This website uses cookies for anonymised analytics and for account authentication. See our privacy and cookies policies for more information.




Volunteer Development Scotland Ltd. (also known as Volunteer Scotland).
Charity registered in Scotland SC013740 and a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland, No. SC106743. Our registered Office is Jubilee House, Forthside Way, Stirling. FK8 1QZ

Sign in to use saved searches

 

Guide Dog Fosterer

Our ambition is a future where every person with sight loss has the confidence and support they need to live their lives to the full. To help achieve this objective we are looking for fostering volunteers.

Our respite fosterers provide temporary accommodation for a dog at home on behalf of Guide Dogs, and comply with the Boarders Agreement in relation to the welfare and handling of the dog or puppy.

Experience required

All boarders will be required to attend training sessions. Those handling younger and larger/more active dogs need more training.
Enjoy working with dogs and have suitable accommodation.
Perseverance to help support the training of the dogs.
Good communication skills.

Travel details

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 7-9am and 4.30-6pm. The dog will need to be exercised on a regular basis. 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.
Any expenses relating to volunteering will be reimbursed in line with our policy.

Travel expenses

Pre-agreed, as per organisational expenses policy.

Support
Training details

• Regular and ongoing support and training from your supervisor.
• Attending Boarder Training programme.
• Basic induction to Guide Dogs and to the role.
• All food, veterinary costs and the provision of equipment.
• Payment of out of pocket expenses in accordance with the Guide Dogs volunteer expenses policy.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 18
Due to some of the additional needs dogs in respite care may have, it is preferable for families not to have young children below the age of 12 or pet dogs.

Availability
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Frequency & commitment
A small number of Respite Boarders are required for when we need someone to care for dogs unexpectedly. This is for varying periods, for example, taking dogs full time if they don-t settle in kennels, are unwell or they are withdrawn from training.

Volunteers (aged 18-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
Find out more