Whether this is the first puppy being raised or the 40th puppy raised, regardless of how much success a puppy raiser might have, there is always a possibility the dog will be released. No person is perfect, as is no dog is perfect. It is not fair to push a dog into a role they are not best suited.
Take some time to acknowledge your emotions about the potential for release and don't be afraid to come up with a plan.
Short Version:
Puppy raisers have first choice of adopting the dog back that they raised if Canine Companions deems the dog not placeable in any of Canine Companions for Independence's assistance dog categories or with an outside agency.
*Reminder that four or more dogs in a household can jeopardize your chances of raising another puppy.
In the event the puppy raiser does not adopt the dog back as a pet, the puppy raiser can suggest
a family member or a friend that was directly involved with the raising of the puppy.
The suggested family must
have an application on file prior to the puppy entering Advanced Training. Once the dog enters Advanced Training, the window for potential adoption by a non puppy raiser closes.
Puppy Raisers cannot adopt the puppy they raised if they do not plan on keeping the dog.
Canine Companions has a released dog waiting list of about 150 pre-qualified families. This includes other puppy raisers, board member, donors, volunteers, staff members, and CCI supporters.
It is solely the responsibility of Canine Companions staff to find a quality home for every dog in our program.
All parties, excluding the puppy raiser, must pay the $500 adoption fee. The puppy raiser does not barter the adoption fee with potential adopters.
Release dog scenario 1: The puppy you raised is released from the program. You currently have 3 dogs at home and want to continue puppy raising. You decide to not adopt the dog back as a pet. However, your best friend
puppy sat the dog, and helped at some CCI fundraisers is interested in adopting the dog. They already have an application on file. If the reason for release fits with the family's lifestyle, then Canine Companions will grant the adoption.Release dog scenario 2: The puppy you raised is released from the program and you are not adopting the dog back. Your next door neighbor's sister who you met once is interested in adopting the dog. They have an application on file. This application will be considered when finding the best placement along with other priority applications.
Release dog scenario 3: The puppy you raised is released from the program and you are not adopting the dog back. On the phone call with the trainer, you tell them you have a family that you know of from church that you would like to adopt the dog. The interested party can submit an application, but it will not be considered with priority.
Long Version:
If a CCI dog is not suitable for our program but found suitable for another assistance dog organization, such as a guide dog school or other assistance dog school, he/she will be transferred to that agency with a goal in line with our mission of serving human kind. Similarly dogs found not suitable for any assistance dog placement but displaying characteristics ideal for placement with a military, drug detection or search and rescue agency may be transferred to such agency for training and placement purposes prior to release back to the puppy raiser as long as that agency meets the criteria established by CCI. Determination for transfer to another assistance dog school or for an alternative placement is at the sole discretion of CCI. In the event the dog is not successful and does not graduate from the new placement the puppy raiser will be contacted and given the opportunity to adopt the dog as a pet.Puppy Raiser Adoption PolicyThe puppy raiser is given the opportunity to adopt the dog assuming all puppy raising criteria were followed and the dog was returned in a healthy condition. The puppy raiser is defined as the person (s) designated by the puppy program as the puppy raiser of said dog. Puppy Raisers may not take the dog back if they do not plan to keep the dog for themselves as a pet. Puppy Raisers agree not to transfer the dog to any person or agency.Co-RaisersIn the case of multiple puppy raisers, CCI will offer right of refusal in the following order: a) Puppy raiser who had the puppy for at least 3 months prior to the release, b) Co-raiser who had the puppy for a period of time during the raising process. If equal time was spent with more than one puppy raiser, the dog will be offered to the person designated as the primary puppy raiser. If the primary puppy raiser chooses not to adopt the dog themselves, the dog will be offered to the co-raiser. Placement in Release HomeIf the puppy raiser (s) declines to adopt the dog as a personal pet, the puppy program or release dog staff (depending on region) will place the dog in a suitable release home. CCI respectfully considers applications from friends and family members of the puppy raiser (persons who knew the dog growing up) but respectively makes the final decision on where the dog can ultimately be placed based on the reasons for release and ability to care for the released dog. All potential applicants must submit an application for consideration and if selected pay the adoption fee. Release Dog Waiting ListFrom time to time regions may close the wait list to new applications based on the number of applicants on the wait list. There is no fee to submit an application. All applicants must attach photos of themselves, home and yard and be willing to travel to the region to meet a dog and pay adoption and/or any other incidental fees associate with transporting the dog to their home.FeeThe $500 adoption fee remains in effect. Fee may be reduced or waived for dogs with significant medical or behavioral issues.
We appreciate all you do for Canine Companions and helping provide assistance dogs to people with disabilities. If you have any questions please contact the regional center in Delaware, OH.
