Volunteer Puppy Raiser - Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River areas.

About this opportunity

Guide and Assistance Dogs change lives. It is the independence and freedom offered by these dogs to our clients that keeps us going. Our Puppy Raisers look after an 8 to 10 week old puppy, in their home, for a period of 6 to 12 months

This requires a degree of physical fitness, which includes being able to negotiate steps, walk 3 - 5km per day and frequent bending and lifting (up to 20kg). Puppy Raisers expose our puppies to different environments including public transport, shopping centres, steps/stairs, schools etc.

Key responsibilities

1. Provide suitable accommodation and care for puppy in training during a required period of time (varying between 6 to 12 months).
2. Follow instruction/training advice from Puppy Raising Coordinators, Trainers and Instructors at all times.
3. Feed, groom, toilet and walk dog in care as per instructions from Guide Dogs WA.
4. Attend weekly training and obedience classes with Puppy Raising Coordinators.
5. Use basic obedience skills when handling dog in care (e.g. sit, down, stay, come etc.).
6. Assist with the socialisation process by taking the puppy into shops, restaurants and other public buildings.
7. Transport dog in care (if necessary) to Guide Dogs WA designated Veterinary practice for vaccinations, consultations and medical procedures as required, in consultation with Puppy Raising Coordinators.
8. Ensure all preventive medications and vaccinations are maintained at all times.

Guide Dogs WA will provide:

1. Training
2. Ongoing support
3. Insurance cover by EverAbility’s Volunteer Insurance policy and/or by the Insurance Commission of WA for the cost of claims for death or injury caused by the negligence of the driver of a registered vehicle
4. Everything required for providing care to the dog, including food, equipment, veterinary care and obedience classes.

Additional requirements

Driver's Licence (C) . National Police Certificate ^*.

What we look for in our volunteers
1. Genuine interest and a passion for volunteering
2. Commitment to our cause
3. Enthusiasm and positivity
4. Integrity
5. Good judgement – knowing the difference between right and wrong, good and bad
6. Reliability – willing to devote a set amount of time regularly and be punctual
7. Empathy – ability to understand the plight of a particular person or situation without being judgemental
8. Good communication and interpersonal skills – positive and respectful interaction with everyone
9. Self-assurance – able to take constructive criticism on board to improve skills and ability to help others
10. Adaptability to cope with change and a busy workplace
11. Ability to convey the organisation’s message to groups and individuals

Time Required

Between 6- 12months

Suitable for

• Centrelink Volunteers
• Families with Children

Type of work

• Disability Support
• Working with Animals

Training

Provided by the organisation

Reimbursement

All costs covered by organisation