Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB) is Ireland’s national charity dedicated to enabling people who are vision impaired and families of children with autism to achieve improved mobility and independence.

For over 40 years we have worked with our community of volunteer Breeders, Puppy Raisers, Home Socialisers, Temporary Boarders, Trainers, Staff and supporters to change as many lives as possible.

Did You know?

We currently have nearly 400 Guide and Assistance Dogs Clients in Ireland
All of our services are provided free of charge
It costs over €5 million to run our organisation each year
We receive over 85% of our income through voluntary donations and fundraising through our Branch network across the country

Our PAWsome community of Puppy Raisers support our pups in their initial stages of training

Puppy Raisers foster one of our puppies from age 9 weeks until approximately 13-14 months.

At nine weeks old our puppies begin their journey to becoming a Guide Dog for a person who is vision impaired, or an Assistance Dog for a family of a child with autism. This journey starts in the homes of our Puppy Raising Volunteers.

The puppy will live with your family in your home. Under the direction of our Puppy Raising Supervisors, puppies learn basic rules and obedience, encountering everyday environments such as buses, trains and shopping centres. At approximately 13 months they move into our National Training Centre with our highly skilled trainers and the hard work towards graduating as a Guide or Assistance Dog begins.

What are the benefits of being a Puppy Raiser ?

The challenge and reward of seeing a puppy develop in your home.
The satisfaction that you have had a pivotal role in providing Guide and Assistance Dogs that enable people with a vision impairment or families of a child with autism to enjoy the same freedom and independence as everyone else.
The opportunity to learn new dog training skills from our Puppy Raising Supervisors.

Puppy Raiser Stories

Bill Murphy with Stanley

It was a year after my wife passed away that I decided I needed some purpose in my life so as a dog lover all my life and a sponsor of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind for many years it seemed a like a natural thing for me to do.

What’s involved?

This is a full-time volunteering role. Living in a Volunteer’s home is crucial to the development of the puppy. Experience with obedience training dogs would be an advantage.
You will have a designated a Puppy Raising Supervisor who will provide you with the training and support necessary to educate your puppy. Your goal is to raise your puppy to become well-mannered and socialised. The training you give your puppy is an essential foundation for their future success.

How do we support our Puppy Raisers ?

We provide training at home and online for Puppy Raisers to aid their knowledge and assist them with dog handling skills.

Our Puppy Raising Supervisors work closely with each Puppy Raiser, keeping in regular contact and visiting to monitor the puppy’s progress – all to enable our volunteer Puppy Raiser to successfully socialise their puppy.

All veterinary fees and feeding costs are covered by Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. You will receive a create, leads etc. etc. and when you go on holidays we’ll find a nice home for your pup.

Puppy Raiser Stories

Ciara Canning with Honey and Valerio

I moved back to Ireland during the Covid pandemic after 20 years living abroad. Becoming a Temporary Boarder and Puppy Raiser helped me discover and feel part of a community. The unique thing about having a puppy in training is you can bring them everywhere. I meet new people every time I go out with the pup. I see the joy it brings to people’s faces and it’s made me a happier, more confident person.

Puppy Raiser Stories

Ciara Canning with Honey and Valerio

What are the requirements ?

Up to 2 dogs in the home is fine once they are sociable and neutered.
The puppy must not be left alone for more than four hours.
You must have access to a secured outdoor area.
Children in the home must be over five years of age.
You must be 18 years or older, but the whole family can get involved.

What kind of people make good Puppy Raisers?

Retired people and families with children generally make good Puppy Raisers, but anyone can apply, and having pets doesn’t necessarily exclude people. The important thing is that the person is able to spend time caring for and teaching the puppy.

Grow our community in your community

Find out how you can make a difference in your area
by visiting our website or emailing pups@guidedogs.ie

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