Our Breeding Stock Carers are responsible for providing a safe, secure and welcoming home to one of our Breeding Dogs (Broods).

They ensure the health and welfare of the dog and provide transportation of the dog to any appointments required (including veterinary visits and reproductive procedures). At all times, they will ensure the dog’s obedience and social manners are maintained at a high level.

They will also provide support to the brood when she is giving birth and care for her and her newborn puppies for the first 8 weeks of their lives, giving them the best start possible, to help them become life-changing Guide or Assistance Dogs.

This role is long term, with dogs usually placed at around 15 to 18 months of age, and retiring from the breeding program by 6 years of age. You will have the support of Guide Dogs staff at all times.

Key responsibilities • Provide a safe and secure environment for one of our breeding dogs (Brood). • Support the brood during the birthing process to ensure the safe delivery of the litter. • Take care of the brood and newborn litter for the first 8 weeks of age, following Guide Dogs WA guidelines for the care of newborns and early socialisation procedures.

Time requirements The time required for this role changes, with a significant amount of time needed when the brood gives birth and for approximately 8 weeks after, when the puppies are placed with Puppy Raisers. Outside of this period, Breeding Stock Carers will be expected to provide their dogs with regular exercise (up to 45 minutes walking per day), attend scheduled training sessions (average one per month) and deliver the dog to Guide Dogs WA offices or approved vets when requested for health checks, reproductive procedures or any other reason requested by Guide Dogs staff.

Please be advised that Guide Dogs WA reserves the right to remove a dog from the Breeding Program and place back into training at any time.

Other requirements • Physical capacity to safely walk and handle a large dog (up to 40kg) on a daily basis. • Valid “C” class drivers licence with good navigational and safe driving history. • Provide a safe and loving home for our dogs, including having allowing the dog to live and sleep inside the house. • Have a secure fenced yard with access to an outside area. • Able to devote time to the brood, particularly when she has a litter.