Breeder Carer
Breeder carers play a vital role in bringing future CNIB guide dogs into the world by caring for one of our adult dogs from 12 months of age through the end of their breeding career, as well as supporting whelping and the early socialization of puppies up to 12 weeks old. The duration of the breeder carer role could be for approximately six months up to a number of years.
Breeder carers are responsible for meeting regularly with a CNIB Guide Dogs brood stock supervisor, transporting the dogs for all breeding related activities as well as coming to veterinary clinics or other locations like CNIB offices or shopping centres for regular obedience training visits.
This role is best suited to people who have a great deal of flexibility and are willing to have a brood dog and young puppies into their home.
This includes:
- Providing a safe, comfortable, and secure, environment for the dog and litter of puppies
- Whelping a litter of puppies in your home
- Providing early socialization for puppies from birth to 8 to 12 weeks of age
- Providing updates on the dog's progress
- Transporting the dog to veterinary appointments or training areas as needed
- Maintaining the dog’s training, routine, and appropriate social behaviour
Time Commitment:
- Minimum 6 months
- Long-term and short-term opportunities, depending on location and need
- Availability during business hours
Locations:
- Regional Municipality of York, Ontario (or within 20 mins drive) e.g. Georgina, Newmarket, Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill and surrounding areas.
- Lanark County, Ontario/City of Ottawa (or within 20 mins drive) e.g. Kanata, Kemptville, Arnprior, Almonte, Barrhaven, Carleton Place, Smiths Falls, Lombardy, Richmond, Perth and surrounding areas.
Currently, we are only able to place brood dogs with volunteers residing in the above locations.
What we are looking for:
- CNIB Guide Dogs preferences applicants who have prior dog-handling and litter whelping experience.
- Flexible schedule, with the ability to dedicate a significant amount of time and effort to a brood dog and early socialization of a litter of puppies while in your care
- People who are relaxed and comfortable around dogs and can provide a comfortable and calm home environment
- 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 brood dog as well as a litter of puppies and track their progress
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Open-minded and flexible in your dog training and care ideas and willing comply with CNIB Guide Dog training and care methods
Home Environment:
- Your home is located in one of our Breeder Carer locations
- Dogs are permitted in your home
- You have ample space in your home to house a brood dog and whelp and house a litter of puppies from birth up to 8 to 12 weeks of age
- You have quick access to a safe and suitable relief area for a puppy, ideally a paved surface
- All members of your household are happy to have a brood dog and litter of puppies living in your home temporarily
- Clean, calm and tidy home with the ability to separate the puppies from other pets if required
- 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 brood dog and young puppies.
What we require:
- You are 18 years of age or older
- You have access to a vehicle for transportation of a brood dog and litter of puppies
- 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 Breeder Carer Role
- 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
- 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 Breeder Carer volunteer, please fill out the application form to get the process started.
Want to know more about the role:
Read our blog post about Brood Riley and her Brood Carer Cindy Helps