NEADS World Class Service Dogs is actively seeking full-time puppy raisers in the Leominster/Fitchburg area to help raise 13 Labrador puppies currently in training. These puppies are ready for their next step after completing early learning programs at the NEADS Early Learning Center, where they have already worked on crate training, leash walking, and housebreaking skills.
The puppies are available for placement in Worcester and Franklin counties, including Leominster, Fitchburg, Deerfield, Greenfield, Gardner, Princeton, and Shelburne, before the end of March. Full-time puppy raisers will take these dogs into their homes for a period of 6 to 12 months, providing essential care, socialization, and basic obedience training to prepare them for their future roles as Service Dogs.
In addition, NEADS is offering a team-raising program where volunteers work together to raise a dog, ensuring it receives care and attention seven days a week. Puppy raisers must be able to manage an energetic young dog, follow NEADS’ training protocols, and expose the puppy to a variety of public settings to enhance its socialization.
Weekend puppy raisers are also needed, particularly for puppies in NEADS’ prison pup program. These volunteers take puppies from local prisons on weekends, helping with house manners and socialization.
Heather Romanoff, NEADS’ manager of raiser operations, emphasized the growing demand for trained service dogs, noting that puppy raisers play a crucial role in preparing these dogs for their future careers in assisting individuals with disabilities. This volunteer opportunity offers a unique and rewarding experience for individuals, couples, families, and retirees passionate about making a difference.
NEADS provides comprehensive support to all puppy raisers, including food, veterinary care, supplies, and personalized training assistance. Interested individuals can begin the process by submitting an online application, followed by an orientation and a home visit to ensure a good fit for both the raiser and the puppy.