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- Tasks: Become a puppy parent, socialising and training adorable pups for 14-18 months.
- Company: Join Canine Partners, a charity transforming lives with assistance dogs for those with disabilities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible volunteering, training support, and reimbursement for travel expenses.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while bonding with puppies and learning valuable training skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have a secure garden, and be home most of the day.
- Other info: No prior dog experience needed; just a passion for helping others!
Canine Partners is a registered charity that transforms the lives of people with physical disabilities by partnering them with assistance dogs. Our amazing dogs bring a greater independence and quality of life to their partners, offering support, security, companionship, and practical help with everyday household tasks.
Canine Partners are looking for caring family homes in South Hampshire, ideally within 45 minutes of PO20 0LG and PO20 2HG to socialise and train puppies and young dogs up to the age of 18 months old. If you can support Canine Partners by helping raise and train one of our puppies or dogs, we would love to hear from you.
We consider this to be a full-time volunteer role. The puppy/dog will live with you from 8 weeks old until it is ready to progress into advanced training, which is between 14 to 18 months old.
SkillsWhat is involved with being a puppy parent?
- Be available for and attend training sessions that will involve:
- Home visits
- Virtual online training
- Regular group puppy training classes
- Regular visits to various environments to expose the puppy to the following conditions in order to socialise them: busy town environments, car travel, public transport, children, cats, other dogs (different breeds), and other domestic animals.
- The primary puppy parent must be 18 years or over.
- Have a dog-friendly secure garden and a designated dog toileting area (this will be discussed during the interview).
- If you are a dog owner, you can have two pet dogs of suitable temperament. This will be assessed as part of the home assessment. They must be over 18 months of age.
- Be at home for most of the day and live within an hour of the requested location.
- Have time to provide the puppy with the socialisation and education it needs in order to prepare it for advanced training.
- Have stamina to manage a young active puppy/dog.
- Access to own transport to travel to classes and training locations on a regular basis.
- Maintain focus that the puppy in your care remains a Canine Partners Dog and will go on to become a fully trained assistance dog with one of our partners.
- Induction process which includes submitting an application, telephone interview, home visit, training, and handling sessions.
- Each volunteer is allocated a Canine Partners trainer as their first point of contact.
- Receive regular training, resources, and other important information via your trainer, this may be in the format of physical copies, digital, or in person.
- No previous dog ownership experience is needed, but you must meet the criteria listed above to be considered.
- Payment of expenditure such as mileage to and from a training session with a Canine Partner representative.
- This opportunity can be carried out whilst working from home.
Volunteer Puppy Parent employer: Volunteer First
Contact Detail:
Volunteer First Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Puppy Parent
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Canine Partners and their mission. Understanding the charity's goals and values will help you convey your passion for their work during interviews and training sessions.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the local dog training community or attend puppy training classes. This will not only enhance your skills but also show your commitment to dog training, which is crucial for the role of a puppy parent.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare your home for a puppy by creating a safe and welcoming environment. Having a secure garden and designated toileting area ready will demonstrate your readiness and suitability for the role during the home assessment.
✨Tip Number 4
Be proactive in reaching out to current or former puppy parents. They can provide valuable insights and tips about the role, helping you understand what to expect and how to excel in your responsibilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Puppy Parent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand what being a Volunteer Puppy Parent entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and requirements, so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you don't have previous dog ownership experience, think about any relevant skills or experiences that demonstrate your ability to care for a puppy. This could include volunteering, caring for pets, or working with children.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for animal welfare and your commitment to helping others. Explain why you want to be a puppy parent and how you can contribute to Canine Partners' mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, make sure to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is important for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Volunteer First
✨Show Your Passion for Dogs
Make sure to express your love for dogs and your commitment to their training and socialisation. Canine Partners is looking for individuals who genuinely care about the well-being of the puppies, so share any relevant experiences you have with dogs, even if it's just pet ownership.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of being a puppy parent. Be prepared to discuss how you would manage the daily needs of a young puppy, including training, socialisation, and ensuring a safe environment. This shows that you are serious about the commitment involved.
✨Ask Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the training process, support from trainers, and what a typical day looks like as a puppy parent. This demonstrates your interest in the role and helps you understand what to expect.
✨Highlight Your Availability
Be clear about your availability and willingness to attend training sessions and classes. Since this is a full-time volunteer role, emphasising your ability to dedicate time to the puppy's training and socialisation will be crucial in making a positive impression.
