Opportunities From: New Hampshire's Volunteer Hub

ACTS - Assistance Canine Training Services raises and trains service dogs for people with mobility disabilities and for facilities that use dogs for animal assisted therapy. ACTS is a volunteer driven organization and at the center of the program are the puppy raisers.

All weekly required puppy raiser trainings are held at Telling Tails Training Center, Center Conway, NH or in the greater Mount Washington Valley (North Conway).  All puppy raisers must attend these trainings.

Short Term Puppy Raising

2-6 month time commitment

Generally, paired with a puppy that is ~8-10 weeks old

Possibility to become full term puppy raiser

Long Term Puppy Raising

18-24 month time commitment, varies depending on age of dog when paired

Puppy raisers commit up to two years to the socialization and training of a puppy. They generally receive puppies at the age of eight weeks, although occasionally puppy raisers may receive older puppies. The commitment involves a willingness to learn, spend time in training classes, spend time socializing the puppy in public places, and a great deal of heart.

Puppies live in puppy raiser homes as a part of the family. They must learn how to behave both at home and out in public. Training and socialization are very important and raisers must be willing to work with puppies using the guidelines set forth by ACTS.

We consider puppy raising to be not only an individual endeavor, but also a group project. We practice in group classes and puppy raisers are encouraged to enjoy the company and assistance of other raisers by practicing in teams or in small groups.  Each ACTS volunteer is considered an important part of every graduating team whether they were the puppy raiser or not. Everyone is invited to attend graduation and celebrate the teams that complete their training.

Sometimes our puppies let us know that they are not suited for service dog or facility therapy dog work, in which case they are placed as either as Detection Dogs (explosive, narcotics, electronics or arson) or Dream Dogs (adoptable pet dogs) with appropriate families. Our ACTS family is proud of all of our dogs and we celebrate the placement of each of them.

Puppy raising can be one of the most fulfilling volunteer opportunities available. Seeing how the life of an individual can be changed by a dog is an amazing experience. In addition to the joy that is seen in the end-product, puppy raisers grow and learn in their dog training skills. They create new and often long-lasting friendships. They meet and work with some wonderful dogs. And finally, there is that feeling that can only come from giving of yourself and your time to others.

Puppy raisers must be at least 15 years of age.

No prior experience is required. We provide on the job training!

Puppy raisers are NOT responsible for expenses relating to dog food, flea/tick/heartworm prevention, and veterinary care.

Puppy raisers ARE responsible for expenses such as treats, toys, grooming supplies, and other various expenses.

For a full list of puppy raiser requirements and to apply to be a puppy raiser, please visit https://www.assistancecanine.org/about-puppy-raising