In this role you will provide a temporary home (approx 5 months) for a dog in training. You will look after the dog at home for evenings and weekends and drop the dog into the London Euston Office in the morning and pick them up in the evening. This is a great role for those who would love to welcome a dog into their home, but work full time near to the Euston or Kings Cross area.
“Fostering ticked all the boxes for me – having a dog at home around work, helping a worthy organisation, and developing a greater understanding and appreciation of what Guide Dogs’ trainers do.” – Lindsay, Fosterer
What you’ll be doing
We rely on volunteers like you to help us improve the lives of people with sight loss. In this role your support will include:
· Providing a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for a dog.
· Ensuring the dog is fed, exercised, and cared for to maintain excellent health.
· Using positive reinforcement training techniques to teach or maintain behaviours.
· Ensuring the dog is not left alone for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period.
Dropping off and collecting their dog from our London office:
Address: 2nd Floor, Tavistock House North (Entrance A), WC1H 9HR
Site specific details for the dog's training: Don’t need access to car, but if you're using public transport, we aim to keep travel time under 30 minutes. The team will consider the complexity of your journey, especially if you need to change routes or use different transport links to get from your home to the guide dogs office.
Drop-off times: 7:30am - 10am
Pick-up times: 4pm - 7pm
Ideally you will:
· Have a home with a safely fenced garden or safe area for the dog go to the toilet.
· Have dog handling experience but not essential.
You’ll get
Volunteering is a two-way street, so in return for your time you will get a dedicated volunteer manager/key contact who will help you settle in and support you during your time with us.
You’ll also get:
· The opportunity to care for and have the companionship of a dog for evenings and weekends.
· Dedicated support to develop your dog handling and welfare knowledge.
· The satisfaction knowing you are supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well, through supporting our dogs in training.
Training and support
- This role has 6 to 8 hours of training and then you’ll be ready to go! These modules include: Dog knowledge, care, and handling.
- If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your interview along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.
- Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket.
- We’ll make sure we pay any expenses related to your volunteering with us in line with our policy.
What we need from you
Criminal Disclosure check necessary? No
Applicants must be 18yrs+
Job Type: Volunteer
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London WC1H 9NA
Reference ID: Volunteer Fosterer for Guide Dog in Training
