Canine Partners, the national charity that breeds, train and supports expert assistance dogs, is expanding into your region and urgently needs dog-loving volunteers to help raise and train the next generation of life-changers.
Previous puppy handling experience is not essential, and full training and ongoing guidance will be provided throughout your volunteering journey by the charity’s expert Dog Trainers.
If you love dogs, have the time to commit, and want to make a lasting difference, this could be the role for you.
“The best thing about being a Puppy Training Volunteer is the joy and fun that comes with spending time playing with and training your puppy and seeing the progress they make each day.” Helen, Puppy Training Volunteer
Key volunteering locations across include:
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Northampton: Market Harborough, Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, Northampton
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Bedford: Bedford
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South Hampshire: Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth
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Berkshire: Wokingham, Bracknell, (New) Basingstoke
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(New) North Hampshire: Winchester, Petersfield
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Surrey: Guildford, Crawley
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Wiltshire: Swindon, Marlborough, Tidworth
The BIG SIX takeaways for becoming a Puppy Training Volunteer:
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Raise a future life-changer – Puppy Training Volunteers provide the love, care, training, and socialisation that puppies need to grow into life-changing assistance dogs. By raising a puppy, you’ll help a disabled person live with greater independence, confidence, and freedom.
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A big commitment – This is not a typical volunteering role. You’ll welcome a puppy into your home for just over a year, playing a vital role in their development. The role requires time, patience, flexibility, and commitment.
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You’re supported every step of the way – You don’t need previous experience. Full training, ongoing support, and guidance are provided throughout your volunteering journey, and most puppy-related expenses are covered.
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Extraordinary rewards – Volunteers tell us they gain confidence, purpose, friendships, and a strong sense of achievement. You’ll become part of a supportive community while knowing you helped create a life-changing partnership for a disabled person. As well as all the puppy cuddles you could wish for.
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New areas, new opportunities – As Canine Partners expands into new communities, more people have the opportunity to become Puppy Training Volunteers and help raise future assistance dogs.
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Families are welcome – Raising a future assistance dog can be a rewarding experience for the whole household, helping everyone play a part in something truly life-changing.
Case Studies:
75-year-old Puppy Training Volunteer Julia is currently raising her third future life-changer Cherry and will soon welcome her fourth.
After losing her husband, volunteering gave Julia purpose, companionship and a positive focus. She says the pride she feels when one of her puppies become partnered with a disabled person is similar to seeing her children graduate.
“I can honestly say that becoming a Puppy Training Volunteer is one of the best things I have ever done in my life. My job is to love and care for the puppy, giving them the very best start in life possible.”
At just 24 –years-old, Charleigh has already helped raise four future life-changers.
Growing up around assistance dogs inspired Charleigh to volunteer, showing how one family’s involvement can make a lasting difference.
Balancing volunteering alongside university and her developing career, Charleigh challenges perceptions about who can become a Puppy Training Volunteer.
“Every puppy teaches you something new. It’s a big commitment, but it’s an incredible experience. You’re helping raise a dog that will go on to support someone in ways many people never see, and along the way it changes you too.”
She credits the role with helping her build confidence, develop communication skills, strengthen her resilience and become part of a supportive community.
Applying to become a volunteer and puppy training essentials:
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A Puppy Training Volunteer application takes approximately five to six weeks, with puppies joining volunteers at around eight-weeks-old.
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Your puppy will stay in your home with you for 14-16 months, developing essential core skills in socialisation and play.
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Puppies should not be left alone for more than three hours at any one time, and volunteers may receive up to two visits from their dedicated Canine Partners Trainer per week when a puppy first arrives.
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Volunteers receive at least weekly support from a qualified, dedicated Dog Trainer, and most training and support activities take places within 45 minutes of your home.
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Anyone aged 18+ can apply to become a Puppy Training Volunteer, and volunteers can have up to two pet dogs in the household, subject to assessment.
Is this role right for you?
You don’t need previous experience, but you do need the right circumstances.
This role may suit you if you:
- Can actively supervise and train a puppy each day.
- Have a secure, dog-friendly garden.
- Have access to a car for local training and socialisation.
This role can suit families, including those with children and other pets, provided everyone is committed to the puppy’s training.
Renters are welcome with landlord permission.
For more information about this role take a read of our frequently answered questions.
To register your interest and become a life-changing Puppy Training Volunteer, head over to Canine Partners’ Puppy Training Volunteer page.
