In this role you will provide a temporary home for a dog in training, using the support and guidance of Guide Dogs for the welfare and handling of the dog.

“Fostering ticked all the boxes for me – having a dog at home around work, helping a worthy organisation, and developing a greater understanding and appreciation of what Guide Dogs’ trainers do.” – Lindsay, Fosterer

What you’ll be doing

We rely on volunteers like you to help us improve the lives of people with sight loss. In this role your support will include:

• Providing a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for a dog.
• Ensuring the dog is fed, exercised, and cared for to maintain excellent health.
• Dropping off and collecting their dog from Guide Dogs Bristol (BS3 4EB) Times vary but are normally Monday to Friday between 8-9am and 5-6pm.
• Using positive reinforcement training techniques to teach or maintain behaviours.
• Ensuring the dog is not left alone for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period.

You’ll have

Ideally you will:

• Have a home with a safely fenced garden or safe area for the dog go to the toilet.
• Have dog handling experience but not essential.
• Be a confident and conscientious driver and have access to a car you are insured to drive.

If you don’t feel you tick every box but are sure this role is the one for you, please drop us a message and tell us why. We’re open to suggestions and happy to chat with you to find out what’s possible!

You’ll get

Volunteering is a two-way street, so in return for your time you will get a dedicated volunteer manager/key contact who will help you settle in and support you during your time with us. You’ll also get:

• The opportunity to care for and have the companionship of a dog for evenings and weekends.
• Dedicated support to develop your dog handling and welfare knowledge.
• The satisfaction knowing you are supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well, through supporting our dogs in training.

Training and support

This role has 6 to 8 hours of training and then you’ll be ready to go! These modules include:

• Dog knowledge, care, and handling.

If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer
these at your interview along with any other support or accessibility
needs you may have.

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket.

We’ll make sure we pay any expenses related to your volunteering with
us in line with our policy.

What we need from you

Criminal Disclosure check necessary? No

We are working hard to make sure anyone who wants to can volunteer for Guide Dogs, but at the moment we have a minimum age of 18 for this particular role.