Hosting a Breeding Stock Mom or Dad
We are currently in need of loving families to host a Breeding Stock Mom. This multi-year commitment includes the wonderful experience of whelping (birthing) puppies in your home. If you are interested, please contact our breeding department at 888-777-5332 or download a host home application and mail to the address listed below. Homes hosting female breeding stock must be within an eight hour drive of Leader Dog.
Photo caption: Mary (pictured in red) and her mother, Sibyl, have both been involved in the Leader Dog breeding stock and puppy programs for many years. They are pictured with (from left to right): Gayla, Swayser, Joy and Claire (laying down).
The future of our dog guide program depends in large part on volunteer families that host specially selected breeding dogs. This dedicated group of volunteers provides foster homes for breeding stock moms and dads for the life of the dog.
Leader Dog provides veterinary care, as well as heartworm and flea preventative. The host family is responsible for all costs related to routine care, feeding and transporting their dog to our campus in Rochester Hills. Families hosting a female dog are also responsible for the care and whelping of puppies for the first six weeks of life.
Dogs in the breeding program are bred to be athletic and are happiest when living with families. Leader Dog recommends basic obedience training for all dogs, and offers free classes to host families. The breeding department also offers educational support and is always available for emergency whelping or assistance.
If you and your family are interested in hosting a Leader Dog mom or dad, contact our breeding department at 888-777-5332 for application information. Please note, male breeding stock dogs must reside in the state of Michigan and female breeding stock dogs must reside within an eight hour drive from Leader Dog in Rochester, Michigan.
If you are ready to apply, download Host Home Application (Adobe PDF), complete the application and mail it to:
Attention: Breeding Department
Leader Dogs for the Blind
1039 S. Rochester Rd.
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Applications remain on file until dog placement, which can take anywhere from a few months to more than a year.