About Us

The pups are an average of 14 months when they enter formal guide dog training, but there are times when a puppy raiser may be asked to keep his or her pup for a longer period of time.

You’ll be sad to see them go, but you’ll have the comfort of knowing you’ve helped prepare our pup for a lifetime of service. When pups return to Fidelco, they enter a six to nine-month formal training program. You’ll be invited to participate in a graduation walk once the pup has passed a certain training point. You’ll also be given the option of one last visit with the dog you raised before it partners with a Fidelco client. If it is determined that a Fidelco dog is better suited for our breeding program or is unsuitable as a guide, Fidelco has sole judgment as to the dog’s final placement. We ask for your understanding in this decision, but you have the option of a final goodbye visit. Once the dog is placed with a Fidelco client, you’re given a photo of the dog in a guide dog harness.

Fidelco is responsible for worming, vaccinations, monthly preventatives and other veterinary expenses. Healthcare is provided at our training center in Bloomfield, CT. We’ll supply you with a crate, a training collar, and instruction. Food must be obtained from Fidelco. Expenses related to the care and raising of the pup are deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Simply fill out our online Volunteer Application and join us for our next Fidelco Insights informational session.

We’ll review your application and contact you. When becoming a puppy raiser, puppy sitter, or breed care giver, there are certain requirements that must be met first:

• Two visits to our Saturday classes.
• Attend Insights and Orientation.
• Submit a background check.
• Have a home visit with Puppy Raiser staff.
• Come to Bloomfield for pre-placement class.

Please contact our Puppy Raising Department at 860-243-4047 or email them at puppyraisers@fidelco.org.