Volunteer

Great Start Homes are fosters that take in a 8 to 10-week-old puppy for at least 3 months to begin early socialization, basic obedience and potty and crate training. They are asked to take the puppy on approved short public outings and bring the puppy to weekly puppy class.

Puppy Raisers open their homes and hearts to future service dogs, raising puppies who are 8-10 weeks or 3 months of age until it is time for the dog to begin advanced training (typically when the dog turns 1) . Puppy Raisers learn how to socialize, train, and create a solid foundation for their puppy Puppy Raisers must attend weekly or biweekly training classes at our facility or other designated location in public.

We can often accommodate shorter periods of puppy raising, but need a commitment of at least 4 months

Our Nights and Weekends volunteers house our dogs in advanced training during the weekday nights, weekends, and holidays. Dogs start their advanced training around age 1 and train until age 2 before being placed with a client. Nights and Weekends Volunteers are responsible for bringing them to our facility (673 Berkmar Ct, Charlottesville, VA 22901) during the weekdays for training.

Respite volunteers provide care for our puppies and/or dogs in advanced training when their usual caretaker is unavailable. We ask respite volunteer who house puppies be able to keep the puppy at home during the week and those who house dogs in advanced training bring the dog into our facility (673 Berkmar Ct, Charlottesville, VA 22901) during the week.

Puppy Sitters care for a puppy for during the daytime only when the puppy raiser is unable to have the puppy with them. These dogs are typically between 2 months and 2 years of age. Sitters are not required to attend trainings or outings and do not take the dog in public goes here