Voluntary Roles

Role outline

Role title:  Foster Carer, Department:  Dog Training, Co-ordinator:  Dog Trainer  

The role of the Puppy Foster Carer is to ensure that the puppy has a good foundation before it starts its training to become part of one of our services.

As a Puppy Foster Carer, you will be required to take on a puppy and have him or her living in your home for between 12 and 18 months, depending on which programme the Assistance Dog is being trained for. As a puppy foster carer you play a vital role in the early socialization and training of the ADNI puppy. You will introduce the puppy to the world in a safe and loving environment, to give them all the confidence they need. You are taught by ADNI expert trainers , who are on hand to support and guide you during all the training. You must have the time and commitment and be physically able to provide basic obedience training, socialisation and appropriate exercise required for a young dog.

To enable you to carry out this role all equipment will be supplied by the Charity.

Main tasks:

• Maintain health and welfare of the puppy in accordance with our guidelines
• Provide ongoing basic obedience along with a gradual introduction to new environments, with the help and support of ADNI Dog Trainers.
• Adhere to advice and carry out any instructions given by the ADNI Dog Trainer, keeping them updated regularly on the progress of the dog
• Attend regular puppy training classes
• Allow our Dog Trainer to visit you in your home to carry out regular assessments and support visits.
• To ensure, if and when appropriate, that the puppy receives emergency veterinary care as soon as possible and that Assistance Dogs NI is informed at the earliest opportunity.

Desired skills/abilities:

Although no experience is necessary as all relevant support and training will be provided, Puppy Foster Carers are required to meet the following criteria:

• You have a fully fenced, safe and secure garden
• Any children within the home should be over the age of two years old, although younger children may be taken into consideration
• You must be at home for most of the day  ( you leave the ADNI puppy for no more than  two hours when the puppy is under 16 weeks of age)
• Your circumstances and routine are reasonably stable and consistent
• You are able to provide the puppy with regular exercise, contact with children, other dogs and cats.
• You must have the time to provide the puppy with socialization and education it needs.
• You have access to a vehicle in order to attend dog training classes on a regular basis.

What we can offer you

Expert support from our dog trainers.

Peer Support

24/7 support from ADNI staff.

What you will gain from volunteering in this role:

• The satisfaction of knowing you have played an important role in a life changing service
• Learning new skills to gain a better understanding of dog training
• The opportunity to be part of a team and meet new people
• Meeting other volunteers at social events organised by the Charity.

Disclosure & Barring Service Check: Not required