Be a part of a puppy’s journey to becoming a life-changing autism assistance dog.
Transform Lives: Help raise puppies that will become life-changing autism assistance dogs.
Comprehensive Support: We cover all costs and provide all necessary equipment and training.
Flexible and Rewarding: Enjoy the companionship of a puppy while contributing to a meaningful cause.
“Knowing that I’m helping to prepare a puppy for its future role as an assistance dog is incredibly fulfilling.”
Puppy Fostering FAQ
What does puppy fostering involve?
Puppy fostering involves taking a puppy into your home from when they are eight weeks of age until they are ready to begin their formal training usually between 13 to 15 months of age.
During this time you will train and care for the puppy under the guidance and support of a dedicated Puppy Supervisor.
They will teach you everything you need to know so you can raise your puppy to be a well rounded adult dog who if suitable will go on to change the life of an autistic child.
Where does the Puppy Raising Programme operate?
Munster
- – Cork
- – Clare
- – Kerry
– Limerick - – Tipperary
- – Waterford
Leinster
- – Dublin
Who can become a puppy fosterer?
Anyone over the age of eighteen may apply to become a puppy fosters but you must fulfill the acceptance criteria.
The rest of the family are encouraged to get involved but we only permit a person over the age of eighteen to walk the puppy in public places.
What support will I receive?
- – A dedicated puppy supervisor
- – Regular support visits
- – Regular puppy classes
- – Training videos and materials
- – Peer support from experienced fosterers (where available)
What will it cost?
- All food, equipment and vet costs are covered by us. We supply some treats and toys but you will most likely need to purchase AADI approved additional treats and toys throughout the year. If you are unable to do this please contact your supervisor who can provide additional toys where necessary.
Who will mind my puppy when I am away or have an emergency?
- Your Puppy Supervisor will arrange a temporary boarder to care for your puppy while you are away or in the event of an emergency. You will need to give as much advance notice as possible for holiday dates particularly during the busier summer months.
I don’t drive, can I still foster?
You will need to drive or have regular access to a car as this forms a vital part of the puppy’s training plan.
We live in a neighbouring county to Dublin – can we still get involved?
Suitable homes within 30 minutes of the catchment area may be considered if the fosterer is prepared to travel to the nearest puppy training hub.
What happens to my puppy after they have completed their puppy placement?
Once your puppy is deemed ready to come in for training, anywhere between 13-15 months of age your supervisor will notify you of their intake date. This is the date they will leave you and formally enter training.
The trainers have temporary homes lined up for these pups so they do not go into a kennel environment. They spend evenings and weekends with their temporary home and spend the weekdays with their trainer learning the necessary skills and behaviors to qualify as an Assistance Dog or Education Assistance Dog.
You will receive updates from the trainer as to how they are getting on.
Do all puppies qualify?
We currently run two programs for our puppies in training. The Assistance Dog Program and School Support Dog Program.
Not all puppies will qualify for these careers due to health or behavioral reasons. These dogs are then career changed as either a buddy dog for a child/ adolescent with autism or rehomed as a pet in some circumstances.
I can’t commit to a full year of puppy fostering, are there any other options for me to get involved?
Absolutely we are always recruiting for temporary boarding fosterers and short term fosterers.
Temporary boarders
Care for our pups while their puppy fosterer is away on holidays or in the event of an emergency. This will involve shorter stays of varying lengths with different puppies.
Short term fosterers
Care for the same puppy into their home for a number of months. This puppy may be awaiting a permanent fosterer or may have been returned and need to be placed with another family. The age range of these pups varies depending on the situation.
Evening and weekend boarders (click here to apply)
If none of the puppy fostering options are suitable for you you may also consider boarding one of our training dogs. This role involves taking care of the dog in training when they are not working. This is usually for evenings and weekends. It is essential that you live close to Little Island, Cork or the surrounding area so the dogs do not need to travel long distances daily. You may be asked to drop and collect the dog you are boarding from our training center in Little Island. Typically the dog would need to be at our training center every weekday, a bit like school. There is some flexibility regarding drop off and collection times so this opportunity may suit somebody who is working or dropping children to school in the Little Island area. Please note that there are not always vacant positions to board our dogs in training as the requirement for these homes is lower than that of our puppy placements.
Who can I get in touch with regarding puppy fostering?
You can contact Rose, the Puppy Program Manager at rose@aadi.ie for any enquiries relating to puppy fostering at AADI. Alternatively, you can fill in the application form and Rose will be in touch regarding your submission: https://forms.gle/WMT7hc3anWghwLwq7