Paws4people®️
Host Family Program
About the Program
paws4people®️ foundation trains puppies to prepare them for their future roles as life-saving Assistance Dogs. One of the most important stages for our dogs is their Puppy Development.
You can become a valuable part of our process by joining our Host Family Program!
What is the Commitment?
- Hosting shifts are typically Friday-Sunday, but may extend over holidays, Summer break, etc.
- Think of it as being a substitute teacher - once you are qualified, we contact you with open shifts & you can accept or decline based on your availability.
- The goals during a puppy's stay are to build confidence, instill manners, and expand their socialization skills.
What paws4people®️ will do:
- Schedule all puppy stays with you in advance
- Provide food & training equipment during puppy’s stay
- Schedule & cover expenses for all routine veterinary visits
- Willing to travel to our Annual Reunion in Wilmington, NCProvide a checklist of requested outings/experiences for each puppy to have based on their age and needs
- Provide an emergency point-of-contact who can help the Host Family at any time
What we ask Host Families to do:
- Take the puppy on requested outings during each week to meet the puppy’s milestones
- Attend paws4people events/fundraisers with the puppy as requested
- Take puppy to vet visits scheduled by p4p
- Submit weekly training record and status report
- Follow the puppy’s progress throughout the rest of its training
Become a Host Family
1
Apply
Begin the application process by completing the form below.
2
Train
Attend 3+ puppy outings to help gain experience handling a puppy in a public setting.
3
Volunteer
Complete 3+ volunteer shifts at our Puppy Development Center to gain experience on daily training and care for our puppies.
4
Attend
Complete a Puppy Host Orientation to prepare to have a puppy in your home. Orientations are held once per quarter.
5
Home Visit
A staff member will complete a home visit, & temperament test any other dog(s) in your home.
6
Host
Host your first puppy!
How to Apply
Please contact us to receive more information about applying.
We are currently only accepting Host Families in the Wilmington NC area.
