FOSTER HOMES

Fostering a NEWSD puppy takes commitment, compassion, and a love of dogs-no experience needed! It is an enriching heartwarming experience for you, your family and the dog. Your hearts can be warmed by the knowledge that you are making a tremendous difference in the life of a person with a disability.

Volunteer foster homes are the heart and soul of NEWSD. These volunteers take puppies from our breeding program into their homes and hearts for approximately 1 1/2 to 2½ years. As foster home trainers, they attend weekly training classes where they learn how to teach their fostered dog the skills necessary to work as a service dog. They regularly practice the lessons they learned in class, oversee the dog's health, and socialize the puppy/dog to everyday places and situations.

Do you want to learn more about becoming a foster home trainer? Read more about Foster Home Guidelines and Expectations!

Other Questions for Volunteer Foster Homes

Do I need a fenced yard?

For the safety of the dog, we strongly encourage our foster homes to have a fenced yard. Acceptance of a foster home without a fenced yard is done on a case-by-case basis.

What Equipment of Supplies do I need?

NEWSD provides a Gentle Leader, training cape or pack, crate, foster home manual, training lessons, and public access ID card. We will also provide food when funding allows.

Who takes care of the Service Dog if I go out of town?

Usually another foster home will take care of your foster dog when you are out of town. We like our puppies to become accustomed to new experiences and occasionally we will ask foster homes to exchange puppies for a week. Instructors also periodically take dogs in training for evaluation of their skills.

Will I get to meet the individual who receives the Service Dog I train?

Yes, foster home providers have an opportunity to meet the individual who receives the dog they trained. Applicants for service dogs must complete a team training course.with their potential service dog and you can observe these classes on a limited basis. At the end of the team training, graduation is held and you have the opportunity to celebrate reaching the goal of your dog graduating as a service dog.

What if the dog is not placed as a Service Dog?

Sometimes dogs in training cannot be placed as service dogs due to reasons such as health or temperament. These dogs may need a career change. NorthEast Wisconsin Service Dogs staff will evaluate the situation and determine what is best for the dog. In many cases, ownership is transfered to the foster home providers if they wish to adopt the dog.

(920) 437-1076

E-mail questions@newservicedogs.org