group of four service dogs sitting in line on beach

Paws4people®️

Puppy 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 Puppy Host Family Program!

yellow lab puppy in assistance dog training vest on beach

What is the Commitment?

black lab puppy in training vest on beach
2 White Paws

What paws4people®️ will do:

What we ask Host Families to do:

Note: We welcome households with other pets! Other pets will be evaluated during the home visit.

Become a Puppy Host

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 Puppy Host Families in Wilmington NC area.

three assistance dogs in service vests laying on beach

Puppy Host Inquiry