Heart to Home Puppy Raisers

Raise a Future Service Dog. Change a Life.

At Woofability, our Heart to Home journey prepares fully trained service dogs for people living with Autism, Medical Alert needs, PTSD, Invisible Conditions, and Mobility challenges.
The first chapter of that story starts with you, our Puppy Raisers.

Puppy raisers provide a loving home, everyday socialization, and basic manners while our certified trainers lead the plan. Together, we build confident, resilient service dogs who change lives

A black Labrador puppy with a pink collar and blue leash lying on a patterned door mat inside a store, with shelves containing various mats and rugs in the background.

Why Puppy Raising Matters

  • Real impact: your daily care gives a service dog the calm, confidence, and reliability their future handler depends on.

  • Professional support: our positive, science-based team coaches you every step of the way.

  • Community: join a kind, mission-driven group of raisers, trainers, and future handlers.

A black puppy with wet fur, sitting on a blue mat outdoors, lifting one paw, with a purple tire and a wooden fence in the background.

What Puppy Raisers Do, With The Support Of Our Team

  • Provide a safe, loving home from puppyhood through to 12 months

  • Practice house manners (settle, crate, potty, polite greetings)

  • Build real-world confidence (stores, parks, transit, elevators, vet visits)

  • Reinforce foundation skills (focus, loose-leash, settle on a mat)

  • Attend check-ins & group socials

  • Keep simple training logs so our team can tailor next steps

We use positive reinforcement only, fear-free, ethical, science-based training.

A black puppy being held by a person in sunglasses and a black hat, with an orange and white horse in the background in a fenced outdoor area under a partly cloudy sky.

What We Provide

  • All expenses covered: food, routine vet care, insurance, equipment

  • Trainer coaching: onboarding, monthly classes, and support when you need it

  • Field trips: guided real-world outings to build confidence

  • Resources: video library, checklists, and our Paws & Pro Tips micro-lessons

  • Community events: meet other raisers and our training team

  • Planned transitions: we handle the tough stages (teething & teens) alongside you.

Three black puppies sleeping on a plush, brown blanket inside a playpen with a wooden wall in the background.
A black puppy with shiny fur holding a bright yellow tennis ball in its mouth, being cradled in someone's arms.

  • Typical raising window: 8–16 months (varies by dog)

  • Short-term holiday or medical fosters sometimes available

  • You’ll attend monthly classes/check-ins (online or in person)

Timeframe & Commitment

  • Kind, patient, and able to follow a training plan, time to meet trainers

  • Stable home routine (renters welcome with landlord permission)

  • Willing to bring puppy on regular, appropriate outings

  • Ready to say “see you soon” when it’s time for advanced training and matching, and witness the gentle, beautiful transition that transforms hearts and changes lives forever.

Ideal Puppy Raiser Profile

A woman with reddish hair holding a black Labrador puppy close to her shoulder inside an airport terminal, with snow-covered tarmac and airplanes visible outside the window.

Other Ways to Help and Support

We are incredibly grateful for any support you can offer, even if raising a service dog isn’t possible for you at this time. Your contribution means the world to us and the dogs in training. Whether it’s spreading the word about our mission, volunteering your time, or making a donation, every effort helps us move closer to transforming lives through these amazing working partnerships. Thank you for being part of our community and helping us create brighter futures for both people and dogs.

Your support fuels training, outreach, and access for families across BC.

Donate to Pawsabilities Service Dog Society

  • Help sponsor veterinary care, equipment, and training,

  • One-time gifts, monthly giving, or corporate matching welcomed

  • Receipts provided through the Society

Volunteer & Support

  • Short-term fostering (weekends/holidays)

  • Puppy transport to classes or vet appointments

  • Fundraising & events—host a talk, school visit, or community demo

  • Wishlist donations: toys, chews, training treats, crates, snuffle mats

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, many thrive with friendly resident pets and respectful children (we’ll help you set up success).

  • We can often arrange relief fosters during your time away.

  • Yes, and beautiful. You’ll see your pup graduate and meet the person they’ll help every day.

Ready to Start Your Puppy Raising Journey?