Raise a Future Service or Guide Dog

Puppy Raising is a rewarding, hands-on volunteer opportunity to help give a future Service/Guide Dog the best possible start.

For approximately 9–12 months, you’ll welcome a CVSD puppy into your home and help them develop the confidence, manners, and foundational skills they will need as they continue their Service/Guide Dog journey.

Along the way, there will be puppy cuddles, fun, adventures, new experiences, , and plenty of learning, for both you and your puppy!

What We Ask of Our Puppy Raisers

As a Puppy Raiser, you’ll provide a safe, loving, and consistent home while working closely with the CVSD training team.

We ask our Puppy Raisers to:

• Attend regular CVSD puppy training classes.

• Spend time each day practicing the skills introduced in training.

• Help teach good house manners and age-appropriate foundation skills.

• Include the puppy in everyday life and provide appropriate opportunities to experience different places, people, sights, sounds, and environments.

• Provide consistency and follow CVSD’s training and care guidelines.

• Avoid leaving the puppy alone for extended periods of time.

• Be available for scheduled veterinary appointments when needed.

• Maintain regular communication with the CVSD team and keep us updated on the puppy’s progress.

• Commit to caring for and training the puppy for approximately 9–12 months.

Puppy Raisers should be located in Edmonton or surrounding areas so they can regularly participate in training and receive hands-on support from our team.

What CVSD Provides

We want our Puppy Raisers to feel supported throughout the entire experience. Canis Vitae Service Dogs Canada provides:

• Puppy food.

• Veterinary care.

• Necessary training equipment and supplies.

• Regular puppy training classes.

• Ongoing guidance and support from our trainers.

• Help working through training challenges as your puppy grows.

• Temporary puppy care for vacations or other circumstances when you are unable to care for the puppy.

You Don’t Have to Be a Dog Trainer

Previous dog-training experience isn’t required. What matters most is your willingness to learn, be consistent, dedicate time to your puppy, and work together with our team.

We’ll teach you what you need to know and support you as your puppy progresses.

Be Part of Their Beginning

Every future Service Dog starts somewhere. As a Puppy Raiser, you have the opportunity to provide the experiences, care, and early education that create that foundation.

Raise a puppy. Help shape their future. Change a life.