Dog Hosts are the heart and soul of what we do and have a significant impact on the life of the person who will receive the dog. Can Do Canines provides comprehensive training, dog food, vet care, and 24-hour emergency phone support. You provide a loving home and a few basic dog supplies.
Step 1: Learn About Our Opportunities
Raisers
A Raiser takes a dog into their home for a time period of seven days or more. The Raiser chooses the length of time they will host dogs in their home, up to 2.5 years. The puppies vary in age from 8 weeks to 2 years old. Raisers are required to attend training classes and take the dog on public outings. Raisers who work out of the home or attend school may consider checking to see if the dog can accompany them to these locations. While it is fine for our dogs to spend quality time in their crates at home, these public experiences are also helpful.
Sitters
Sitters care for a dog for one to six days at a time. These dogs are typically between 8 weeks and 2 years of age. Sitters will not bring these dogs on public outings to places like stores, sports games, or workplaces. Sitters should plan to provide daily exercise and maintain household manners with the dog. Sitters can attend trainings at Can Do Canines without a dog.
Breeder Hosts
Our breeding dogs are a special and essential part of our program. They not only produce puppies that grow up to be life-changing assistance dogs, but are also critical to the health and quality of our dogs, generation after generation. Breeder hosts are volunteers who care for our breeding females and males in the same way as Raisers, with the addition of being available for more frequent veterinary and breeding appointments as needed.
Home Stay Hosts for Prison Program Dogs
We operate puppy training programs in eight local prisons, and four of them have outside fosters that support the program. They include
- Waseca, MN
- Rochester, MN
- Stanley, WI, and
- Black River Falls, WI
Two carefully chosen inmates are assigned to each of our puppies, providing round-the-clock care for the puppy, as well as basic obedience and assistance dog training. As important as it is for inmates to train the puppies, it is also crucial that puppies learn good house manners and get exposed to as many social and public situations as possible during their first, formative year. Home Stay hosts make this possible.
These volunteers work with a dog for a two-week timeframe. Pickup and drop-off are handled on prison grounds. Volunteers take the puppy in public to locations such as a grocery store, a shopping mall, an auto store, a library, and more.
Tails & Testimonials
Hear from volunteers about their experiences in our program.
Jen's Family
After losing their pet dog, Jen’s family creates new memories with the dogs they host.
Ed Long
Ed shares how he finds purpose as a Raiser for Can Do Canines in retirement.
Elizabeth & Heather
Heather and Elizabeth share how volunteering fits into their lives while working from home.
Step 2: Review the Requirements
- Must be 18 or older
- Must live in MN or Western WI
- Must be willing to travel to our location in New, Hope, MN, or our partner prison locations in Rochester, MN; Waseca, MN; Stanley, WI; or Black River Falls, WI.
Unfenced yards and intact dogs are allowed. Review a list of other frequently asked questions on our FAQ page.
Step 3: Complete an Application
You’ve read through the various ways to get involved and are ready to dive in—that’s great! Please complete an online application and someone will contact you within a week. Please note that a submitted application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Once we receive your application, we will connect with you to schedule an informational phone call. You will then be asked to complete our orientation and submit videos of your home. If you have pets in the home, an in-person meet and greet might be required.
Throughout this process, we'll take time to get to know you and your lifestyle, answer any questions you may have, and talk more in-depth about the different roles and requirements.
We're glad you're here! At Can Do Canines, we strive to be a place that welcomes and supports everyone regardless of ability, age, cultural background, race, ethnicity, national origin, faith, ideology, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, income, or veteran status. We want to be an organization where all feel respected, appreciated, safe, and welcome.
Want a chance to learn even more before applying?
Join us at our next open house, where you can hear firsthand from a volunteer and talk with our Volunteer Coordinator.
Have questions? Contact our Volunteer Team.
Send an email to volunteer@candocanines.org or call 763-200-6191.
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