*Note:  Currently, Guiding Eyes is only accepting Home Socialization applications from those who are available weekdays year round.  We thank you for your interest in our program and hope to hear from you soon. 

yellow puppy WaylonHome Socializers bring two puppies, ages six to nine weeks old, to their home for three to five days, to provide socialization to new sights, sounds, and people. Home Socializers also continue and reinforce simple aspects of the pups’ training that was started at the Canine Development Center, including massage, leash walking, riding in cars, sitting for meals, crate time, name response, and other skills.

Home Socializers are provided with all the equipment and supplies (except newspaper) needed for puppy care, including an exercise pen, a crate for transportation and socialization, leashes, food, bowls, and toys.

Learn more about volunteering in the Home Socialization Program

HSer with black pup

VIDEO!  Hear from one of our Home Socializer families.

Responsibilities

Requirements of a Home Socializer

  • Be able to travel to the Canine Development Center in Patterson to pick up and deliver puppies and equipment
  • Successfully complete Home Socialization training
  • Be willing to provide training and socialization experiences per the guidelines.
  • Keep the puppies play pen clean, as puppies urinate and defecate frequently at this age.
  • Be able to take puppies at least six times a year for a period of three to five days, but you are not limited to that frequency. You may sign up as many times as you would like each month.

Vaccination Requirements for HS Volunteers’ Pets

To best protect your dogs at home and Guiding Eyes puppies coming in and out of your homes, we have instituted the following vaccination policy.

  • Required Vaccinations
    • Rabies
    • Bordetella
    • DHPP
  • Strongly Recommended Vaccinations
    • H3N2 Flu
    • H3N8 Flu
  • Recommended Vaccinations
    • Lyme
    • Leptospirosis

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Home Socializer do?

Our Home Socializers give our puppies one-on-one attention while introducing them to new sights and sounds in a home environment. These new experiences boost the pup’s confidence and give him/her the greatest chance for success as they proceed through the Guiding Eyes program. Volunteers devote several hours per day to the pups’ care, including:

  • Cleaning − between one and two hours to fully scrub and disinfect the puppies’ area once per day, plus frequent changing of the paper
  • Feeding − 10 minutes for each feeding, three times per day
  • Socialization – frequent short sessions of a few minutes throughout the day for each pup, totaling about 20 minutes per puppy.
  • Grooming – 30 minutes per day
How many puppies would I take home?

Socializers take 1 to 2 puppies into their homes. This ensures that the pups receive the care and attention they need.

How long will the pups stay in my home?

Home visits last anywhere from three to five days. There are weekday and weekend stays. Currently, our greatest need is for weekday volunteers.

Will I get all the items I need to care for the puppies?

Home Socializers are provided with all the equipment and supplies (except newspaper) needed for puppy care, including an exercise pen, a crate for transportation and socialization, leashes, food, bowls, and toys. Volunteers may be eligible to claim deductions on their income tax. Click here for a simple guide to potential Tax Deductions for Guiding Eyes Volunteers. For further clarification, please consult your tax professional.

Where should I keep the puppies?

You need to provide a large enough spot in your home with a durable floor such as a kitchen or playroom where the puppies can be near lots of activity. When outside, the pen should be on a surface other than grass.

Do we have to do anything special with the puppies or is it just playing with them?

Before taking puppies home for the first time, you will attend an orientation in which you will receive training in socialization techniques and puppy care.

Can we participate in this program if we have other pets?

Yes, but they must be healthy, free of fleas and other parasites, and friendly towards puppies. Your dog(s) must be up to date on the following required vaccines: Rabies, Bordetella and DHPP.

How many times can I take puppies home?

There are puppies born monthly at the Canine Development Center and we ask that you take puppies at least six times per year, but you are not limited to that amount. You may sign up as many times as you would like each month.

How can I apply to become a Home Socializer?

You can apply to become a Home Socializer by completing the application online or downloading a copy for mailing.

Do I need a special place for the puppies?

Yes. You need to identify a place in your home with a durable floor that can be easily cleaned, such as a kitchen or playroom, and that has sufficient room for the x-pen where the puppies can be near lots of activity. When outside, the pen needs to be on a surface other than grass.

Do I need special training?

Before taking puppies home for the first time, you will attend an orientation that will teach you socialization techniques and puppy care.

Have a question? Email us at socialization@guidingeyes.org

Application – Home Socialization (Short-term Puppy Visits)

*Note:  Currently, Guiding Eyes is only accepting Home Socialization applications from those who are available weekdays year round.  We thank you for your interest in our program and hope to hear from you soon. 

If you are interested in becoming involved in our Home Socialization Program, this application can be filled out online & submitted electronically.

The Home Socialization Coordinator will contact you in 7- 10 business days to discuss your application in greater detail.

For additional information, please contact HS Program Coordinator at socialization@guidingeyes.org.

Application – Home Socialization  (Short-term Puppy Visits) 

Application – Home Socialization  (Short-term Puppy Visits) 
































Dogs /Cats in Household









Last vaccine date (or closest estimate):




Other Dogs





Other Animals













Please give us a personal reference, preferably someone who knows you and your family (no relatives please).




It is helpful for us to know where you work. We will not contact your employer without first notifying you.


By submitting this form, I certify that we have studied general information about the Guiding Eyes Home Socializing program. We will comply with all of Guiding Eyes for the Blind's regulations concerning the care, safety, socialization, and feeding of the puppies while in my/our care. For safety, when the puppies are outdoors, the Socializer is required to keep them on a lead or in an enclosed area under supervision at all times. In vehicles, the puppies must be crated.
Home Socialization Staff Only


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