Patriot PAWS Puppy Raiser Application                     PPSD Logo
  

Puppy Raiser/Sitter Requirements

Volunteer Puppy Raisers live and work with a service dog in training in their homes for an extended period. Puppy Raisers are instrumental in teaching our service dogs in training how to live in a house or apartment environment, how to go on daily errands, and potentially go to work with their Raiser.


Requirements include: 

  • At least 18-years-old to be primary handler; under 18 may assist a legal guardian. 
  • Understanding that this is a family/household commitment, and everyone in the family/household needs to be involved in the welfare of the dog. 
  • There shall be no more than 2 personal dogs per household (sitting or raising dog would equal 3 dogs in the home). 
  • Permission from landlord for dog to reside in rental unit. 
  • Allow a Puppy Raiser Coordinator to perform a work and/or home check. 
  • Attend a Patriot PAWS volunteer orientation. 
  • Attend training classes at our Rockwall campus. 
  • Attend monthly group outings around the Dallas metro. 
  • Shadow established Puppy Raiser teams to gain handling experience. 
  • Follow the training guidelines given by Patriot PAWS. 
  • Teach the dog good house manners. 
  • Return the dog to the Rockwall campus as instructed by the trainers for movement or veterinary care.
  • Service dog applicants are welcome to attend classes and outings to gain insight and hands-on experience but will not be able to puppy raise or sit. 

Additional full-time Puppy Raiser requirements include: 

  • Be willing and able (with supervisor permission) to take dog into work if working full-time away from the house. 
  • Attend weekly one-on-ones with a Puppy Raiser Coordinator to work on cues. 
  • Go on regular outings with your dog for socialization (i.e. shopping, work, family outings, etc). 

If you are unable to commit to being a full-time Puppy Raiser, another option is to become a sitter. Sitters watch our dogs for us over weekends or during full-time Raisers’ vacations. This allows the dogs to have their own breaks while still working on house manners in different homes. Dogs stay a range from a couple of days over the weekend or a week or two at a time. This is a good option for those who do not want the full-time commitment or cannot take a dog to their full-time job. Dog ages will range from 3 to 4 months to 2 years. 

Sitters follow the same requirements as full-time raisers, but only have a dog temporarily. Sitting dogs are not given public access (i.e. the dog will not be sent home with a Patriot PAWS vest). Travel to the Rockwall campus is required to pick up and drop off sitting dogs. A Puppy Raiser Coordinator will perform a home check prior to sitting assignments.

Personal Information















Home Life










Please check your typical availability for classes, outings, and other requirements:
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday





Experience/Training






Employment Information
Please fill out if you are wanting to be a Full-Time Puppy Raiser who works away from home







Disclaimer

I understand that puppy raising and sitting is a major responsibility and if I do not meet and maintain my handler requirements, I will be removed from the Approved Handler list and must contact my Puppy Raiser Coordinator for instructions before returning to sitting or raising.


I understand that dogs will be in training and may be a young age when they enter my home. I understand that house manners work is part of our responsibility as a raiser or sitter no matter the age of the dog. I will not hold Patriot PAWS responsible for damage to my property, ex. chewing or potty accidents.


I understand that these dogs are not “mine,” but rather are meant for a greater purpose. Therefore, I agree to follow the training guidelines put forth by the Patriot PAWS training staff. I also agree to return the Patriot PAWS dog when instructed, which may require me to transport the dog back to the Patriot PAWS Rockwall campus.


I hereby certify that the information provided in this form is true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. By initialing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the foregoing and agree to the terms and conditions set forth herein.



Edit section title
Patriot PAWS Service Dogs periodically uses forms of media (i.e., photography, video, audio, footage, testimonials) for publicity, social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Tik Tok, LinkedIn) and/or educational purposes. By signing, I acknowledge that I have received this document and give permission to Patriot PAWS Service Dogs to use my likeness (including first name, pictures, and video) in the above forms of media.


I understand that I have the right to revoke this authorization at any time, and it must be submitted in writing to the Compliance Officer at:

Terri Stringer/HIPAA Compliance Officer

Patriot PAWS Service Dogs

254 Ranch Trail

Rockwall, TX 75032