Canines in the program are dogs of various breeds, chosen by strength, health, and temperament. We ask all volunteer puppy raisers to be flexible regarding gender, breed or color to assure that every puppy finds a home quickly and efficiently.

Puppies are chosen on space availability and the right fit for the program. Many of our dogs are donated to our program.

You must be at least 21 years old to volunteer to become a puppy raiser/sitter.

We strongly prefer, but do not require that our puppy raiser/sitter homes have a fenced yard. Puppy

raisers/sitters must agree to follow our supervision and leash requirements. Puppies must not be off

leash at any time unless in an enclosed area or with a TOV trainer. We don’t allow use of electric

fencing.

Puppy raisers/sitters must set aside time for daily training and attend obedience classes for the

duration of the program.

Puppies need physical activity in the form of play or walking. Puppy raisers/sitters should expect to

provide at least 25-35 minutes of exercise per day. TOV puppies are not allowed to visit public dog

parks.

Absolutely! Remember you will be dropping pup off at the training center daily (like a daycare for our

dogs in training). Most puppy raisers gain approval to take the puppy to work as the dog progresses.

We recommend speaking to your employer prior to applying. The puppy will need regular toileting

breaks throughout the day; this might be a disruption.

Our puppies will be required to attend the daytime training program. This will start at the age of 10

weeks after the bonding period is completed and the TOV puppy has received a health and wellness

checkup. When the puppy is left unsupervised he/she should always be in the appropriate size crate

for a maximum of 4 hours.

In most cases, the puppy can accompany the puppy raiser on vacation, or can be placed with another puppy raiser/sitter that meets TOV criteria. We offer guidelines for age appropriate travel outings and

activities.

We ask that our Puppy raisers/sitters only have one other canine in the household (We love cats, no

limits). All pets in the home must be current on vaccines.

There is no policy regarding age and number of children in the home; however, we require families

with young children to attend a puppy class and/or evaluate carefully the commitment of puppy

raising.

Each puppy raiser/sitter goes through an orientation process and is given a manual. We also provide

ongoing training support to everyone via phone, e-mail, or in-person. You will be required to attend

puppy class for the duration of the commitment.

Puppies must be exposed or “socialized” to activities of daily life. This can include accompanying the

puppy raiser to the workplace, shopping center or other public places. When in public, the pups wear

a vest identifying the fact that they are being socialized for special purposes. However, we rely upon

the goodwill of merchants and business owners rather than the legal system for gaining public

access. We must be attentive and respectful when socializing the TOV puppies.

We believe in the use of positive reinforcement combined with appropriate corrections. Our puppies

are raised by their puppy raisers/sitters using Gentle Leaders© or other similar and approved head

collars, verbal commands and treats.

Tails of Valor, Paws of Honor Inc. maintains ownership of each puppy and our staff will find a new

raiser/sitter for any puppy.

You and the pup you raise/sit will take a long journey together! It’s only natural that you will become

very attached to the dog. The ability to give up a dog comes from knowing that you’re raising this

puppy for a purpose — that the puppy will go on to help someone with a disability lead a more social

and independent lifestyle.

TOV will make an effort to unite the puppy raiser with the dog recipient at graduation. At the time of

graduation you will be able to meet the Veteran and provide your praises for the new team pairing.

Puppy raisers/sitters agree to provide treats and supplies (as needed-some supplied), transportation

and related expenses while the puppy is in their care. These expenses are tax deductible. Tails of

Valor, Paws of Honor Inc. will provide food (through Verus pet foods), training supplies, crate, and

veterinary care.

In the event the dog is released from our program, this dog will be placed into our COC program

(change of career). The pup may be adopted as a pet or Tails of Valor, Paws of Honor Inc. will place

the dog in an approved home from our COC dog wait list. An adoption fee may apply.