Become a Puppy Raiser
Puppy raising with Mobility Dogs
At around 8 weeks old, our puppies begin an important journey toward becoming Mobility Dogs. They move into the homes of dedicated volunteer Puppy Raisers who provide a loving environment and help build the strong foundations they’ll need for specialised training.
Raising a Mobility Dog puppy is a rewarding experience — you’ll be part of something life‑changing for someone living with a complex health condition and / or a disability, while enjoying plenty of puppy cuddles, learning, and a strong sense of purpose.
Apply to be a Puppy Raiser
Ready to help raise a future Mobility Dog? Puppy Raising is a hands‑on, heart‑full way to make a real difference in someone’s life.
If you live in Auckland, Whangarei, Hamilton or Queenstown, and you can offer a safe, loving home and time to support a puppy’s learning and socialisation, we’d love to hear from you.
👉 Apply below to become a Puppy Raiser. Our team will be in touch to talk through the role and next steps — no obligation, just a chance to learn more.
What is puppy raising?
Puppy raisers are volunteers who care for a Mobility Dog puppy for approximately 12–14 months. During this time, you’ll help them develop confidence, good manners, and everyday life skills, preparing them for advanced training with our expert instructors.
What you’ll do
As a Puppy Raiser you’ll:
- Welcome a puppy into your home as part of your family.
- Help them learn basic training and good house manners using positive reinforcement.
- Socialise them in a variety of environments, from local shops to public transport and busy public spaces.
- Attend regular training sessions and catch‑ups with Mobility Dogs trainers and other Puppy Raisers.
All essential costs such as food, equipment, and veterinary care are covered while your puppy is in the programme.
Who makes a great puppy raiser?
You might be a great fit if you are:
- Patient, caring, and able to commit time each day to your puppy.
- Keen to learn and follow guidance from our training team.
- Comfortable taking a puppy out into the community and exposing them to new experiences.
You don’t need previous dog‑training experience — just enthusiasm, consistency, and a willingness to learn.
Support you’ll receive
We’ll support you throughout your puppy raising journey with:
- Ongoing guidance from experienced Mobility Dogs trainers.
- Regular group training sessions and social opportunities.
- All essential supplies and veterinary care provided.
- A welcoming community of fellow Puppy Raisers.
What happens after puppy raising?
When your puppy reaches around 12–14 months of age, usually they will spend some time in the Puppies in Prison programme, before they go on to advanced, task‑specific training.
From there, they’ll be matched with a person or place who needs them – ready to make a meaningful difference in everyday life.
“It is such a good feeling to know that you have been part of something which makes such a positive difference” – Linda, Mobility Dogs puppy raiser