The Fidelco Foster Puppy Program

There’s no doubt about it. Fidelco could not exist without the volunteers who take our Fidelco pups that are approximately eight weeks old and raise them and “socialize” them in their homes for 12 to 16 months. That’s when we ask our foster families to give them up for formal guide dog training. As you can imagine, being a Fidelco foster is not for the faint of heart! But the good news is that there is always another pup that needs fostering.

Hundreds of families have participated in the Fidelco foster puppy program over the years. They expose the pup to a wide variety of experiences in the home, on the street and in the world at large; the very things that the dogs will be required to deal with as a guide for someone with a visual disability. The Fidelco foster must also attend Saturday classes with their pup at our training center in Bloomfield, Connecticut.

The payback is immeasurable. The freedom and independence that the pup brings to its human partner is based on the love and care provided by the Fidelco foster. What better legacy can there be?  

FAQs

What are the requirements to participate in the Fidelco foster puppy program?
Ideal homes are those in which the entire family or significant others are enthusiastic about raising a Fidelco pup. Whether you are single or married, with or without children, live in a household with pets or a lack thereof, your home is an appropriate setting for a foster puppy. You must have enough time to spend with your pup; including walking it, taking it out into the world and teaching it good manners. The duties can be shared with every member of the family.

What kind of puppies do you place?
We exclusively breed, train and place German shepherd guide dogs because of their health, temperament and intelligence. And we love German shepherds! Our puppies are continually evaluated from birth to give them the best possible chance to be successful as Fidelco guide dogs.

How old are the pups when they are placed with foster families?
Our pups are placed in foster homes when they are approximately eight weeks old. We do our best to match the pup and the foster to make sure that the experience is positive and rewarding for both.

How will I know what to teach the puppy?
We’ll be with you every step of the way! Fidelco’s program teaches and guides you on the concepts and practices of puppy rearing. You and your pup will attend Saturday classes at Fidelco; the class frequency is based on the pup’s age (three times per month for young pups.) Your will teach your pup good manners and expose it to a variety of situations designed to “socialize” the pup as it matures and becomes a Fidelco guide dog. Housebreaking, basic obedience, car rides, and frequent walks and trips to public places are all part of your time together. We count on you to keep your pup safe by exercising it on a lead and by providing supervision.

How long will I have the pup with me?
Pups are typically with the foster family for 12 to 16 months. The pups are an average of 14 months when they enter formal guide dog training.

What happens when the puppy is returned to Fidelco?
You cry. But you have the comfort of knowing that you have helped prepare your pup for a lifetime of service. When the pup returns to Fidelco, it enters a six to nine month formal training program. One the dog is placed with a Fidelco client, you are given a photo of the dog in a guide dog harness. You are also invited to participate in a graduation walk; one last visit with the dog you fostered before it partners with a Fidelco client.
If it is determined that a foster dog is better suited for our breeding program or is unsuitable as a guide, Fidelco has sole judgment as to the dog’s final placement. We ask for your understanding in this decision.

Who is responsible for the costs associated with raising the puppy?
Fidelco has responsibility for worming, inoculations and other veterinary expenses. Healthcare is provided at our training center in Bloomfield, CT. We will supply you with a crate, a training collar and instruction. The foster assumes the cost of food that must be purchased at Fidelco. Expenses related to the care and raising of the foster pup are deductible to the extent allowed by law.

How do I apply for the program?
Simply fill out our online application or download the application and mail it to:

Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc.
Attn: Foster Program
103 Old Iron Ore Road
Bloomfield, CT 06002

We will review your application and contact you. Three visits to our Saturday classes and one orientation are required before a pup is placed in your home. The visits give us a chance to get to know one another and for you to see the pups, talk to the foster families and ask questions.
 

If you have additional questions, please call us at 860-243-4047 or e-mail us at fosters@fidelco.org. Thank you for your interest the Fidelco foster puppy program.