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Hear more about the work of these special canines.
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About the Breeding Program
How does it work?
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.
What are the requirements?
Guide Dogs is seeking volunteers who are located less than an hour away from The Guide Dogs Centre in Glossodia, to participate in our Breeding Program.
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
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.