What is the Puppy Raiser Program?
The Patriot K9s Puppy Raiser Program is a volunteer opportunity to help raise and develop future service dogs for veterans.
Puppy raisers provide a loving home and daily structure for a puppy or young dog, building the foundation they need to succeed as a service dog.
After this phase, the dog returns to Patriot K9s for advanced training and eventual placement with a veteran.
What is the Commitment?
We have needs ranging from occasional respite care to full-time placement for up to 1 year or more.
- Puppies are placed as early as ~12 weeks old
- Raised in your home until ~14 months
- Attend weekly training
- Provide consistent daily structure and exposure
This program requires time, consistency, and commitment.
What Do Puppy Raisers Do?
Puppy raisers focus on foundation development, not advanced service training.
Responsibilities include:
- Daily care (feeding, grooming, exercise)
- Socialization in real world environments
- Reinforcing basic obedience
- Teaching house manners and calm behavior
- Attending training classes
You will help the puppy become:
✔ Confident
✔ Well behaved
✔ Comfortable in public
✔ Ready for advanced training
What Support is Provided?
Patriot K9s provides:
- The puppy or dog
- Food and supplies
- Veterinary care
- Professional training guidance
- Structured curriculum and support
You are never doing this alone. Our trainers guide you every step of the way.
Why It Matters
Every service dog starts somewhere.
The work you do as a puppy raiser directly impacts a veteran’s independence,
safety, and quality of life.
You are not just raising a puppy.
You are building a future service dog.
Ready to Apply?
Fill out the application and email the completed form to info@patriotk9s.org. Puppy Raiser Application
Who is a Good Fit?
We are looking for individuals or families who:
- Can commit to consistent training and care
- Have reliable transportation
- Live within 30 mi of Wausau facility
- Do not have other dogs in the home
- Want to make a real impact
This can be emotionally challenging, but it is also incredibly meaningful.
Requirements
To be eligible as a primary foster, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must complete a Puppy Raiser Application
- No felony charges, domestic abuse charges, or animal abuse or cruelty charges (All adults in the home must pass a background check)
- Must provide a safe home environment and allow home inspections and home visits
- Must have reliable transportation
- Must be able to provide daily care, training, and transportation to veterinary appointments
- Must commit to program expectations and follow PK9s training criteria, including:
- Completion of the PK9s Online Course
- Attendance at the 2 hour Orientation Class
- Weekly class attendance requirement
- No other dogs in the home
- Must sign the PK9s Puppy Raiser Agreement
Preferred, but not required
- Previous dog ownership or prior experience with dogs
- Flexible schedule
- Access to public environments
- Urban access is helpful
