Help Raise Our Puppies!

Thank you for your interest in being a Puppy Parent for one of our future service dogs!

What Do Puppy Parents Do?

Puppy Parents need to teach their dog to live as part of a family. This opportunity is mainly for weekends and all expenses are paid. (In some cases we do need volunteers for the week as well.) The dogs in training are allowed in public places—including housing that does not allow pets. Taking the dog with you when you go out will ensure it receives necessary socialization and exposure to different sights, sounds, smells, surfaces, and situations. The level of socialization is gradually increased to ensure a positive association with the environment.

Puppy Parents pick up the dogs from the prison on Fridays and drop them off on Sundays. We have puppy sitters if you are unable to pick up the dog one weekend. You can also partner with someone and pick up the dog every other weekend.

What Is Expected of Puppy Parents?

This volunteer opportunity is an ongoing weekly commitment. Puppy Parents are required to attend one monthly meeting and one monthly public outing with staff. You must also fill out weekly exposure forms and submit monthly pictures of your dog. Puppy Parents reinforce the dog's learning and keep the dog healthy and safe.

Your role in parenting a New Life K9s dog is a crucial part of our mission — saving lives through the healing power of the human-canine bond.

What Cities Must Puppy Raisers Live In?

Puppy Raisers must live within an hour of California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo.

We require an hour maximum in distance from the prison in case of emergencies.