In this role you will provide a temporary home for a dog, using the support and guidance of Guide Dogs for the welfare and handling of the dog.
(81) Volunteer Fosterer | Guide Dogs | Accessible Version - YouTube
What you’ll be doing
We rely on volunteers like you to help us improve the lives of people with sight loss. We have dogs at various ages and stages of their career who may need temporary accommodation and the need will be dependent on your location and circumstances. In this role your support will include:
- Providing a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for a dog or puppy.
- Ensuring the dog or puppy is fed, exercised, and cared for to maintain excellent health.
- Using positive reinforcement training techniques to teach or maintain behaviours.
- Ensuring the dog is not left alone for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period.
Foster volunteers who care for dogs in training need to drop off and collect their dog from a Guide Dogs location. Times vary but are normally Monday to Friday between 8-9am and 5-6pm.
Foster families who have someone at home during the day will generally be able to keep the dogs at home, however there may be times we need to collect the dog or ask for them to be taken somewhere local.
You’ll have
Ideally you will:
- Have a home with a safely fenced garden or safe area for the dog go to the toilet.
- Have dog handling experience but not essential.
- Be a confident and conscientious driver and have access to a car you are insured to drive.
If you don’t feel you tick every box but are sure this role is the one for you, please drop us a message and tell us why. We’re open to suggestions and happy to chat with you to find out what’s possible!
You’ll get
Volunteering is a two-way street, so in return for your time you will get a dedicated key contact who will help you settle in and support you during your time with us. You’ll also get:
- The opportunity to care for and have the companionship of a dog for evenings and weekends or for short periods of time.
- Dedicated support to develop your dog handling and welfare knowledge.
- The satisfaction that you are part of a committed team with a pivotal role in providing guide dogs for people living with a visual impairment.
Training and support
This role has 6-8 hours of training and then you’ll be ready to go! These modules include:
- Dog knowledge, care, handling
- Handling younger and larger/ more active dog need more training
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 in line with our policy.
What we need from you
Criminal Disclosure check necessary? No
We are working hard to make sure anyone who wants to can volunteer for Guide Dogs, but at the moment we have a minimum age of 18 for this particular role.
Essential Criteria and FAQs:
What is involved?
The dog will largely be with the trainer during weekdays, but will be with you at home evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays.
You MUST be able to drop off and pick up the dog from our office at 10 Stillhouse Lane, Bedminster, BS3 4EB at the beginning and end of each day (Mon-Fri).
Prior to beginning your role as a fosterer, we will train you to handle the trainee Guide Dog correctly and safely at one of our Fosterer Training Workshops. Once you are boarding a dog, it will then be necessary to strictly follow the dog’s trainer’s advice and the dog handling procedures that have been taught during the Boarder Training Workshop to provide consistency for your dog.
The areas we will be looking for your support in particular, include:
- Establishing a good toileting routine on hardstanding (paving slabs) or gravel (this is vital for to enable visually impaired people to manage);
- Calm and relaxed behaviour in the home;
- Sensible greeting of visitors;
- Reliable recall and appropriate behaviour on free runs;
- Quiet and comfortable being left for up to 4 hours;
- Quiet and comfortable being left downstairs overnight;
- Non-attention seeking;
- Settling down during mealtimes either underneath the table or on the bed;
- Comfortable and appropriate behaviour around other pets and children;
- Non-scavenging/sniffing/spending on walks.
More Info:
What about my home?
You need to have a suitable area in your home to accommodate the dog, with easy access to a small hard surfaced/paved or gravel toileting area, ideally fenced off. We will visit your home to carry out an interview /assessment.
What if I live in rented accommodation?
Do check with your landlord, but it is unlikely you will be allowed to keep animals and unfortunately this includes trainee Guide Dogs.
What about other pets?
It is not a problem having other pets in the home, but any pet dogs must have suitable temperament.
Do I need an estate car?
No, most cars can accommodate a dog in the boot or on the back seat with a harness. We can advise you of requirements and can provide a loan of a harness.
Looking after the dog
Most days the dog will be working with its trainer in the day and simply needs some ‘down time’ in the evenings. You will be specifically advised and receive training on exercising the dog at other times.
What about food?
Our training dogs are on a controlled diet and have a strict eating regime, which you will be required to follow. All food is paid for and provided by us.
What if I the dog falls ill or has an accident?
This is very rare, but you will be provided with information on local vets and emergency contacts etc. if the need arises. We have a Dog Care and Welfare Officer attached to the team for help and advice, also a 24hr helpline in case of emergency. All vet bills are covered by Guide Dogs
What about Insurance?
All guide dogs are fully insured for accident or injury to themselves or third parties.
What about training and support?
You will be required to attend a training course and full support is on hand through your local Guide Dogs contact.
Can I take the dog away with me at weekends?
There is flexibility but any travel should be agreed with the Guide Dog Mobility Instructor assigned to the dog and is dealt with on an individual basis.
What about expenses?
You will be able to claim any out of pocket expenses to attend any training or deliver the dog outside of your normal commute.
To apply for this role, please head over to our website at Volunteering Opportunities | Guide Dogs.