Local non-profit in urgent need of ‘puppy raisers’ for service dogs in training

If you’re looking to make a paw-sitive impact in your community, a local non-profit is making an urgent call for volunteers.

Cambridge-based organization National Service Dogs (NSD) is a mental health service provider that specializes in breeding and training service dogs for children with autism, as well as veterans and first responders with PTSD.

The non-profit is on the hunt for ‘puppy raisers’, who are volunteers who help train and care for soon-to-be service dogs for approximately one year.

Emma Bluhm, Communications Coordinator with National Service Dogs, explains the organization put out the urgent call for help due to an unexpected baby boom.

“Mother Nature does it’s thing, and we don’t have a whole lot of control over timing,” Bluhm remarked. “We do have a couple litters that are all ready to go at the exact same time.”

Puppy raisers will have access to weekly service dog training with the NSD.

Major expenses such as the cost of food and veterinarian care are also covered by the organization.

Bluhm explained that every puppy is purpose bred for service work through the National Service Dogs breeding program.

“They start their journey at just three days old, where they start learning how to handle different stressors,” Bluhm explained. “We put them through a lot of exercises […] and start building up their resiliency.”

After eight weeks, the puppies are sent off with their puppy raisers.

Bluhm added that dogs who might not qualify to be a service dog due to a health or behavioral concern are deemed V.I.P (very important pets), and go up for adoption with someone they are already familiar with.

Anyone interested in becoming a puppy raiser can fill out an application at the National Service dogs website.