Want to care for a puppy?
The Irish Guide Dogs are looking for people to raise puppies.
They're looking for loving individuals and families who are willing to foster an Irish Guide Dogs puppy from age 7-8 weeks to 12-15 months.
Basically, the puppy will live with your family and with some help from Early Training Team on a monthly basis, the puppy learns basic rules and obedience.
Around 14 months the dog will move to the Irish Guide Dogs Training Centre where their training will continue and they will then graduate as a fully fledged Guide Dog.
Good news the Puppy raising programme is currently available in Limerick and Kerry as well as Cork, Waterford, Kildare, Wicklow & Dublin.
With availability also in parts of Tipperary, Clare, Laois and the following counties Kilkenny, Meath & Westmeath.
Requirements to become a puppy raiser
- The puppy must not be left alone for more than four hours.
- You must have access to a secured outdoor area.
- Children in the home must be over five years of age.
- Other dogs in the home are fine once they are sociable and neutered.
The Chairperson of Irish Guide Dogs for the blind Patrick Burke said;
Puppy Raising plays a pivotal role in our aim to change the lives of those who are vision impaired, or a family of a child with autism. Seeing a puppy developing in your home brings huge satisfaction and reward plus wonderful companionship and valuable dog training skills.
You can apply here.
