Puppy Raiser Application

BEFORE APPLYING PLEASE READ

In order to qualify, you must agree to and be able to follow a strict schedule and protocol/training methods. Please read through the required qualifications below to be sure you are able to commit to the requirements before applying.

Thank you for your willingness and time!

Time / Schedule Commitment

Puppy Raisers will have the puppy full-time for a period of 4-6 months. You will attend an initial orientation that will cover all that you will need to know about how to care for your puppy. The orientation can take up to three days to complete and is generally during a weekend class ( typically Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday).
It is important that you have a safe home environment for a puppy, and that your home is puppy proof. For this reason, we will conduct a home visit to help you puppy proof your home and make any changes that might be needed before bringing the puppy home.
Time commitment is key, We ask that our puppies not be in their kennel for more than three hours at a time (with exception of nighttime). It is important that puppies do not sit in their kennels as they develop boredom quickly and will start bad habits like chewing on things they shouldn't.
Our puppies are sponsored throughout Columbia by our Valued Vet sponsors. PAALS will cover any vet costs that are not covered by the sponsor. PAALS will also provide puppy equipment (collar, body harness, leash, seat belt harness), and we will give you a starter pack of food. We ask that the puppy raiser covers the cost of the puppy's food while the puppy is in your care (PAALS can assist where needed). PAALS will provide appropriate toys, but you are welcome to purchase more for your puppy!

Qualifications

Applicant must be 18 years of age or older

Older under-aged teens can take on the responsibility of raising a puppy as long as the parent or guardian agrees to share the responsibility. An adult over 18 becomes primary raiser, and the older teen becomes co-raiser.

Able to commit at least 4 months to full-time puppy raising
Reliable transportation to attend classes, puppy outings and vet appointments
Have no more than one dog in your household. Your dog must be spayed or neutered and be at least 1-year of age. (Other animals welcome) All animals must be current on vaccinations and preventatives.
The primary puppy raiser must be physically capable of handling a large-breed dog. Also, every member of the household must agree to adhere to our specific puppy raising guidelines and training techniques. It's a good idea to involve the whole family or household to assure that everyone is on board, and everyone agrees to share the responsibility and follow the protocols.
Puppy raisers are required to participate twice a month in training sessions at the PAALS facility (unless otherwise noted) at 221 N Grampian Hills Road, Columbia. These sessions will be scheduled in advance; please check your correspondence should anything change.

Are you able to comply with all the above arrangements/schedule?

YesNo

Puppy Raisers are required to attend both monthly training sessions and outings as needed. Are you willing to commit to this?

YesNo

Are you willing to follow all PAALS rules and recommendations?

YesNo

Do you feel you will be able to emotionally handle the separation when the puppy is returned to PAALS for formal training?

YesNo

Are you and your family willing to commit to having a puppy the length of time required (4-6 months)?

YesNo

NOT QUALIFIED

Unfortunately you are not qualified at this time to be accepted as a PAALS foster volunteer. Please fill out a CONTACT FORM and we can discuss further options.

Page 2: Basic Information

We're so happy to have willing volunteers like you!

This form has questions that will help us assure that our puppies are safe, and that pup raisers and their families are fully prepared for this fun and rewarding experience.

PUPPY RAISER INFORMATION

Puppy Raiser (Primary) Information

First Name

Last Name

Email

What name do you prefer we use for correspondence and certificates?

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Postal Code

Mobile Phone

Work Phone

Best method/time to contact you

Occupation

Age

Why do you want to become a PUP RAISER and raise a PAALS puppy?

Training/Professional Dog Care

Have you ever had a primary responsibility for caring for a puppy?

YesNo

Have you ever personally obedience trained a dog?

YesNo

Where was the training?

Classroom / course outside the homeAt home

Facility Name

Page 4: FAMILY / HOUSEHOLD

Are all family members in agreement & excited about assisting in raising a PAALS puppy?

YesNo

Is the family willing to commit to having a puppy the full weekend (or several evenings) of puppy raiser training?

YesNo

Do you have a preference of gender?

MaleFemaleNo preference

Please explain your preference

HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS

List all names and relationships of other family members who will be involved in raising a puppy.

Full Name	Relationship	Disability (if applicable)	Age

Page 6: REFERENCES

Please provide 1 dog related reference (Veterinarian, Obedience Instructor, breeder)

Dog related Reference

First Name

Last Name

Address Line 1

City

State

Postal Code

Mobile Phone

Work Phone

Email

PERSONAL REFERENCE

Please provide a personal reference such as a current PAALS volunteer, member of a mutual organization you volunteer, etc.)

Personal Reference

First Name

Last Name

Address Line 1

City

State

Postal Code

Mobile Phone

Work Phone

Email

Page 7: CERTIFICATION

By checking the box below, I understand that PAALS will visit my home as part of the safety approval process.

I certify and agree to the above statement

By checking the box below, I certify I understand the time and love required to be a puppy raiser, and I am able to fulfill the requirements stated at the beginning of this application.

I certify and agree to the above statement

I have answered all questions in this application honestly and to the best of my ability.

I certify and agree to the above statement

By typing in my name, I am requesting that PAALS please accept my application as a PAALS PUPPY RAISER person/family.

How did you hear about our program?

We are so grateful to our volunteers. We could not do this without you!

This is the end of your application. We will contact you soon!

PAALS Non-Discrimination Policy
It is the policy of this organization to provide equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual preference, age or disability.

Additional Information May Be Requested

PAALS reserves the right to request additional information on anyone else in the household during the application and review process.