The Guide and Assistance Dogs in the training programs need good homes whilst in training.
During the puppy stage (8 weeks – approximately 12 months of age), the pups live with volunteer Puppy Raisers, who teach them basic puppy obedience and prepare them for life as a working dog.
At about 12 months of age, the puppy will be ready for Formal Training. During this stage, the pup will move on to live with a volunteer Bed & Breakfast Boarder.
What is a Bed & Breakfast Boarder?
A Bed & Breakfast (B&B) Boarder provides a loving home while the young adult dog is in formal training for a period of about 6-12 months.
Ideally, B&B Boarders live or work close to Guide Dogs WA in Victoria Park, or commute through Victoria Park, as the dog needs to be dropped off to “school” every morning and picked up each afternoon.
This is an option that suits many full-time workers, as there is the potential to coordinate drop off and pick up times around work hours.
A B&B or Temporary Boarder takes on daily responsibilities, caring for the dog during the evening and over weekends.
Formal and Temporary Boarders are expected to follow all instruction provided by Guide Dog trainers to maintain consistency and structure for the dog. Generally, these dogs lead a quieter life as they have a busy school week.
What is a Temporary Boarder?
As the name suggests, Temporary Boarders provide a short-term home on an adhoc basis, to cover holidays, illness or emergencies.
The basic responsibilities and expectations remain the same as for Formal Boarding.
What is a Remote Boarder?
Remote boarders provide a loving home to a dog who is in the early formal training stage. The dogs are working each weekday with their trainer and preparing for their role as a Guide Dog or an Autism Assistance Dog.
Remote boarders are a little different to the B&B Boarders who drop the dog at ‘school’ in Victoria Park each weekday. Remote boarders need to be at home most of their day, and the dog’s trainer will pick up the dog from your home for a training session for approximately 1-2 hours per day, Monday to Friday.
Like B&B and Temporary Boarders, Remote Boarders are expected to follow all instruction provided by Guide Dog trainers to maintain consistency and structure for the dog. Generally, these dogs lead a quieter life as they have a busy school week.
NOTE: Remote Boarding is only available in certain suburbs. Please enquire for details.
How to Apply to Become a B&B or Temporary Boarder
Please complete the form below and our team will be in contact in due course.
Information Video
Watch this short video to get a better idea of what dog boarding involves.
What is Provided?
Guide Dogs WA provides everything the dog will need – including bedding, food, toys, collars, leads and veterinary costs.
