Our special puppies are cared for by volunteers in their homes from the age of 8 weeks to approximately 16-18 months. Our dedicated team of volunteers give our puppies the best start on their journey to be life-changing dogs. Food and vet bills are covered by the charity and full support and advice is provided by our team of Puppy Co-Ordinators.
How we socialise our life-changing puppies
Although no experience is necessary, puppy socialisers are required to meet the following criteria:
- Have a fully-fenced safe and secure garden
- Be away from the puppy for no more than two hours (in the first few weeks) and four hours (for the remaining time you have the puppy) per day
You have no more than two pet dogs in the home - Drive or have access to someone at all times who can drive you and the puppy
- With the support of our puppy department you will be willing to train the puppy in the basics, i.e. house training, general obedience and walking on the lead
- Be able to spend some time every day on activities to meet the health and welfare needs of and socialise the puppy. Guidance will be given and environments that need to be covered at some stage include shops, cafes, train stations, buses, crowded and rural areas
- Be able to attend monthly puppy classes and group visits and allow home visits from a member of our puppy training team
- Provide the puppy with regular contact with children, other dogs and cats.
Parts of our application process, and the ongoing support to our volunteer puppy socialisers, may be carried out via video call rather than in person.
Register your interest today
More information
- View the puppy socialiser role description
- Download our Volunteer Handbook – a guide to volunteering with us
- Read about Sue’s experiences as a puppy socialiser.
