Give the Gift of Independence

Imagine not being able to open the refrigerator or pick your clothes up off the floor. What if you couldn’t reach the phone to dial 911? These are just a few of the challenges people with physical disabilities face every day.

The goal of Baylor Health Care System (BHCS) Service Dog Academy is to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by providing specially trained service dogs. To realize our goal, we need dedicated volunteers to raise the puppies until they are old enough to enter our specialized training program. We also occasionally need volunteer puppy sitters.

Make a Difference in Someone's Life

Raising a puppy for the BHCS Service Dog Academy requires a significant commitment in time, money and affection.  But the ultimate value provided by the service dog the puppy will become is immeasurable.

Learn more about becoming a volunteer:

• Responsibilities of a Puppy Raiser
• Qualities of an Ideal Service Dog Candidate
• Frequently Asked Questions
   

Responsibilities of a Puppy Raiser 

The puppy will be placed with you at eight weeks old and will live in your home for approximately 12 to 18 months. You will then return the puppy to the BHCS Service Dog Academy for four to six months of advanced training.

Training Responsibilities

• Teach the puppy approximately 32 basic commands, good house manners, how to walk nicely on a loose leash and good social skills
• Keep the puppy on leash at all times unless in a securely fenced area
  Closely control territorial marking in male puppies
• Practice exercises listed in the puppy raiser manual
• Take weekly puppy classes with the Baylor trainer
• Turn in monthly puppy reports
• Attend all scheduled outings with the puppy or provide transportation for the puppy to outings, if unable to attend

Caregiver Responsibilities

As a volunteer puppy raiser, you agree to take on the costs* of properly raising the puppy, including:

• Veterinary care
• Microchipping
• Heartworm medication
• Spaying/ neutering (if requested by BHCS)
• Food
• Transportation to and from BHCS Service Dog Academy
• Other miscellaneous costs, such as bowls, toys, leashes and crates

Qualities of an Ideal Service Dog Candidate

A puppy must have a suitable temperament and behavior to be considered as a service dog candidate. As a puppy raiser, your goal will be to raise a dog with the following qualities:

• Walks calmly by your side on a loose leash
• Remains confident and calm in all public situations
• Does not eat food off of the floor
• Toilets on command on and off leash, at home or away, on surfaces you choose
• Does not beg for food
• Remains calm when introduced to children and strangers
• Does not “protect” toys, food, home
• Is not aggressive toward other animals or people
• Is trustworthy when left alone
• Is well groomed and healthy (nails short, teeth and ears clean, no offensive odor, good body weight for size)
• Friendly but mannerly, seeking direction from handler
• Is willing to work

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I have two dogs already. Can I still be a puppy raiser?
A. Probably. It depends on your current dogs’ gender, breed and age.

Q. Veterinary care can be expensive. Does Baylor cover any of the costs?
A. No. But because Baylor Health Care System Service Dog Academy is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, your expenses incurred in raising the puppy may be tax-deductible.* Many veterinarians offer discounts for service dogs and puppies in training.

Q. What happens if I become really attached to the puppy?
A. You sign a contract agreeing to give the puppy back to BHCS Service Dog Academy at the appropriate time. Even though you will grow to love the puppy, you must remember the individual whose life will be greatly enhanced by his or her service dog.

Q. What happens if the puppy is not able to complete the advanced training?
A. If a dog is released from the program, the program director will see if the puppy is appropriate for any other type of service work. If not appropriate, the puppy raiser will be given the option to take the dog back as a pet. If you decide not to take the dog back, BHCS will find a good home for the dog.

Q. Will I get to meet the person who is given the service dog?
A. Yes! The puppy raiser will present the dog to the new guardian at graduation.

*Because BHCS Service Dog Academy is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, all of your expenses incurred in raising the puppy may be tax-deductible. Please consult your tax advisor.