BECOME A HOME FOR A MAMA OR PAPA DOG

A Breeding Dog Host Home will provide a PAWS Mama or Papa Dog with a loving home! Providing custom-trained Assistance Dogs to people living with disabilities begins with our Breeding Program and our Breeding Dog Homes. As a Mama or Papa Dog Home, you will play an important role in delivering the PAWS mission by providing the dog with love, general care, and basic training. 

A Mama Dog Home will also assist with whelping and raising litters until the puppies are about 8 weeks old. The PAWS family is here to help our Breeding Dog Homes every step of the way! 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BREEDING DOG HOME

  • Provide a loving home for the Mama or Papa Dog
  • Meet the dog’s daily exercise and nutrition needs
  • Attend scheduled Breeding Host meetings at PAWS National Headquarters
  • Work on training and basic commands at home
  • Keep the dog’s vaccinations and heartworm medications up to date
  • Transport the Dog to and from PAWS for breeding sessions and veterinary evaluations
  • For Mama Dog Homes, whelp litters of puppies and provide the pups with a safe and loving home until they are 8 weeks old

  • Veterinary care for Breeding Stock Dogs is provided free of charge at PAWS Headquarters! Breeding Host Homes will also be able to purchase medications such as flea/tick and heartworm preventatives at cost from PAWS. 

  • At the time of retirement for the Mama or Papa Dog, the Breeding Host Home will be given the opportunity to adopt the dog and transfer full ownership to the Breeding Host Home. 

THE STEPS TO BECOME A BREEDING DOG HOME

Step 1:

Learn more about being a Breeding Dog Home

LEARN MORE

Step 2:

Complete an Application

Apply Here

Step 3:

Attend a Breeding Dog Home Orientation

Step 4:

Complete a Home Visit & Background Check

The first step to becoming a Mama or Papa Dog Home is reviewing the guidelines for hosting a Mama or Papa Dog. If you meet the criteria and feel like this is the right opportunity for you, you can complete the online application. After reviewing your application, the Breeding Department will contact you to set up a Breeding Dog Home Orientation. This will give you the opportunity to learn more about the program, requirements, and ask any questions you may have. 

After completing the Breeding Dog Home Orientation, you will need to complete a Background Check for all members of the household ages 18 years and older. After these are processed, we’ll contact you to schedule a Home Visit. The Home Visit is an important requirement to ensure that the home is a safe environment for our breeding dogs and puppies.

Breeding Dog Home FAQs

Is PAWS looking for Breeding Homes in specific locations?

Why does PAWS require a background check for volunteers? 

Can I have other pets in the home? 

Is a fenced in yard a requirement? 

If I work full time outside the home, can I still host a breeding dog? 

Can I state a preference for a particular breed or sex of the dog? 

What equipment will I need for the dog? 

Why does PAWS use a breeding program?

Additional Questions?

Please contact Debby Gaylor at dgaylor@pawswithacause.org or call (616) 877-7297.

Breeding DOG HOME LOG-IN

Breeding Dog Home Log-in