If you are looking for a unique volunteering opportunity, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT urgently needs to find caring homes for 30 Guide Dog puppies in the Lower Blue Mountains area.

Puppy raising volunteers care for a Guide Dog puppy for a year, from when it is eight weeks old to 14 months old, playing an invaluable role in preparing it for its potential career as a Guide Dog.

“As well as providing lots of love and cuddles, puppy raisers help introduce pups to the sights, sounds and smells it is likely to encounter as a Guide Dog,” Guide Dogs NSW and ACT puppy development manager Karen Hayter said.  

Puppy raisers need to have a fully-fenced yard, be away from home no more than four hours at a time, have access to a car and attend training days in the local area.

Puppy raisers must also be available to visit the Guide Dogs Centre at Glossodia for vet checks and puppy pre-school when required.

“We are looking for people that are home most of the time, who are interested in putting effort into training and socialising the dog. What you will get in return is a fantastic experience,” Ms Hayter said.

While puppy raisers are responsible for everyday activities such as grooming, house training and exercising their pups, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT provides a strong support network.

“We provide the food, veterinary care, flea and tick prevention and we’re always on hand to answer any questions and provide guidance to our puppy raisers,” Ms Hayter said.

Every day in Australia, 28 people are diagnosed with vision loss that cannot be corrected, including nine who will become blind.

“With the demand for Guide Dogs’ services increasing due to growing numbers of people having trouble getting around as a result of vision loss, we’re incredibly grateful for the support we receive from the community,” Ms Hayter said.

“Our volunteer puppy raisers make a wonderful contribution in helping to transform a playful puppy into a responsible Guide Dog that will one day change the life of someone who is blind or vision impaired.”

It takes over two years and costs more than $35,000 to raise breed, raise and train each Guide Dog. Like all of the organisation’s services, Guide Dogs are provided at no cost to those who need them.

If you would like to become a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, you can apply online at www.guidedogs.com.au/guide-dogs/puppy-raising or call the Guide Dogs Centre at Glossodia on 4579 7555.