Volunteer Program Spotlight: Puppy Raising

Volunteer Puppy Raisers and Boarders are the backbone of the CNIB Guide Dogs program. They provide a safe, loving home to future guide dog puppies until they’re around 12 to 15 months old and ready to move on to the next level of training at our Canine Campus.

With extensive support from CNIB Guide Dogs staff, volunteer Puppy Raisers socialize the puppy to as many different environments as possible and teach them basic skills and obedience.

Test your knowledge about Puppy Raising!

True or False:

1. Puppy Raisers must commit to a full year.
   
   False! We have options for interested volunteers who can only make a shorter time commitment. Puppy Raising Starters have the puppies for approximately four months when they’re just starting out in the program and Puppy Raising Finishers have them for six to nine months before they start formal guide dog training at our Canine Campus.
    
2. Puppy Raisers can never go on vacation.
   
   False! Puppy Raisers are free to make plans the way they normally would because Volunteer Boarders are available to provide temporary care for stays as short as a day.
    
3. Puppy Raisers get to have fun and cuddle with future guide dogs.
   
   True! When their future guide dog’s vest is off, these pups are free to play, cuddle, or relax just like any other dog.
    
4. It’s hard to give the dog up.
   
   True. Saying goodbye is never easy, but Puppy Raisers find comfort in knowing they’ve helped give greater freedom and independence to a person with sight loss.
   
   And Puppy Raisers who dread having an empty home after saying goodbye don’t have to worry – there are always more future guide dogs to raise!
    
5. CNIB still needs Puppy Raisers and Boarders.
   
   True! We’re expanding to meet the growing demands for guide dogs, but the number of dogs we can train and match depends on the number of volunteers we have to raise them.
   
   If you or someone you know is interested in this rewarding volunteer opportunity, please visit cnib.ca/puppyraising to check if we’re recruiting in your area.
    
6. CNIB has lots of ways to get involved.
   
   True! We have plenty of volunteer opportunities outside of CNIB Guide Dogs. For a full list, please visit cnib.ca/volunteer.

A big thank you to all our volunteers and supporters for helping empower countless people who are blind to live with greater confidence and independence!