Volunteer Role: Boarder & Transition Dog Boarder

Transition boarders are dedicated to caring for pups during an important transition phase in their training while they are on their journey to becoming Guide Dogs. Transition Boarders provide temporary care for future CNIB Guide Dogs who have been identified as needing higher levels of support and may have some issues with adaptability.

This includes:

• Providing a safe, comfortable, and secure, environment for the dog
• Providing updates on the dog's progress
• Transporting the dog to training areas as needed 
• Maintaining the dog’s training, routine, and appropriate social behaviour 

Time Commitment: 

• Minimum 3 months
• Long-term and short-term opportunities, depending on location and need
• Availability on weekdays (8 a.m. and 4 p.m.) to meet with trainer and provide access for the dog to be collected for training.
• Availability on evenings, weekends, and holidays is considered an asset

Locations:

• Almonte, ON
• Carleton Place, ON (and surrounding area)
• Perth, ON

Currently, we only able to board puppies with volunteers residing in the above locations. 

What we are looking for:

• People who are relaxed and comfortable around dog
• Ability to physically handle large breed dogs
• Understanding that transition dogs may require higher levels of support, patience and supervision in the home 
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage positively with CNIB staff members, fellow volunteers, and community members 
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to maintain a steady daily routine for a puppy or guide dog in training and track their progress
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Flexible schedule, with the ability to dedicate a significant amount of time and effort to a puppy or guide dog in training while in your care
• Open-minded and flexible in your dog training and care ideas and willing comply with CNIB Guide Dog training and care methods
• Dog handling skills are an asset

Home Environment:

• Your home is located in one of our Boarding locations
• Dogs are permitted in your home
• You have quick access to a safe and suitable relief area for a puppy, ideally a paved surface
• A fully fenced yard is an asset
• All members of your household are happy to have a puppy or guide dog in training living in your home temporarily
• Clean and tidy home 
• All pets in your home, are friendly and fully vaccinated
• Smoke-free home

As part of the application process, a CNIB Guide Dogs staff member will complete a home assessment to ensure that the home is a suitable environment for a future guide dog.

What we require:

• You are 18 years of age or older
• You have access to a vehicle for transportation of a puppy or guide dog in training
• You have access to the internet and an e-mail address
• You are able to safely handle a strong, energetic, large breed dog while they are in your care
• You are able to safely take the dog on walks outdoors in all four seasons in varying weather, including winter
• You are willing to sign an agreement stating the terms and conditions of the Boarding Program
• You are willing to complete an Enhanced Police Information Check via our background check partner Sterling Backcheck. All costs are covered by CNIB

What we provide: 

• CNIB Guide Dogs covers the costs of all necessary veterinary care, equipment, and food
• Individualized support from CNIB Guide Dogs staff members
• One on one professional input on dog handling techniques and skills to increase understanding of dog behaviours and body language 
• Phone and e-mail support during business hours
• 24-hour emergency line
• Ongoing training, engagement, and learning opportunities with CNIB Guide Dogs

Apply:

If you are interested in becoming a CNIB Guide Dogs volunteer, please fill out the application form to get the process started.