Dear Potential Puppy Raiser or Foster Person,

Transcription

1 Dear Potential Puppy Raiser or Foster Person, Thank you for your interest in Quad Cities Canine Assistance Network, Inc. Puppy Raising Program. Our program provides the foundation the puppies need to become well trained and skilled service and facility dogs. The enclosed information outlines some frequently asked questions, as well as provides the facts and processes in the application and raising process. Also attached is an application, which can be submitted if the Puppy Raising and Foster Program is one in which you would like to volunteer for. Thank you again for your interest. QC CAN, Inc. wants to make sure your time is fun and rewarding. If you have any questions, please us at Sincerely, Hillary Plog President and Head Trainer

2 What is the Puppy Raising and Foster Program? Puppy Raising and Foster Program Puppy raisers and foster people are volunteers in the Iowa/Illinois Quad Cities area who give their home and time to raise a puppy in preparation for its career as a service dog or facility dog. Puppy raisers come from all walks of life, providing the food, supplies, training, socialization, and love the puppy will need from 8 weeks of age to up to 18 months old. QC CAN, Inc. uses Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. The puppies in the program come from our acquisition program to ensure that all medical, personality, and behavioral protocols are met. These breeds are of excellent temperament, diligent work drive, and an incredible desire to please their human partner. What do you look for in a puppy raiser? Our puppy raisers and foster people are from various backgrounds The puppy raiser must be full of love, dedication and commitment Must bring the puppy to class on a weekly basis Must expose the puppy to as many sights, sounds, smells, and situations as possible Puppy raisers must have fun during the process NO need for experience...qc Can staff will train you on how to train your puppy Answers to common questions about puppy raising? Q. What if my yard is not fenced? A. It does not matter. All program puppies are required to be supervised and/or leashed while outside the home. Q. I work during the day. Can I still be a puppy raiser? A. Of course. We would provide you with an older puppy that is able to stay in its kennel without having an accident until you return home. Q. I have never owned a dog before. I am not sure I can do this. A. QC CAN provides on the job training for all its puppy raisers. Many raisers have never owned a dog before. Q. I have other pets. Does that matter? A. No. QC CAN actually encourages other pets in the home. Just make sure your personal pets are accepting of a new puppy coming into the home. Q. How long is the commitment? A. It depends on several factors; service or facility dog, class attendance, client needs, etc. You can assume that it will be between 6 months to over a year. Q. Do I have to take a puppy or are there other ages of dogs available? A. We have dogs start our program anywhere between the ages of 8 weeks and 2 years. Q. What is required of a puppy raiser? A. Orientation, weekly classes, homework, exposure and socialization, willingness to learn and follow directions.

3 What is the process? The process of applying as a puppy raiser is a four-step process that is informative for you, giving you the knowledge needed to be a puppy raiser for QC CAN, Inc. It also allows us to address any concern you may have. Below are the steps in condensed form that outline the process: Step 1 Complete the application Please complete the application form enclosed. Step 2 Home Interview A current handler/puppy raiser or staff member of QC CAN will set up a time to come to your home to make sure that your home is puppy-proofed for the arrival of a new puppy or dog. This person will share their experiences and again, give you the opportunity to ask any questions. Step 3 Orientation You will come to QC CAN, Inc. for an orientation. You will learn the basics of puppy raising in general, as well as the specifics to raising a QC CAN puppy! Step 4 Begin raising the puppy! Once the puppy has begun to stay in your home, you will attend training classes with the puppy every week on Wednesdays, either in the puppy, basic or advanced class depending on the level of training your puppy has already had.

4 Puppy Raising Facts Puppies are placed at 8 weeks of age and older The length of time the puppies are raised by the puppy raising individual/family is approximately 6 to 18 months The individual/family is responsible for food, taking the puppy to veterinary visits and supplies for the puppy during the duration in your home (Viking Pups college students are exempt from the food costs) As a puppy raiser, you are required to bring the puppy to training class on a weekly basis Other animals in the home are perfectly acceptable, as long as they are accepting of a new puppy coming into the home All puppies must be raised in an indoor environment All costs provided for the puppy are considered a donation to QC CAN, Inc. and are tax deductible We primarily use Labrador and Golden Retrieves, but do accept other breeds After the training period, the puppies are returned to QC CAN and are placed with one of our applicants No experience is necessary to become a puppy raiser You will get attached, but the contribution you make as a puppy raising individual/family will enable one of our applicants with special needs to live a higher quality of life It is tremendous fun and a truly rewarding experience!

5 Puppy Raiser and Foster Person Application Please circle the age of the puppy/dog you would like to raise: 8 weeks to 6 months or 6 months and older Applicants Name: Date of Birth: Date: Address: City/State/Zip: Home Phone Number: Work Phone Number: Preferred Who will be primarily responsible for the care and training of the puppy? Name, ages, and relationships of household members: How many hours can you spend with a puppy each day, exercising and training? Have you ever owned a dog? What type(s)? Do you have experience training dogs? If yes, please describe: What is the home environment (please circle all that apply): House Apartment Own Rent Fenced Yard Unfenced

6 Are you able to bring the puppy to class at the QC CAN training Facility on a weekly basis? Please describe your current pets (breed, spayed/neuter, behavior, acceptance of other animals): How did you hear of QC CAN? Do you have any concerns or questions we may answer immediately? Thank you for your time and interest in Quad Cities Canine Assistance Network, Inc. Please return this application to us at: Hillary Plog, Re: Puppy raiser Application, th Street, Rock Island IL By making a commitment to being a puppy raiser, you are agreeing to provide the food, supplies, and a stable and loving home for the puppy. Only make the commitment if you are sure you can comply. Keep in mind that at the time of application, there may not be puppies available to place. You will be put on a list after the home interview is completed. Signature Date