Join the Home Whelping Program

Provide a warm, loving home for specially selected breeding dogs to live in while they help bring the next generation of Guide Dog puppies into the world.
Two newborn yellow labrador puppies snuggled together

About the Breeding Program

Guide Dogs’ Home Whelping and Puppy Rearing Program aims to give specially selected breeding dogs a warm, loving homes to live in while they help bring the next generation of Guide Dog puppies into the world.

Dogs who are selected for our breeding program are placed in volunteer homes where they become part of the family while they are in the program. Breeding dogs are matched with mates according to their health and temperament metrics and they will return to the Guide Dog Centre for a number of days to mate before returning home.

7 yellow labrador puppies suggled together

What are the requirements?

Requirements for Male Breeders

  • They need to commit to having a male breeding dog in their home for a couple of years while he is in the breeding program.
  • Be no more than one hour from the Guide Dog Centre.
  • Be able to continue with basic training
  • Be able to transport the dog from time to time when needed for breeding
  • Keep the dog at a healthy weight
  • Walk the dog each day
  • Have no other entire dogs at home
A close up image of a black labrador dogs face.

Requirements for Female Breeders

  • Be able to commit to having the female dog in their home for at least four years
  • Be able to whelp the puppies in their homes and keep them for up to six weeks
  • Continue with basic training
  • Be able to transport the female back to the centre in Glossodia from time to time for breeding purposes
  • Have no other entire dogs at home
  • Walk the dog each day
  • Keep the dog at a healthy weight
  • They will be supported during the whelp and each week while they have puppies by a whelping advisor

How to apply

Express your interest in our Home Whelping Program

You can find out more, and apply to be a Whelping Family by completing this form.

    Fields marked with * are required.

    Ready to continue?

    Seems like you have filled this form earlier. Let’s pick up where you left off.

    I need help

    Give the gift of independence this festive season.

    Support children with low vision or blindness.