Volunteer foster families are integral to our success.

Puppy Raising Families

While in the Puppy Program, puppies are raised by volunteer foster families or 'puppy raisers'. During this time, Dogs for Kids trainers support puppies and their foster families in basic training, walking on lead, building confidence in unfamiliar environments and socialisation to ensure our puppies are confident and well socialised.

Eligibility criteria:
– must reside in metropolitan Melbourne or the Mornington Peninsula
– can not work for more than five hours a day
– can commit to caring for a puppy for up to twelve months

Temporary Carers

Temporary carers are just that. They provide temporary, short term care for our puppies and dogs on a needs basis.
Eligibility criteria:
– must reside in metropolitan Melbourne or the Mornington Peninsula
– can not work for more than five hours a day
– can commit to caring for a puppy for up to six weeks

Bed and Breakfast Families

Bed and Breakfast families take care of our dogs while they’re in training. Dogs at this stage are collected by our staff several days each week to complete their formal training. Bed and breakfast families must reside in Seaford, Carrum Downs and surrounding suburbs, have yard access, and commit to caring for a dog for up to six months.
Eligibility criteria:
– must reside in Seaford, Carrum Downs and surrounding suburbs
– staff must be able to access the yard to pick up and drop off the dog
– can commit to caring for a dog for up to six months