It takes two years of hard work and support for puppies to become guide dogs for people who are blind or partially sighted. The journey begins at 2-4 months when a puppy is placed with a volunteer puppy raiser.
With support from CNIB Guide Dogs staff, volunteer puppy raisers help socialize and introduce a pup to the world around them – exposing them to new environments and public spaces – and teaching them things like basic obedience. These extraordinary volunteers open their homes and hearts to our pups and are a critical part of the CNIB Guide Dog program.
Our program depends on committed volunteers who help raise, train, and board puppies with purpose, and we’re always looking for people who can care for one of our pups in their first year of training to start them on their journey to becoming guide dogs.
As part of our volunteer recruitment efforts, CNIB Guide Dogs held a volunteer information day in June at our Canine Campus in Carleton Place. The event welcomed residents to learn more about puppy raising, meet our staff and future guide dogs in training, watch a working guide dog demonstration, and more.
Currently, we’re actively recruiting volunteer puppy raisers and boarders in Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto (GTA) and Halifax.
We offer short-term and long-term volunteer opportunities; previous experience with dogs is not required. If you’re eager to learn, CNIB Guide Dogs will provide you with support and training so you can feel confident in your volunteer role.
To learn more about this enriching volunteer opportunity, watch this video on YouTube (in English only). Visit www.cnib.ca/puppyraising and apply today!