Become a Pupsitter
Give a future guide dog a home away from home!
Fidelco is looking for Pupsitters to open their hearts and homes to help care for our amazing young German Shepherd Dogs - future guide dogs-in-training!
Pupsitting is perfect for individuals or families who want to make a difference without a full-time commitment. You’ll provide a loving home for up to a week when a puppy raiser is on vacation or during long holiday weekends as part of our Home for the Pawlidays program.
Fidelco dogs that are in formal training reside in Fidelco’s kennel. These amazing dogs have grown up in the homes of Volunteer Puppy Raisers, so they are very used to the sights, sounds, and experiences of homelife. Being brought back into this familiar environment benefits their training while enhancing their emotional well-being.
Apply today and give a future guide dog a home-away-from-home, whether it’s a quick vacation stay or a holiday weekend!
Pupsitting Goals
- Increase engagement with the community
- Provide training and socialization opportunities.
- Improve emotional well-being through increased human interaction.
- Offer an enriching experience for our dogs in training and for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.