Raising a Service Dog Puppy

To train a service dog is to give it your all so someone else can accomplish their goal

Why Be a Service Dog Puppy Raiser?

We simply can’t do without our puppy raisers! When you bring a service dog puppy into your home to love and raise for service dog training, you play a vital role in producing a service dog that is a valuable, life-changing member of the community.

At Putnam Service Dogs, we do things differently than most organizations. We cover the costs of vet care, grooming, food, a crate, and a few starter toys, while you provide daily love, care, and transportation. We also ask you for a bit of training support — in small snippets — with guidance from our trainer, of course.

What’s Involved in raising service dog puppies?

Putnam Service Dogs covers the major expenses, such as food, vet, grooming, some toys, leashes, harnesses, vests, and a dog bed. We ask raisers to provide a measuring cup, food bin, more toys, and for transportation as needed — for socialization, vet, grooming, events, etc. In the process, you’ll learn a LOT about dogs, and learn to be better dog handlers and dog parents.

Love the pup. It’s their love of people that helps them succeed as a service dog.
Exercise and play with the pup.
Train the pup in snippets several times a day.
Take the pup on outings each week.
Keep the pup safe and healthy.

Qualifications to raise service dog puppies for Putnam Service Dogs

Besides absolutely loving dogs, there are other characteristics and capabilities we look for to ensure our pups receive the best care in the early stages of their training before they start formal training. Not sure if you’re ready or think you are ready to raise a pup? If you can answer “Yes!” to these statements, we encourage you to apply to become a puppy raiser. Your support is a critical step in the process of raising pups with potential who can help someone who needs them.

I live in Putnam, Dutchess, or Westchester Counties, Upper NYC (Manhattan) or Connecticut – Brookfield to Ridgefield or Stamford area.
I either don’t have a dog or only have one that is friendly and nonaggressive to other dogs.
I’m able to walk a dog at least a mile a day.
I understand raising a pup can be hard work. I’m able to do the daily work required to raise a service dog pup.
If you work: I work from home, could bring the pup to the office, or have a partner who can care for the pup during the work day.
I understand it’s important to be with the pup most of the day.
I’m thankful to have a trainer for guidance and instructions, and am happy to follow their instructions for a successful outcome.
I’ll be dedicated to raising a great pup alongside Putnam Service Dogs to help someone who needs it.
I am kind, patient and can be consistent in raising a puppy for 6 months or more.
I’ve been looking forward to a volunteer opportunity where I can make a direct, significant contribution.

How To Become a Puppy Raiser with Putnam Service Dogs

Submit the online Application

We’ll learn more about you

Get matched with a pup!

“There’s more to raising service dog puppies than one might think. And I love it! I’ve raised several pups for Putnam Service Dogs. The trainer works with us twice a week, and I stay busy, so the puppies do to! They go everywhere with me – the rec center, church, coffee shops and to play bingo with friends.

At the end of the day, I’m saving the puppy’s life and help an individual with disabilities, too.”

-Janet (raiser of Duke, Eddie)

Not Ready to Raise a Service Dog Puppy Full Time?

We get it. Raising a puppy can be a lot. And if you’re not quite ready to take a pup on full time, or want to offer puppy raising support in another way, consider helping other puppy raisers while they’re on vacation!

Questions about Raising a Service Dog Puppy

How old is the pup I would raise?

Most pups we adopt are 3-5 months old.

How long will I raise the service dog puppy in my home?

Our dogs are turned in for formal training at 18-22 months. You choose your commitment length of 6, 12, or 18 months.

Can I take a vacation?

When you need some time away, we have a network of volunteers to step in and provide vacation relief homes to care for the pup when you’re gone.

What breed of pup would I raise?

We train carefully selected mixed breed dogs from rescue shelters. We train service dogs for mobility assistance, which are larger dogs that can grow to be 50+ lbs. We work hard to select pups that are friendly, intelligent, focused,no naggressive, and responsive to training. Essentially, you’ll get a great dog!

How much will raising a service dog puppy cost me?

You provide some toys, food & water bowls, a measuring cup, and gas/travel expenses to group classes, the vet, the groomer, and events. We cover the MAJOR expenses such as food, vet care, medications, grooming expense, leashes, harnesses, collars, crates, a dog bed, and some toys.

What should I expect the first week of fostering a puppy?

Puppy fostering is an incredible labor of love. Our team will equip you with everything you need to know at various stages of the puppy raising process — including your first week of fostering!

What happens to the pup if/when it’s released from our training program?

Our mission is to help people with disabilities with our very special dogs. We would adopt our release pups as Emotional Support Animals to someone living with disabilities. Your raising the pup is a gift to that person who is living a very challenging life.