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Breeding Dog Volunteers

Adopt a Breeding Dog and care for it in your home

What’s involved?

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

At Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind we own our own breeding colony. Volunteers across the country hold our brood bitches and stud dogs in their homes. This work involves caring for these dogs as part of your family and facilitating their travel to our National Training Centre in Cork for breeding. Our broods have a max of 4 litters after which they retire and remain as family pets.

For Brood Bitch Holders, it means caring for bitches during pregnancy and new litters of puppies in their first seven weeks.

Where can I volunteer in this role?

You can volunteer for this role in the Republic of Ireland.

What support will I get?

You will be supported by our Breeding team and our veterinary partners around breeding. You will have regular contact with our team and monthly check ups. We may require the broods to be transported to our National Training Centre in Cork, or our veterinary partners from time to time.

What are the benefits?

  • Be part of a dynamic organisation and meet new people

  • Make a difference to the lives of so many

  • Share a home with a wonderful dog

Please complete the following form to sign up to become a Breeding Dog Volunteer.

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

Have any questions? Contact us today at: 0818 506300 or email: support@guidedogs.ie

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Broodholder story

Our amazing community of Breeding Dog volunteers across the country hold our brood bitches and stud dogs in their homes. Read Sarah's story - link to story


Luke & Kain

Luke is still non-verbal but when I see him smiling down at Kain it shows me he doesn’t need words to express how happy he is.

Kim & Jango

Meeting Jango was one of the best moments of my life. He’s a beautiful big cuddly dog with the personality to match. From the moment I met him I knew we were going to be best buddies.

Shauna & Esme

When I needed a hand, I found a paw.

Conor & Quelda

When Conor is with Quelda he smiles and is comfortable being out and about which is such an amazing gift – we never leave home without her. She has changed all of our lives.

Aran & Buttons

Being a Guide Dog Owner is such a privilege and positive experience. Buttons has enhanced my life in so many ways and I will always be grateful for that.

Get in touch with us

Get in touch with us to find out more information.

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