DFW PupPy Raisers
FULL-TIME PUPPY RAISER:
Volunteer Puppy Raisers live and work with a service dog in training in their homes for an extended period. Puppy Raisers are instrumental in teaching our service dogs in training how to live in a house or apartment environment, how to go on daily errands, and potentially go to work with their Raiser.
Become a DFW Puppy Raiser!
Before you decide to commit to our program you may want to consider the following:
- At least 18-years-old to be primary handler; under 18 may assist a legal guardian.
- Understanding that this is a family commitment, and everyone in the family needs to be involved in the welfare of the dog.
- There shall be no more than 2 personal dogs per household (sitting or raising dog would equal 3 dogs in the home).
- Permission from landlord for dog to reside in rental unit.
- Allow a Puppy Raiser Coordinator to perform a work and/or home check.
- Attend a Patriot PAWS volunteer orientation.
- Attend training classes at our Rockwall campus.
- Attend monthly group outings around the Dallas metro.
- Follow the training guidelines given by Patriot PAWS.
- Teach the dog good house manners.
- Return the dog to the Rockwall campus as instructed by the trainers for movement or veterinary care.
- Service dog applicants are welcome to attend classes and outings to gain insight and hands-on experience but will not be able to puppy raise or sit.
Additional requirements include:
- Be willing and able (with supervisor permission) to take dog into work if working full-time away from the house.
- Attend weekly one-on-ones with a Puppy Raiser Coordinator to work on cues.
- Go on regular outings with your dog for socialization (i.e. shopping, work, family outings, etc).
Please remember that puppy raising is a donation of your time, energy, and service. We at Patriot PAWS appreciate your dedication to our program.
Email us for additional information at [email protected]
Become a Weekend Puppy Sitter!
Patriot PAWS also offers a part-time volunteer opportunity titled “Sitters.” These Sitters care for our Service Dogs-in-training when full-time Puppy Raisers are unavailable, such as on weekends or vacations. Stays may last from just a few days to a couple of weeks.
As a Sitter, you’ll still attend training classes and monthly outings, but your involvement is temporary. Because these sitters do not have public access privileges, the dogs will not be sent home with a Patriot PAWS vest.
This is an ideal option for those who want to support our mission without committing to full-time care or bringing a dog to a full-time job. The dogs you’ll watch may range in age from 3 months to 2 years.
For more information, please email us at pptrainers@patriotpaws.org.
Meet our Training Outreach Coordinator!
Cleo Crouch
Training Outreach Coordinator
Howdy!
I wanted to introduce myself to you all as the Training Outreach Coordinator. I was previously a volunteer puppy raiser myself at A&M and I can confidently say that puppy raising changed my life for the better! I am so passionate about this program and improving the lives of veterans with these Service Dogs! I cannot wait to meet you all, please reach out with any questions you may have! [email protected]