Needs From: Baltimore County Volunteers

Raising a skilled service dog requires the dedication and efforts of many people, working together to positively impact the life of a Veteran with disabilities. Puppy Sitters play an important role by providing a safe, nurturing environment for Service Dogs in Training (SDiT) temporarily in their homes. Sometimes, WCC SDiTs need a place to stay for a few days or a few weeks. They may be transitioning between raisers, or their Puppy Parents may need time off for a holiday or a family emergency. Puppy Sitters receive similar training as Puppy Parents so they can step in with confidence and help when needed. The training covers the proper care of a SDiT, WCC’s training methods, and basic commands. Puppy sitters will be given all appropriate supplies for the sit from the Puppy Parent.

A Puppy Sitter takes over the care of the dog when a Puppy Parents cannot. Responsibilities include:

Provide a safe and consistent training environmentTake responsibility for the dog’s health and wellbeing while in their carePlan with the puppy raiser for drop off and pick up the dogHave the ability to accommodate requests during high-travel times, including the summer months, weekends and holidaysRequirementsMain sitter must be 18+ years of ageDogs in the household must be older than one year of age, fully vaccinated, and well cared forApplication ProcessThe first step in the process is to complete and submit a volunteer application.After the application is reviewed, you will be contacted to schedule an info session.The info session will include insight into our training processes and style. You will also gain knowledge of the dedication required to raise one of our future service dogs.For those with pet dogs, we will have a dog introduction prior to a puppy going into your home.You will be asked to complete two Basic Training classes (in addition to the info session), one hour each.

Puppy raisers help raise our service dogs for 4 to 18 months before the dogs graduate and are placed with a forever Veteran. Puppies go home as early as 8 weeks, but ages can vary. To be considered for this important task, you must be willing and able to provide the following support and training for the WCC service dog in training:

Provide a stable, safe, consistent and loving environmentProvide the dog with access to new places, new people and new experiencesSupervise the dog throughout the dayTeach the dog manners and basic commandsAlways keep the dog on a leash or supervised in a securely fenced areaAttend weekly training classes, including social outings that build skills and confidenceTransport the dog to the veterinarian when necessaryDepending on program location, drop off/pick up the dog at the training office during the work weekRequirementsMust be 18+ years of age (a minor may co-raise with a parent or guardian)Opportunities to co-raise with a friend, colleague, or neighborDogs in the household must be older than one year of age, fully vaccinated and be well cared forParticipate in ongoing communications with WCC staffWarrior Canine Connection CoversVeterinary careMedications, including monthly Heartgard and Nexgard preventativesDog equipment (leash, harness, vest, crate, and more)Dog FoodPuppy Raiser CoversToysReplacement itemsTreatsApplication ProcessThe first step in the process is to complete and submit a volunteer application.After the application is reviewed, you will be contacted to schedule an info session.The info session will include insight into our training processes and style. You will also gain knowledge of the dedication required to raise one of our future service dogs.For those with pet dogs, we will have a dog introduction prior to a puppy going into your home.You will be asked to complete two Basic Training classes (in addition to the info session), one hour each.WCC will discuss with you the best time to take a WCC puppy into your home.