Puppy Raiser & Foster Program

Before a service dog can change a veteran’s life, they need a home to grow up in. As a Puppy Raiser or Foster with The Dog Alliance, you become one of the most important people in that dog’s journey — and in a veteran’s story you may never fully know.

I’m Interested in Raising I’m Interested in Fostering

Two Paths, One Mission

Whether you have two years or two weeks, there’s a place for you here.

Puppy Raiser

The dog lives with you for up to two years while they train. This is our biggest volunteer need and one of the most rewarding things you can do.

Foster

You provide a temporary home when a dog needs one. The timeline is shorter and more flexible.

Puppy Raising

This is a two-year commitment. The dog lives with you full-time — like a member of your family.

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Each week, you’ll:

  • Attend two on-site training sessions with our professional trainers.
  • Take the dog on at least one public outing to practice real-world skills
  • Reinforce training at home every day

Puppy Raisers don’t do this by themselves.

From day one, you’re working alongside other Raisers and our professional trainers — all moving toward the same goal. You’ll train together, learn together, and support each other along the way.

Our trainers are with you every step of the way. We give you the tools, the education, and the ongoing support you need to feel ready and confident — no experience required.

Here’s something most people don’t expect.

You get professional dog training twice a week, completely free, for the full two years you’re in the program. That’s over 200 training sessions at no cost to you.

You won’t become a certified trainer, but you’ll learn more than most people ever do. If dog training is something you’ve thought about as a career, this is a great place to start.

We take care of the basics so you can focus on the dog.

We cover:

  • All vet care
  • Food
  • Crate, mat, and bedding
  • Harness, vest, collar, and leash
  • Travel backpack
  • Toys and supplies

The one thing we ask you to bring? Treats. That’s it.

Fostering

Provide a temporary home for a dog in training — on a timeline that works for you.

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Fostering is flexible — that’s the point.

There’s no set timeline. Some fosters last a few weeks, others a bit longer. It depends on what the dog needs at that stage of their training.

If life gets busy, we work with you. This role is designed to fit around your schedule.

Your job is simple: give a dog in training a safe, loving, stable home.

You’ll follow our care and training guidelines, keep up with daily routines, and stay in close contact with our team.

You’re not on your own — we check in regularly and are always just a call away.

We keep it straightforward. Here’s what’s required:

  • Complete our online and in-person training
  • Submit a foster application
  • Pass a background check

No prior dog training experience needed. We prepare you before the dog ever comes home.

We take care of the basics so you can focus on the dog.

We cover:

  • All vet care
  • Food
  • Crate, mat, and bedding
  • Harness, vest, collar, and leash
  • Travel backpack
  • Toys and supplies

The one thing we ask you to bring? Treats. That’s it.

What Makes a Great Raiser or Foster

No experience? No problem. We’ll teach you everything you need to know. What we can’t teach is the kind of person you already are — here’s what makes a great fit:

  • A love for dogs and patience for the process
  • A stable home where a dog can live and grow
  • Availability for twice-weekly on-site training sessions
  • A willingness to learn, follow our program, and be part of a team

Frequently Asked Questions

To become a puppy raiser, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a stable home environment, and be able to dedicate time to the puppy’s care and training. You don’t need prior experience with dog training, as we provide all the guidance you’ll need.

The time commitment varies depending on whether you’re raising the puppy for a weekend or for up to 20 months. You’ll need to be available for daily care, socialization outings at least twice a month in Cedar Park, and weekly regular training sessions at our Cedar Park campus. We’ll work with your schedule to make this experience as flexible as possible.

We provide comprehensive support, including training sessions with professional trainers, access to resources and materials, and ongoing guidance throughout the puppy’s development. You’ll never feel alone in this journey, as our team is here to help every step of the way.

No prior experience is required. Our program is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. We provide all the training and resources you’ll need to successfully raise a service dog puppy. Inexperienced handlers typically start by attending classes and working with a dog that has already received basic training.

If you find yourself unable to continue as a puppy raiser, please contact us as soon as possible. We will arrange for another volunteer to take over the puppy’s care to ensure its continued progress and well-being.

The puppy will go through basic obedience training, socialization, and specialized task training needed for their future role as a service dog. You’ll be guided by our trainers to ensure the puppy meets all the necessary milestones.

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us—we’re here to help!