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.

“LOVE the Aspen Service Dogs family/dogs SO MUCH! Being a puppy raiser is such an amazing and rewarding experience. I wish I could train with these dogs and their humans all day every day.

If you have ever thought that what I get to do as a volunteer with Aspen Service Dogs is super cool and fun, now is a great time to check out their website and see if puppy raising is for you!”
~ Alyssa

Adult Raiser

Support adult service dogs in training.

“I have had the first-hand experience of being an adult foster service dog raiser. It ranks among the most fulfilling experiences in my life. Knowing that I actually played a role in preparing a service dog to be matched with someone that has a disability in our community is literally heartwarming.”
~ Len Rhodes

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

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.

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 – 9 am and picked up after 4 – 6 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.

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.