About the opportunity
We have an exciting opportunity for dog lovers to foster with us here at Guide Dogs in Northern Ireland. We need more fosterers for dogs in Early Training to provide loving homes and transport for guide dogs to go to training school. Our training fosterers must be able to take on a dog for a minimum of 10 weeks at a time, live within 30 mins or 15 miles from the office and be able to drop them in to the Belfast Office BT3 9LE between 8-9.30am and pick up between 4.30 to 6pm Monday to Friday. You must have a safe and secure home and garden and have access to a vehicle to transport the dog to and from our offices. If this is for you then apply now.
“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.
· Dropping off and collecting their dog from a Guide Dogs location.
· 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.
You’ll have
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.
· Be a confident and conscientious driver and have access to a car you are insured to drive.
If you don’t feel you tick every box but are sure this role is the one for you, please drop us a message at Volattractnorth@guidedogs.org.uk and tell us why. We’re open to suggestions and happy to chat with you to find out what’s possible!