We are currently looking for Volunteer Puppy Walkers in Munster and Leinster (North Dublin, South Dublin and Athlone areas) only.
"Puppies like me are born to be guide or assistance dogs;
all we really need are some nice people to look after us, educate and play with us until we grow up and go to work in the big world as proper working dogs."
What do our volunteer puppy walkers do?
Puppy walkers foster a pup (starting at 7 weeks of age) in their own homes for approximately 12 months. The puppy walkers's job is to rear the puppy and educate it so that it becomes a well-mannered, well adjusted, socially acceptable animal. This education forms an essential foundation for the future.
How do we support our volunteer puppy walkers?
We host a variety of practical workshops for Puppy Walkers to aid their knowledge and assist them with dog handling skills. We provide you with all the resources, training and support you need to take on this rewarding and important role.
Our Puppy Walking Supervisors work closely with each puppy walker, keeping in regular contact and visiting to monitor the puppy's progress - all to enable our volunteer puppy walker to successfully socialise their puppy.
All veterinary fees and feeding costs are covered by Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Which kinds of people make ideal puppy walkers?
Retired people and families with children over 5, usually make good puppy walkers, but anyone can apply and having pets doesn't necessarily disqualify people. The important thing is that the person is able to spend time caring for and teaching the puppy.
Furthermore, it is important to note that applications are evaluated according to various criteria, the most important of which are:
- There needs to be an adult at home full time.
- Puppies cannot be placed in homes where there are children under the age of five.
- Homes must have a secure dog proofed garden (fenced or walled garden).
How do I apply to become a volunteer puppy walker?
We are currently looking for volunteer puppy walkers in Munster and Leinster (North Dublin, South Dublin and Athlone areas) only.
If you are interested in becoming a Puppy Walker, please complete the Puppy Walking Application Form.
If you have any questions or if you would like more information, please contact the Puppy Walking Supervisor in your area:
Mairead Whelan: Puppy Walking Supervisor - Leinster
Tel: 086 319 8560
Email: mairead@guidedogs.ie
Stephen Kelly: Puppy Walking Supervisor - Leinster
Tel: 087 994 5115
Email: stephen@guidedogs.ie
Orla Glavin: Puppy Walking Supervisor - Munster
Tel: 086 819 3191
Email: orla@guidedogs.ie
