Help Change a Veteran’s Life.
Volunteer to Raise a Liberty Service Dog!
When you raise a puppy for Liberty Dogs, you’ll do more than care for a dog — you'll create a lifeline for a hero.
Many of our Liberty Service Dogs are hand-selected to join our program as pups — and they need loving homes where they begin their training!
When you volunteer to raise a Liberty Service Dog puppy, Liberty Dogs provides comprehensive support every step of the way. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident, equipped, and empowered to lay the crucial foundation for these life-changing dogs.
As a puppy raiser, you’ll attend weekly or bi-weekly classes led by professionally trained Liberty Service Dog Trainers.
These classes provide structured learning, hands-on practice, and opportunities to troubleshoot any challenges.
You will also expose your puppy to as many different experiences as possible, including getting them used to people, children, animals, busy shops, metro stations, and noisy cities. We will guide you through this crucial socialization process.
All costs associated with raising a puppy are covered by Liberty Dogs.
Raising Smokey has been an incredibly rewarding journey. She’s grown so much, and being part of her training as she prepares to support a Veteran has deepened my appreciation for everything Liberty Dogs does. It’s an experience I’ll always value.
David Rhodes, Volunteer Puppy Raiser
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Becoming a puppy raiser for Liberty Dogs changed my life. I didn’t just help train a puppy. I became part of a mission to serve those who have served us. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, this is it. Become a puppy raiser. It could change a life, including your own.
Jasper Isenberg, Volunteer Puppy Raiser
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Typically, puppies are placed with raisers at around 8-10 weeks of age.
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Puppy raisers generally keep the puppies for 14 to 16 months, until they are ready for formal advanced training at the Liberty Dogs facility.
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No, previous experience is not required. Liberty Dogs provides comprehensive training, guidance, and ongoing support from their expert trainers. You just need to have a love for puppies and a willingness to learn and commit to the program.
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Liberty Dogs will cover all of the puppy expenses (food, veterinary care, kennel, etc.) and will provide supplies like a crate, bed, toys, leash, and collar.
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It depends on your specific work situation. Young puppies require frequent potty breaks and supervision. If you work from home or your employer allows you to bring the puppy to work, it may be feasible. Otherwise, you'll need to ensure the puppy receives adequate care, socialization, and supervision throughout the day, possibly with the help of family members.
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As a puppy raiser, you play an important role as an ambassador for Liberty Dogs. Socialization in public spaces is a vital part of the puppy’s development, helping them gain confidence in new environments, interact with people, and get comfortable around unfamiliar sights and sounds. While in your care, the puppy will wear a vest identifying them as a service “puppy-in-training”. It’s your responsibility to ensure these outings are positive, educational experiences—for both the puppy and the public. Engaging respectfully with the local businesses and community members helps build understanding and support for the important work our service dogs do.
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The best option is to leave the puppy with a trusted friend or family member who knows the puppy and is willing to provide consistent care, handling and training. If that’s not available, Liberty Dogs is building a network of approved Puppy Foster Sitters—trained volunteers who can welcome the puppy into their home and maintain their care and training progress while you’re away.
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It is natural to develop a strong bond with the puppy. While the "turn-in" can be emotional, most raisers find immense pride and satisfaction in knowing their puppy will go on to profoundly impact a Veteran's life. Focusing on the greater purpose helps manage the emotions of separation.
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Not every puppy is meant to be a Service Dog, and that’s okay. If a puppy’s strengths lie elsewhere, we thoughtfully transition them into what we call a “career change”. Career change dogs are often adopted into loving homes where they can thrive as well-loved companions. In some cases, they may go onto other working roles that better match their temperament and abilities. Regardless of the path they take, each dog is given a future where they are safe, supported, and able to have a happy and fulfilling life.
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You will have regular meetings with your puppy's trainer, potentially weekly or bi-weekly, to monitor progress and receive guidance.
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Resident pets are welcome, as long as they are well-behaved, current on vaccinations, and spayed or neutered. We allow up to two other dogs in the home. If you have another puppy, it must be over one year old and actively participating in obedience training. All dogs in the home should be friendly and able to adjust well to having a new puppy in the environment.