Boarding a dog
Don’t have time for a fulltime puppy? Your schedule could be paw-fect for boarding a dog.
Apply nowWhat is dog boarding?
Sometimes dogs need somewhere else to stay during their journey to become a Guide Dog. As a boarder, you can give one of our dogs a loving place to call home while they are in training and get lots of love from your temporary roommate in return.
Boarding a dog is a wonderful option if you work full-time but would still love to have a happy dog to come home to. It’s a flexible role but it’s still a way you can make a big difference.
Brittany,
Making a Guide Dog
It takes almost two years to breed, raise and train just one Guide Dog.
You can help me learn!
Newborn
0 - 8 weeks old
I live in the nursery with my Mum and siblings. Here I start finding my feet and learning more about the world around me.
Growing puppy
8 weeks - 15 months old
I’m so excited to go and live in the community with my Puppy Raiser! My new family takes me on lots of outings so I can gain new skills and experiences.
In training
15 - 20 months old
I return to the kennels to start my formal training when I’m about 15-20 months old. My trainer teaches me everything I need to know to be a Guide Dog!
Guide Dog
20 months onwards
After nearly two years of training I’m ready to start the job I was born for. My handler is carefully picked from the Queenslanders on our waiting list to make sure we’re the paw-fect match.
I love being a Guide Dog!
How can I help?
If you’re looking for a new pal but don’t have the time to commit to a full-time pet of your own, dog boarding could be just for you.
We often need both long term and short term carers who can offer a home to our dogs that need somewhere else to stay during their journey to become a Guide Dog.
Long term boarding
Long term boarders generally provide homes for dogs while they are completing their Guide Dog training and waiting to be placed with Queenslanders in need. These dogs may be required to stay with you for a period of six months to a year.
Short term boarding
Short term boarding is a more flexible option, as you can offer your home on an “as needed” basis. This could be over a weekend, for a few weeks at a time, or in an emergency situation.
Spending time in a loving home is a great way for our dogs to socialise and get used to the home environment while they complete their training.
Dion
What do the roles involve?
As a boarder, you need to be able to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the dog. You will need to feed them, give them some exercise and administer medication if required.
If you choose to become a long term boarder, we ask that you drop the dog off at our Training Centre for “school” each morning at 7am and then pick them up at 4pm.
Regardless of how long you care for the dog, you will need to be available to spend a large portion of time with them outside of work hours and be happy for them to sleep indoors.
Your main role is to ensure that the dog is comfortable, healthy and happy – which they will be when they get to spend time with you!
All expenses including food, equipment, and veterinary visits will be covered by Guide Dogs Queensland.
Brittany
What support will I get?
Basic training skills (for the humans!)
As a dog boarder, you’ll learn basic training techniques to practice at home with the dog that you board. You may also need to attend some classes onsite at our Training Centre in Bald Hills that will give you the skills you need to provide consistency in your home environment.
All the equipment you need
Our friendly team will make sure you have all the necessary equipment to care for our dogs in your home. This includes food, bedding and toys.
Updates on your dog and their training progress
We’ll let you know how the dog you're boarding is going with their training and what areas need to be worked on at home. You’ll have the opportunity to talk with their trainer and learn about their personality before you begin boarding.
We’re always here to help
We’re here whenever you need us to provide you with support and answer any questions and concerns you may have about the dog you're boarding.
What skills or experience are required?
You don’t need any existing skills to become one of our temporary carers. If you’re passionate about dogs and willing to put in the time to help them on their journey, then you’re probably perfect for the job.
Prior experience with dogs can be helpful in making sure you’re comfortable in your new role, but if you’re willing to learn it’s not a requirement. We’ll ensure that you get any support you need in preparation for boarding your first dog.
The application process
Our simple application process helps us and you determine whether you’re the paw-fect fit for our boarding program.
Apply
If you think boarding a dog could be for you, click here to register your interest and apply online.
Phone interview
A member of our friendly team will get in touch with you for an initial discussion and to set up a time to meet in person.
In person assessment
Our team will meet with you for an in-depth conversation where we can answer all your questions.
Orientation
You will get to join some classes to experience the program before receiving your dog to board, to help you make sure it’s definitely for you.
Meet your furry new roommate
When there is a dog ready for you to board, we will ask you to come and collect them, along with the equipment we’re providing you. Don’t forget, we’ll be here to support you the whole way!
Apply to become a Boarding Carer
If you’re ready to bring a dog into your home and heart, apply online today!
Apply nowHelp Guide Dogs in other ways
If boarding a dog doesn’t work for you, why not consider lending a helping paw in a different way?
Rehome a dog
Explore other volunteering opportunities
