Unleash your kindness: Become a volunteer Puppy Educator and transform lives.

Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA) is urgently seeking volunteer Puppy Educators to help raise the next generation of Assistance Dogs for people with disabilities.

Puppy Educators care for a Labrador, Golden Retriever or Labrador-Golden Retriever puppy in their own home for up to 16 months from eight weeks of age. ADA covers costs, such as food, veterinary care, preventatives, and training equipment, and provides a puppy starter pack which includes enrichment toys.

It doesn’t matter if you work full-time or not at all, if you rent or own, if you have children or other pets. Flexible options are available – we would love to hear from you. We have puppies in areas of Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Illawarra, Melbourne, Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast that are ready NOW to take their all-important first steps on the path to becoming a future life-changer!

PUPPY EDUCATION IS FOR YOU IF YOU ARE:

• Aged over 18 and have the support of all members of your household

• Able to be with your dog most of the time, whether at home, at work, or out and about

• Living in a home (rented or owned) with an appropriately fenced yard that is secured from hazards, including swimming pools

• Able to bring your puppy to regular training classes in your area with one of ADA’s expert instructors

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? When you volunteer as an ADA Puppy Educator, you will

• Help to enhance inclusion and independence for people with disabilities

• Become part of a passionate and connected volunteer community

• Have access to expert support from ADA staff

• Receive access to expert dog training

• Enjoy an unlimited supply of puppy cuddles without the lifetime commitment of owning a dog

THINGS TO REMEMBER Yes, you will eventually have to return the dog in your care to ADA so that it can complete its specialised Advanced Training and be placed with its human teammate. That’s likely to be a tough day, but please remember…

• Your dog will go on to change the life of an Australian with disabilities

• You will be supported every step of the way

• ADA will happily place another puppy with you as soon as you’re ready

• You are helping to change the world

Training: • Have access to expert support from ADA staff • Receive access to expert dog training and • Receive access to expert dog training

Reimbursements ADA covers costs, such as food, veterinary care, preventatives, and training equipment, and provides a puppy starter pack which includes enrichment toys.

To apply for this role use the link that is provided in the return email you will receive when submitting your interest in this role online.

ABOUT ASSISTANCE DOGS AUSTRALIA ADA is a national charity, headquartered in Sydney, that breeds and trains certified Assistance Dogs for adults and young people with physical disabilities, PTSD, and autism. The organisation also provides Education Support Dogs to schools and Facility Dogs to institutions such as prisons and courts.

It costs up to $60,000 and takes around two years to train an Assistance Dog, which is usually provided to the client at no cost.

Every year, ADA’s programs directly and indirectly support more than 1400 people living with disabilities. Independent research shows that ADA’s Assistance Dogs have a significant positive impact on clients’ health and wellbeing.

Benefits When you volunteer as an ADA Puppy Educator, you will

• Help to enhance inclusion and independence for people with disabilities

• Become part of a passionate and connected volunteer community

• Have access to expert support from ADA staff

• Receive access to expert dog training

• Enjoy an unlimited supply of puppy cuddles without the lifetime commitment of owning a dog