Southeastern Guide Dogs

Raise a Puppy

A guide dog's training starts as a young puppy. Equipped with training materials and support from Southeastern Guide Dogs, dedicated volunteer puppy raisers give our specially bred puppies the foundation required for formal harness training.

Puppy raiser families provide in-home foster care for our puppies beginning at 9 weeks of age. This loving home environment allows the pup to become a confident, socialized and obedient family member until the puppy reaches approximately 14 to 20 months of age. During this developmental period, raisers attend two meetings each month with local area coordinators who guide and mentor them - sharing the goal of raising a successful guide dog.

Each puppy in our program receives a blue "Puppy in Training" coat which enables puppy raisers to expose the future guide dog to a variety of public environments and situations while preparing the puppy for the sensation of a harness.

Raising a guide dog puppy is truly an unforgettable and rewarding experience - but is one that requires a great deal of time, responsibility and commitment from the entire family. Most raisers find the program so gratifying they choose to participate again and again.

Puppy raisers also act as goodwill ambassadors to promote public awareness and support for Southeastern Guide Dogs. Some puppy raisers choose to participate in fundraising events, give demonstrations and speak at schools and public meetings to promote the important work of Southeastern Guide Dogs.

We are currently seeking to expand our puppy raising program and start new puppy raiser groups in many Florida communities, including Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Naples, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.

If you would like to volunteer as a puppy raiser or help us start a new puppy raiser group, please contact Kenya Leonard at 941.729.5665 ext. 136. (Toll Free at 800.944.3647).

Have you decided to raise? The next step is to apply!

You must be 18 years of age or older or have an adult apply for you. You can start the process of becoming a Southeastern Guide Dogs puppy raiser by filling out our secure online application or you may print the application and start your journey! Repeat puppy raisers please use our Repeat Puppy Raiser Application.  

Once we receive your application, we will contact your nearest area coordinator who will invite you to a group meeting so that you can see, first hand, what puppy raising is all about. Next, the area coordinator will conduct a home visit and submit a recommendation.  Upon approval, we will place you on our puppy waiting list. Wait time can vary, but you can typically expect a 6-month wait or longer.

Southeastern Guide Dogs pays for veterinary medical care and provides monthly heartworm medication. Raisers are responsible for food, leash, collar, crate, toys, and flea/tick prevention. These expenses may be tax deductible.

If you need further information prior to submitting an application, please contact Melinda Shaver at 941.729.5665 ext. 118.