Puppy Raiser or Puppy Sitter for Service Dog Group

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Have a direct impact on the life of a veteran. Enjoy working with dogs and want to improve the life of a veteran? Consider being a Volunteer Puppy Raiser or Puppy Sitter.

Volunteer Puppy Raisers and Puppy Sitters are needed! Helping to raise puppies for VMF will enable us to provide service dogs to veterans with physical and/or mental health challenges, at no cost to the veteran.

VMF Puppy Raiser
Puppy raisers receive a VMF Service Dog in Training (SDIT) at 8 weeks of age and incorporate the puppy as part of their family which involves teaching good social skills and manners. Puppy raisers are required to attend weekly training classes until 6 months of age then biweekly classes until the SDiT is placed with a Veteran. Periodic assessments with VMF staff are also required. The SDiT is placed with their Veteran partner at approximately 20 months of age. More information about our training can be found on our website.

VMF Puppy Sitter
Puppy sitters offer the VMF puppy the opportunity to experience different home environments and surroundings that they may encounter as a service dog. The puppy sitter is an individual who cares for the VMF puppy short-term -- single day, weekend, full week -- on an as-needed basis. The puppy sitter is contacted when a need arises and is given the opportunity to take the puppy sit. Attending VMF training classes and outings while at the puppy sitter’s home is required.

How to Apply
If you are interested in becoming a VMF puppy raiser or puppy sitter please visit our website or contact us at admin@vetsfwd.org