The charity Guide Dogs has issued an urgent appeal for volunteers, revealing that 893 people who are blind or have sight loss face an anxious and extended wait to be matched with a life-changing canine partner.
A Vital First Step: The Puppy Raising Crisis
This critical bottleneck stems from a shortage of volunteer puppy raisers, a role where individuals care for a future guide dog in their own home for its first 14 months. During this foundational period, the volunteer socialises the pup and teaches it basic cues and obedience, preparing it for formal training.
Sign-ups for this essential role dropped significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic, creating a deficit that the charity is now struggling to overcome. Tracey Berridge, Guide Dogs' Head of Volunteering, emphasised the role's importance: "Puppy raisers are vital to every guide dog partnership. They transform tiny puppies into confident young dogs ready to begin formal guide dog training."
The Two-Year Journey to Becoming a Guide Dog
The process of creating a fully qualified guide dog takes around two years from birth. Volunteer raisers welcome an eight-week-old puppy into their home, introducing it to a wide range of environments and experiences.
This includes:
- Visiting cafes, shops, and public spaces.
- Travelling on various forms of public transport like buses and trains.
- Teaching core skills such as walking calmly on a lead, good food manners, and recall.
Guide Dogs breeds approximately 1,300 puppies each year, all of whom need this initial loving care. The charity covers all associated expenses, including veterinary bills, food, and equipment.
An Appeal for 2026: Where Help is Needed Most
The charity is making a nationwide call for dog lovers to consider volunteering in the new year. While recruiters are active across the UK, there is a particular and pressing need for new puppy raisers in Scotland and the North West of England.
Current volunteer Lisa Allison, who is raising Topper, a four-month-old Labrador, shared her experience: "I started because I wanted to give back – and guide dogs are absolutely life-changing... There is a real community too – I have made so many friends now who have guide dog puppies."
Ms. Berridge added a direct plea: "If you are looking to make a difference in 2026, and you love dogs, please consider volunteering. There’s no way our charity could run without their dedication."
Puppies can live happily in homes with other pets or children. Anyone interested in applying to become a puppy raiser can visit the Guide Dogs website and submit their postcode to begin the process.
