Breeding Dog Host Volunteer

Host a Breeding Dog and care for it in your home

Be part of our Breeding Programme and help us to create the next generation of amazing Guide and Assistance Dogs.

At Irish Guide Dogs we have our own breeding colony. Volunteers across the country hold our brood bitches and stud dogs in their homes. As a brood stockholder, you would welcome our dogs into your home as part of your family. This role involves caring for them during pregnancy, having the puppies born in your home, supporting their early socialisation over the first eight weeks, and assisting with our brood and studs safe transfer to our reproductive facility when required for breeding.

Where can I volunteer in this role?

You can volunteer for this role in the Republic of Ireland. Simply complete the form at the end of this page and we will be in touch.

What support will I get?

You will be fully trained and supported every step of the way by our experienced Breeding team and our veterinary partners.

We cover all the costs, vet care, equipment, and boarding the dog while you are on holiday. You will have regular contact with our team and monthly check-ups. From time to time, we may require the broods to be transported to our Training Centre in Cork, the reproductive facility in Clonmel or our veterinary partners.

What are the benefits of becoming a Brood Dog Host?

1. Experience the joy of having a dog – with purpose: You’ll enjoy the companionship, love, and loyalty of a well-bred, social dog – knowing that you’re helping to change lives. It’s a heartwarming experience for the whole family to enjoy together.

2. Make a life-changing impact: Every litter born in your home brings hope to people who are blind or vision impaired, or to families of children with autism. These puppies are the future Guide and Assistance dogs who will provide independence and support.

3. Be part of a supportive community: You won’t be doing this alone. You’ll be supported by a dedicated team of experts at Irish Guide Dogs, along with other breeding dog hosts who share your passion.

4. Full veterinary and breeding support: We cover the costs related to breeding, veterinary care, and offer 24/7 support when needed. Your role is to provide love, care, and a stable home.

5. Enjoy puppies without long-term commitment: If you’ve ever wanted to experience the joy of raising puppies, this is a special opportunity – all the while knowing they are destined for extraordinary futures.

6. Help socialise the next generation of working dogs: You’ll play a key role in shaping confident, well-socialised puppies during the critical first 8 weeks of life.

7. A meaningful way to give back – from your own home: You don’t need to be on the front lines to make a difference. By opening your home to a brood bitch, you’re making a powerful contribution from where you are.

8. A unique and rewarding experience: This is more than just having a dog. It's a chance to be part of something bigger – watching the dogs you care for go on to provide life-changing assistance and independence.

Criteria

We’re looking for:

• People who are home during the day (retired, work-from-home, stay-at-home parents with kids older than 5 years)

• A calm environment

• Access to a car for vet visits and support trips

• A secure, clean space where mum can give birth and raise her pups

• A willingness to care for both the brood dog and her litters

Being a Breeding Dog Host is an incredible way to give back – and it all starts in your home.