Breeder Caretaker

Help Raise Our Future NSD Companions

Have you wondered how Service Dogs learn to help their handlers? Do you want to be part of a Service Dog’s journey? By dedicating your time, energy, and love, you get one of the most rewarding experiences possible. The best part is, you don’t need any experience!

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Volunteer opportunities with dogs

Become A Breeder Caretaker

Breeder Caretaker

Provide a loving environment for a breeding dog in between litters.

As a Breeder Caretaker, you get to help the next generation of Service Dogs begin their journey. In this role, you welcome a breeding dog into your home and provide a safe and loving environment in between litters. You bring the dog to all of their appointments and care for them until retirement from the breeding program; females typically retire after 4-5 litters or at 6 years old.

Preferably, Breeder Caretakers for female dogs also welcome litters of puppies! With support from staff and our whelping program, you would host the litter of puppies for about 7 weeks. This includes keeping the puppies’ area clean and stimulating for both mom and her puppies. The main goal at this stage is to care for and socialize the puppies until they are ready to start training with their Puppy Raisers. As a Breeder Caretaker, you are the first step in raising confident Service Dogs.

This volunteer role requires:

  • Have a flexible schedule
  • Live within 45 minutes of NSD (1286 Cedar Creek Rd)
  • Have no children under the age of 5 living in the house
  • Have a maximum of 2 dogs in their home that are over 1 year of age

By deciding to become a Breeder Caretaker, you are helping change lives: One Individual, One Dog, One Life at a Time!

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