Volunteer to Be An Adult and Puppy Raiser

Support service dogs being trained.  We have puppy programs in Edmonton, Calgary and Medicine Hat.

Our Three Volunteer Programs

Puppy Raiser Program

Help train, nurture, and lay the foundation for our dogs.

“Being a part of this community of trainers, families, and fosters, and watching these dogs learn and develop their skills, has been such a beautiful and eye-opening experience. I am learning as much as the puppy and am thoroughly enjoying the process. Seeing her progress in her skills gives me a glimpse into the amazing difference she will make in her future family’s lives.”
~ Deborah Day

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Adult Raiser

Support adult service dogs in training.

“After over three years of being part of the adult raiser program at Aspen Services we have fostered a number of amazing dogs. Getting to see each dog mature, learn new skills, and reach their highest potential is very rewarding. Observing every dog’s unique personality has been a journey in itself. It is very sad when they leave for their forever home. However, it makes it all worthwhile knowing that they will make a tremendously positive impact on the quality of someone’s life. Honestly, we could not imagine our life without the Aspen community.”
~ Curtis Family

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Short-Term Boarding

Temporary boarding for service dogs in training.

“Boarding is a great option for the novice considering dog ownership. Also a great option for those who aren’t able to go the full time route. Great experience and highly recommended for either of these scenarios.”
~ Alex Ree

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Sign up to be a Puppy Raiser
Sign up to be an Adult Raiser
Sign Up for Short Term Boarding

Puppy Raisers are a Special Breed – Are YOU One?

Basic obedience, house manners, and a supportive first home help our puppies grow into confident, socialized canines and provide a basis for Service Dog training.

The puppy will be with its Puppy Raiser for well over a year.

Puppy Raiser will commit to:

  • Attending weekly puppy training classes with Aspen Service Dogs/ASD trainers;
  • Teaching the puppy basic obedience and house manners;
  • Taking the puppy many places, all the while encouraging socialization and new experiences;
  • Being present with the puppy as much as possible and not leaving them unattended for long periods of time;
  • Providing a stable, comfortable home for the puppy;

Being a Puppy Raiser is a truly rewarding experience and a wonderful way to make a positive contribution to the life of another person – the ultimate owner of the Service Dog.

Aspen Service Dogs will commit to:

  • Providing Puppy Raiser with gear, food, veterinary services, training, support, and encouragement to be a successful Puppy Raiser.
  • Providing temporary boarding homes for when the Puppy Raiser is away on vacation or other circumstances occur.
Sign up to be a Puppy Raiser

Adult Raisers

As an Adult Raiser you will become part of an exciting time for the service dog in training. The service dog will now be 1 year old and ready to commence their advanced education which takes place in our training centre.

The Service Dog in advanced training will living with their Adult Raiser for a period of 10 – 12 months.

Adult Raiser will commit to:

  • Dropping off the dog to Aspen Service Dog School Monday – Friday excluding holidays. This will require the Adult Raiser to have a valid driver’s license and a vehicle.
  • Having the service dog dropped off between 7:30 – 9:30 am and picked up after 3:30 – 5:30 pm. We work closely with our Adult Raisers to work within their schedule as well.
  • Having the service dog live in their home and be part of their family activities.
  • Maintain basis obedience skills and house manner, which we will assist you with.
  • Providing a stable, comfortable home for the dog.

Aspen Service Dogs will commit to:

  • Providing you with the gear, food, veterinary services, training, support, and encouragement to be a wonderful Adult Raiser.
  • Find temporary boarding homes available for when the Adult Raiser if you go away on a vacation or if other circumstances arise.
Sign up to be an Adult Raiser

Short-Term Boarding

Sometimes Puppy Raisers and Adult Raisers need to go away so this is when Boarders play a very important role in the life of training a Service Dog.

Boarders will commit to:

  • Bring the service dog in training into their home for a period of 1 – 30 days which the Raiser is away.
  • Having the service dog live in their home and be part of their family activities.
  • Maintain basis obedience skills and house manner, which we will assist you with.
  • Providing a stable, comfortable home for the dog.

Aspen Service Dogs will commit to:

  • Providing you with the gear, food, veterinary services, training, support, and encouragement to be a wonderful Boarder.
Sign up to for Short Term Boarding