Raising a future guide dog is a significant commitment, and we recognize that volunteers may need breaks or encounter unforeseen circumstances. This is not only beneficial for the puppy raiser, but it helps the dogs learn to develop their adaptability as well. In all regions with a puppy club, dedicated volunteer boarders are available to care for our dogs, whether for a few hours or a few weeks.
Primary responsibilities of a volunteer boarder:
- To care for a puppy short term in their home.
- To provide appropriate exercise opportunities.
- To follow CNIB Guide Dogs puppy raising guidelines.
- To help the puppy learn to adapt to a different environment and routine at a pace that suits the puppy.
Arranging Boarding For A Puppy
Every boarder goes through the same recruitment process and a puppy raiser so we can ensure the hand over goes smoothly.
Boarding is busiest around the holidays and during the summer months. To secure your boarding dates, we ask that you give at least two weeks notice to your Puppy Development Trainer. We will do our best to have a boarder in close proximity to you.
If less than two weeks notice is given, we may not be able to accommodate a boarder within close proximity to you.
Emergency Boarding
We recognize that emergencies happen and are out of your control. Please have an emergency contact on file with us in this case so we can contact them in the event something happens so there is less stress for you. This will be a safe place for the pup to go until a Guide Dog staff member can get there to pick up the pup.
In the event that you cannot reach your emergency contact, please call our emergency hotline, CNIB Guide Dogs 24h Emergency Hotline at 1-866-264-2364.