Become a Volunteer Puppy Raiser
Service dogs aren’t just born, they’re raised.
Become a Puppy Raiser with Canine Companions
Do you love dogs and helping people? Become a Canine Companions puppy raiser and begin a rewarding journey filled with puppy kisses, meaningful connections, and life-changing moments.
As a puppy raiser, you’ll volunteer to raise and socialize a future service dog, helping prepare them for professional training and, ultimately, a lifetime of partnership with a person with a disability.
Beginning Your Puppy Raiser Journey
Your experience begins even before your puppy comes home. As a first-time puppy raiser, you’ll be paired with a Puppy Pal—an experienced volunteer who provides guidance and support every step of the way. You’ll also connect with fellow puppy raisers in your local community and, if needed, through virtual networks across the country.
The application process typically takes a few weeks and includes:
- A general volunteer application
- A detailed puppy raiser application
- A phone interview
- A meet-and-greet with a Canine Companions volunteer in your area
Raising a Future Service Dog
When the puppy arrives, socialization begins immediately. Early training focuses on safety, structure, and confidence-building.
As a puppy raiser, you’ll:
- Puppy-proof your home and keep your puppy safe during early development
- Avoid letting the puppy develop habits like eating food off the floor or jumping on people.
- Ensure the puppy receives proper veterinary care, vaccinations, and a healthy diet
- Teach good house manners, including sleeping in a crate, and interacting politely with all members of your household.
- Help your puppy build confidence by calmly experiencing new environments and situations
- Train basic skills through puppy classes, workshops, and ongoing support from staff and fellow volunteers
You’ll never do this alone—Canine Companions provides training resources, community support, and expert guidance throughout the process.
Beyond Puppy Raising
After your puppy enters professional training, you’ll receive monthly updates on their progress. If your dog advances to Team Training, a two-week program where a service dog is matched with a recipient, you may have the opportunity to present the dog to their new partner at a graduation ceremony—an unforgettable moment for many puppy raisers.
Please note: With very few exceptions, Canine Companions puppy raisers are given the first right of refusal to adopt the dog they raised if the dog is released from the program.
Puppy Raiser Benefits
Thanks to our partnership with Eukanuba, active Canine Companions puppy raisers receive:
- Discounts on Eukanuba dog and cat diets
- Access to discounted VCA veterinary care for up to four pets in their household
If the financial commitment poses a challenge, we encourage you to apply and inquire about possible assistance after submission. Please note that assistance is not guaranteed.
Apply to Volunteer
Volunteer in the North Central Region
(West of Pittsburgh, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota)
Volunteer in the Northeast Region
(New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine)
Volunteer in the Northwest Region
(Northern California, Northern Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Alaska)
Volunteer in the South Central Region
(Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana)
Volunteer in the Southeast Region
(Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama)
Volunteer in the Southwest Region
(Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Southern California, Southern Nevada, Hawaii)
Volunteer Puppy Raiser FAQs
Get a jump start on your puppy raising application by completing the puppy raising application request.
Canine Companions has been providing service dogs to people with disabilities since 1975. You can help us unite people with trained service dogs in a powerful program that leads to greater independence. Every service dog starts as a puppy that needs a loving home. You can raise a dog and change a life. Volunteer puppy raising is an incredible way to help adults, children and veterans with disabilities as well as professionals working in a health care, visitation, criminal justice or education settings live more independent lives.
Prison Puppy Raising Program
The Canine Companions prison puppy raising program has made great strides since its inception in 1995 at the Coffee Creek Correctional Center in Wilsonville, Oregon. It has expanded to include 13 facilities throughout the United States, including Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Montana, Oregon, Texas and Washington.
Collegiate Puppy Raising
There are currently over 18 colleges and universities involved in the Canine Companions collegiate puppy raising program. Volunteer puppy raisers gain valuable skills including puppy handling, canine care, early socialization and much more.
The dedication of our collegiate puppy raisers helps Canine Companions provide life-changing assistance dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities free of charge.
Raise a puppy, change a life!