Raise a Future Service Dog. Change a Life.
Our puppy raisers are at the heart of everything we do. We simply can’t do without our puppy raisers!
When you welcome a future service dog into your home, you help build the foundation for a dog that may one day support someone with a disability or a veteran with PTSD. The confidence, structure, socialization, and love a puppy receives early in life directly impacts their ability to succeed later as a working service dog.
Putnam Service Dogs trains carefully selected rescue dogs to become service dogs for people with disabilities and veterans with PTSD.
Why Be a Service Dog Puppy Raiser?
Raising a service dog puppy is meaningful, rewarding, and sometimes challenging work. But it is also one of the most direct ways you can make a lasting impact on both a dog and a person’s life.
Here, we do things differently than most organizations.
We cover the major expenses including:
- Vet care
- Grooming
- Food
- Crate
- Leashes and harnesses
- Some starter toys
- Dog bed
Puppy raisers provide:
- Daily structure and consistency
- Love and socialization
- Transportation to outings, classes, and appointments
- Safe exposure to real-world environments
- Reinforcement of training throughout everyday life
You choose the length
of commitment
(6, 12, or 18 months)
Our trainer will guide you
on your journey
You create memories
for a lifetime!
What’s Involved in Raising Service Dog Puppies?
Putnam Service Dogs covers the major expenses, such as food, vet, grooming, some toys, leashes, harnesses, vests, and a dog bed. We ask raisers to provide a measuring cup, food bin, more toys, and for transportation as needed — for socialization, vet, grooming, events, etc. In the process, you’ll learn a LOT about dogs, and learn to be better dog handlers and dog parents.
- Love the pup. It’s their love of people that helps them succeed as a service dog.
- Exercise and play with the pup.
- Train the pup in snippets several times a day.
- Take the pup on outings each week.
- Keep the pup safe and healthy.
Qualifications to Raise Our Service Dog Puppies
- I live in Putnam, Dutchess, or Westchester Counties, Upper NYC (Manhattan) or Connecticut – Brookfield to Ridgefield or Stamford area.
- I either don’t have a dog or only have one that is friendly and nonaggressive to other dogs.
- I’m able to walk a dog at least a mile a day.
- I understand raising a pup can be hard work. I’m able to do the daily work required to raise a service dog pup.
- If you work: I work from home, could bring the pup to the office, or have a partner who can care for the pup during the work day.
- I understand it’s important to be with the pup most of the day.
- I’m thankful to have a trainer for guidance and instructions, and am happy to follow their instructions for a successful outcome.
- I’ll be dedicated to raising a great pup alongside Putnam Service Dogs to help someone who needs it.
- I am kind, patient and can be consistent in raising a puppy for six months or more.
- I’ve been looking forward to a volunteer opportunity where I can make a direct, significant contribution.
How To Become a Puppy Raiser with Putnam Service Dogs
Submit the Online Application
We’ll learn more about you
Get matched with a pup!
“There’s more to raising service dog puppies than one might think. And I love it! I’ve raised several pups for Putnam Service Dogs. The trainer works with us twice a week, and I stay busy, so the puppies do to! They go everywhere with me – the rec center, church, coffee shops and to play bingo with friends.
At the end of the day, I’m saving the puppy’s life and help an individual with disabilities, too.”
-Janet (raiser of Duke, Eddie)
Not Ready to Raise a Service Dog Puppy Full Time?
We get it. Raising a puppy can be a lot. And if you’re not quite ready to take a pup on full time, or want to offer puppy raising support in another way, consider helping other puppy raisers while they’re on vacation!
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Puppy Raising Tips
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