PRINCETON — NEADS World Class Service Dogs is actively seeking full-time puppy raisers for 13 lab service dogs in training puppies.
Puppies are available for placement in Worcester and Franklin counties, including Leominster, Fitchburg, Deerfield, Greenfield, Gardner, Princeton, and Shelburne, before the end of March.
These puppies, who have been working on crate training, leash walking, and housebreaking skills at the NEADS Early Learning Center, are ready for the next step in their development.
Full-time puppy raisers take service dogs in training into their homes and provide care, socialization, and basic obedience training for 6 to 12 months, playing a crucial role in preparing these dogs for their future role as Service Dogs.
A team raising program is also available, through which volunteers work as part of a team to collaboratively raise a dog for 6 to 12 months, working out a schedule to ensure the NEADS dog is cared for seven days a week.
Puppy-raiser candidates must be willing and able to:
• Provide a nurturing home environment for a service dog in training;
• Work on critical socialization and basic obedience, following NEADS outlined training protocols to expose the dog to everyday life in public settings, including malls, restaurants, and grocery stores to familiarize with various sounds, sights, and people;
• Physically manage a young and energetic dog; and attend training sessions with a NEADS trainer — classes are held virtually, at the NEADS campus, and at locations mutually convenient for the raisers and instructors.
In addition to full-time puppy raisers, NEADS is also seeking weekend puppy raisers.
Volunteer weekend puppy raisers take NEADS puppies out of the prison pup program each weekend for one to two years to work on house manners, socialization, and training.
NEADS has programs at various prisons, including Gardner and Framingham. NEADS also has puppies available for Weekend Puppy Raisers at its Princeton campus.
“The demand for highly trained Service Dogs continues to grow,” said Heather Romanoff, manager of raiser operations. “Puppy Raisers are essential partners in our mission and have a unique and rewarding opportunity to help prepare these amazing animals for a career of helping individuals with disabilities. It’s a truly rewarding experience.”
Puppy raisers can be individuals, couples, families, and retirees with a passion for dogs; people who can dedicate time to training and socializing a young, energetic dog; and those who want to make a real difference in their community.
NEADS provides comprehensive support to puppy raisers, including all food, veterinary care, and necessary supplies for the dog and ongoing, individualized support and training assistance from experienced professionals.
The process begins with the submission of an online application.
If it is a good fit, a NEADS staff member will be in touch to schedule an orientation, which is followed by a home visit prior to receiving the Service Dog in Training.
For more information, or to fill out an application, visit www.neads.org.
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