Training Dog Fosterer

Guide Dogs for the Blind
VO102844

Love dogs? Have space in your home? Become a Training Dog Fosterer!
If you're passionate about dogs and have room in your home during evenings and weekends, this could be the perfect role for you!
As a Training Dog Fosterer, you’ll provide a temporary, loving home to a dog who is training to become a life-changing guide dog. You’ll play a vital role in their journey, supporting their development while enjoying all the rewards of canine companionship—without the full-time commitment.
What’s involved?
• The daily school run – You'll drop off and pick up your dog in training at our Hamilton site (ML3 6JT) Monday to Friday. Drop-off is between 8–9am and pick up is between 5–5.45pm.
• Home care – You'll look after your dog at home, including feeding, grooming, exercising, and playing, while following advice and guidance from our expert team.
• Supporting their training – You'll help reinforce the training techniques at home, building on the foundation laid by our first-class trainers.
• Time together – To help your dog thrive, they shouldn’t be left alone for more than four hours within any 24-hour period. Planning a holiday? Just let us know in advance so we can arrange alternative cover.
Training and support:
• You’ll attend a training workshop to understand the basics of our bespoke training techniques so you can confidently support your dog’s training at home. You’ll also receive ongoing guidance from your volunteer manager. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your initial phone call along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.

We also offer respite fosterer opportunities, where you can temporarily care for a dog that needs extra support without needing to attend the Hamilton site.
Ready to change a life – and maybe your own? Find out more and apply online at: www.guidedogs.org.uk/fosterer

How to Apply:
If you are interested, please click the ‘Apply’ button below (available when logged in and registered). You will then be contacted by the coordinator by email or phone call. If you have not heard back after 5 working days, the first step is to contact the organisation with the contact details provided. You could also check your junk/spam folder for your emails just in case the response is there. If that doesn’t work out, please feel free to contact Volunteer Glasgow at info@volunteerglasgow.org.

Experience required

If you’re hoping to foster a guide dog in training, here’s what we ideally look for:
• Being close to our Hamilton site so that your dog can get to their training.
• The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in your home if you rent your home.
• A safe and secure area outside for the dog to go to the toilet

Note - we also have respite fosterer roles available, where the dog would temporarily stay with you but not require to attend Hamilton, for example if it requires some more support f

Travel details

Dropping the dog off daily in Hamilton Monday - Friday. Note - we also have respite fosterer roles available, where the dog would temporarily stay with you but not require to attend Hamilton, for example if it requires some more support for training or health needs.

Travel expenses

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any expenses
related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, dog food costs, and other materials needed for
your dog’s training.

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