About Us
The transformation of energetic German Shepherd Dog puppies into trusted guide dog partners takes two years, thousands of hours, tens of thousands of dollars – and many caring people.
Fidelco guide dogs are given at no cost to our clients who are blind, and each litter of puppies requires a new cycle of care and training on their journey to becoming guide dogs that will transform lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideal homes are those in which the entire family or significant others are enthusiastic about raising a Fidelco pup. Whether you are single or married, with or without children, live in a household with or without pets (all dogs in the home must be spayed/neutered), your home is an appropriate setting for a Fidelco puppy. You must have enough time to spend with your pup; including walking, venturing out into the world and teaching good manners. The duties can be shared with every member of the family.
We exclusively breed, train, and place German Shepherd guide dogs because of their stamina, health, temperament, and intelligence. Our puppies are continually evaluated from birth to give them the best possible chance to succeed as Fidelco guide dogs.
Our pups are placed in puppy raiser homes when they are approximately eight weeks old. We do our best to match the pup and the family or individual to make sure the experience is positive and rewarding for both.
We’ll be with you every step of the way! Fidelco’s program teaches and guides you on the concepts and practices of puppy rearing. You and your pup will attend Saturday classes at Fidelco. You will teach your pup good manners and expose it to a variety of situations designed to “socialize” the pup as it matures and becomes a Fidelco guide dog. Housebreaking, basic obedience, car rides, frequent walks, and trips to public places are all part of your time together. We count on you to keep our pup safe.
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.
Applicant's need to be 18 years old and everyone in the home needs to be comfortable around a large, young, German Shepherd dog.
The dogs are between 6 months and 24 months old.
Email us at info@fidelco.org
When you are matched with a guide dog in-training you will be contacted by Fidelco. When a pupsit is available that suits your home, you will schedule a time to pick up your guide dog in-training and be able to review their schedule, meals, and any needs with the kennel staff.
Please ONLY use the food Fidelco provides. It is very important to keep to their diet, any variation from their normal food can cause loose stool.
All the equipment and supplies you need will be provided. Each dog will come with a crate, headcollar, leash, food for their visit, two bowls, treats, and some toys.
Appropriate toys include: Kongs, marrow bones or antlers, treat dispensing toys (IQ treat ball or a Kong wobbler), Also, Jolly balls and Chuck it balls are good toys for them to play with. Please do not use tennis balls.
- Dogs are not allowed on the furniture
- No human food or begging at the table
- On-leash always unless in a completely fenced yard under supervision
- No runners (overhead zip-line), tie outs in the yard, or use of electric fences
- No dog parks
- No playing with the hose~Kiddy pools are fine on hot days
- Must be crated if left unattended (even for a few mins), while traveling in the car, and at night.
- No jumping on people
Symptoms including but not limited to (there may be more than one present in a situation): Excessive bleeding/deep cut, lethargic, loss in appetite, excessive panting, trying to throw up or has thrown up, swollen stomach, a temperature over 103, any type of collapse, and non-weight bearing limping.
When in doubt, CALL US!
860-709-5074 or 860-970-7851.
Mailings, copying, clerical, merchandise inventory, front desk, filing, computer/IT, photography/videography, event support.
Assist staff in setting up, taking down tables, chairs, tents, preparing signs, organizing sales tables, at events like open house, Octoberfest, Puppy Olympics, and various fundraisers.
Help run campaigns to raise funds and educate others about Fidelco. This can be done online, within schools, in person events and more. This can including speaking to large groups of people at educational sessions. Assist staff in fundraising and education, via making flyers, reports, social media, photo/video editing (requires computer/photoshop work).
Help raise a Fidelco German Shepherd puppy from eight weeks to 14-16 months old. Volunteers participate in weekly classes at Fidelco's training center, cover the cost of food, and teach basic manners and commands.
People physically capable to assist staff in yard maintenance that may include raking, mulching, planting flowers, weeding, and more.
Work alongside staff and assist with the daily tasks of keeping the kennels clean and dogs enriched and fed. Individual walks on campus, individual off leash play time, grooming and brushing, and cuddle time!
Assist staff with cleaning and feeding of pups up to 8 weeks old, assist in whelping, cleaning, mopping kennels, bathing pups, socializing pups, observing and taking notes of puppy behaviors.
Help care for our breed moms and dads. They live within an hour of Fidelco and can bring them to campus on a monthly basis, have no other intact dogs at home, have experience with German Shepherds, can cover the cost of dog food, and can walk the breed dog 30-60 minutes a day.
Where We're Located
103 Vision Way
Bloomfield, CT 06002