you how to train your puppy.

Your pup should be gently exposed to household sights and sounds, as well as things in the community that they may come across in their working lives:

• men, women, adults, infants, elderly, toddlers, people of all ethnicities
• people using walkers, wheelchairs, pushing strollers and grocery carts
• people wearing uniforms, hats, beards
• city streets, honking cars, big trucks, public transportation
• crowds, parades, sporting events, fairs, grocery stores, restaurants, malls, elevators
• walking on all different surfaces plus all kinds of stairs
• other nice animals including dogs, cats, and horses

Most of all, they need to be loved and cuddled and played with and enjoyed. Our puppy classes will show you how to guide the pups towards their full potential. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy please give us a call or email.

Do I need a fenced yard?
Yes, a physically fenced yard is required.  Electric or invisible fences are not permitted.

How much exercise do the dogs require?
Puppies need physical activity in the form of play or walking. Foster homes should expect to provide at least 25-40 minutes of exercise per day. This could be accomplished by brisk walking or playing in a safe, fenced area for example. Please understand that for young dogs under 1 year, bones are still forming. Exercise by running the dog along side you while you run, jog, bike, etc. is not appropriate for dogs under the age of one.

What equipment or supplies does SDV provide?

• SDV provides a Premier Collar, training leash, training vest and a small crate for crate training.
• SDV provides food.
• SDV provides training classes, manuals covering reference, medical and training topics.
• SDV also provides ID microchips, heartworm screening, heartworm preventative, hip evaluations and eye exams at no cost to foster homes.

What does the foster home provide?

• Dog toys and treats
• A warm, safe place to sleep
• Plenty of love and attention

Who takes care of the dog if I go out of town?
Usually another volunteer will take care of your dog while you are on vacation. We like our puppies to become accustomed to new experiences and occasionally will ask foster homes to exchange puppies for a week or two

Will I get to meet the individual who receives the dog I train?
Yes, as a puppy raiser you will have the opportunity to meet the individual who receives the dog you trained. Applicants for service dogs complete two weeks of Team Training with their potential service dog followed by a graduation ceremony (held at least once a year). You will participate in the graduation, hand off the dog to its new person, and celebrate reaching the goal of your dog graduating as a service dog.

What if the dog is not placed as a service dog?
Sometimes dogs in training can not be placed as service dogs due to reasons such as health or temperament. In the event that a dog needs a career change, SDV will evaluate the situation and determine what is best for the dog. In many cases ownership will be transferred to the puppy raiser if they wish to adopt the dog.