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If you have space in your home and heart, for a guide dog dad who will be bringing the next generation of guide dogs in the world, then this could be the role for you! A role where you can care and nurture for a future dad who will be shaping the next generation of guide dogs.
Guide dog dads can happily live with other dogs or children, however we wouldn’t place them with a female dog that has not been spayed. To determine whether you are suitable, we will conduct a home visit as part of the application process.
If you don’t feel you tick every box, but are sure this role is the one for you, we’d love to hear from you! We’re always open to suggestions and are very happy to chat with you to discuss what’s possible, so please just get in touch at volunteer@guidedogs.org.uk.
Guide dog dad Pierre, surrounded by painted portraits of his father Trigger who fathered over 300 puppies, grandfather Jim who has 18 litters and great-grandfather Windsor who fathered a whopping 226 puppies. Pierre was selected for the breeding programme due to his elite family heritage.
Our volunteers have access to our bespoke training techniques to implement with their dog in training - a great bonus for any dog owners!
Our volunteers also receive lots of support from their volunteer managers to help them implement these training modules. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your interview along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.
Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any expenses related to your volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs or any specialist breeding equipment. All you may need to buy is a bed and grooming equipment.
Most of our guide dog mums and dads come from dogs that have been bred by us and will have been on the puppy raising journey. They are usually labradors, golden retrievers, or German shepherds (discover more about our guide dog breeds).
Our guide dog mums are typically mated 2-3 times with a guide dog dad during their 21-day season, to ensure the best chance of conception.
Each year, thanks to our guide dog dads and mums, we produce around 1,000 puppies.
We ask that volunteers for this role are aged 18 or over.
Guide Dog dads will be around 12-14 months old when placed in a home with volunteers.
This is sometimes possible, depending on the environment you work in. Once in role, speak with your volunteer manager for more information.
Yes, you do not need any previous experience to look after a guide dog dad. You will receive lots of support from your volunteer manager and training to prepare you for your volunteering role.
Guide Dogs can discuss your circumstances with you and help find a solution or rehome the guide dog dad if you can no longer keep him.