Carolina Canines

The puppies in our training program will change lives one day. Until then, they need individuals, couples or families to volunteer to raise a service dog puppy in their home for up to 24 months. A loving, committed foster family is the key to a puppy’s success in becoming a life-long partner and helpmate for a person with a disability who might otherwise never experience the level of mobility and independence a service dog offers.

Socialization and tolerance of children and other animals (dogs, cats, birds, etc.) are important aspects of a service dog’s training. It takes a dedicated foster family to help shape a great service dog, but a great dog overall.

Carolina Canines offers foster trainer programs in Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC. If you are interested in becoming a foster puppy parent and live in the area, click here to view and print an application and foster puppy parent agreement.

Foster puppy parents must commit to the following:

• Provide indoor shelter, food, water, grooming, care and humane treatment to meet the basic needs of the puppy
• Attend training classes and socialization outing with the puppy as scheduled and follow CCFS training guidelines and protocol
• Promote the mission of CCFS by providing community education regarding disability awareness and service dog information as the opportunities arise when out in public with their service dog puppy
• Financial responsibility for any and all food, supplies and veterinary care the puppy requires while in their care; they may seek sponsors for this support.
• Understand that the puppy belongs to CCFS and the requirement to relinquish the puppy and any equipment or supplies belonging to the program immediately upon notice.

CCFS trainers provide group and individual training sessions at weekly classes and are available to offer advice and guidance 24 hours a day.

Giving up a puppy after it has been a part of a foster family for 24 months is not easy - but it can be done. Foster families have the opportunity to meet individuals who have service dogs and learn what a difference a service dog makes in their lives.

Upon entering Advanced Training, each service dog in training is evaluated to determine its basic skills, innate abilities, strengths and personality. Carolina Canines For Services, Inc. takes into account the individuality of each dog and understands that dogs have different energy levels and motivation to work.

Once the dog has been placed in a service category type it will complete up to 12 months of its advanced training. During this period, Carolina Canines assesses the applicant to determine which service dog may be a match. Once a match is made, the dog will learn skills, which will address specific needs of the individual it will be partnered with.

Throughout the course of training, service dogs are closely monitored for good health and temperament. Hips and elbows are x-rayed to rule out hip dysplasia. Carolina Canines For Service, Inc. commits to placing only healthy, temperamentally sound, quality trained dogs into service. Chronic health problems or aggressive/ unpredictable behavior result in disqualification from the program.

Perspective Foster Trainers are required to attend two consecutive classes prior to a puppy being placed with them. Foster Trainers must also attend regular classes to learn how to train the service dog.

Fostering a service dog is incredibly rewarding. If you are interested in becoming a Foster Trainer for Carolina Canines and live in or near the Wilmington, NC or Myrtle Beach, SC area, please call 866-910-3647 or print a Foster Trainer application below.

Download Foster Application

Accessibility, It’s the Law

The AmericansWith Disabilities Act (28 Code Federal Register Part 36) recognizes service dogs as “reasonable accommodations” which allows them to access all public places including restaurants, businesses, malls, grocery stores, schools, parks, theatres, beaches, etc. North Carolina’s General State Statutes (Chapter 168 Article 1) grants full public access to certified service dogs, as well as to service dogs in training. South Carolina’s General Assembly (Section 43-33-20, Act 147 of 1987 further amended April 10, 2002) grants “Every person who is a trainer of an assistance or guide dog, while engaged in the training of an assistance or guide dog, has the same rights and privileges with respect to access to public facilities and accommodations as blind and disabled persons, including the right to be accompanied by an assistance or guide dog or assistance or guide dog in training...."

HOW OLD ARE THE PUPPIES WHEN THEY GO INTO FOSTER CARE & HOW LONG DO THEY STAY WITH THE FOSTER TRAINER(S)?
The puppies are ideally placed when they are 7 weeks old. Depending on development, they usually stay in the foster home for up to 24 months.

IS IT NECESSARY TO HAVE PREVIOUS DOG TRAINING EXPERIENCE TO BE A FOSTER TRAINER?
No. However, it is helpful if you have a dog or have had a dog in the past.

MUST I ATTEND CLASSES WITH THE PUPPY?
Yes. It is required that you and your Foster Trainer attend regular training classes, instructed by Carolina Canines For Service Trainers, where you will learn our techniques of properly raising and training your Foster Puppy.

WHAT DO I DO WITH THE PUPPY IF I NEED TO GO OUT OF TOWN?
Foster Trainers or someone who has been a Foster Trainer frequently trade off and supervise each other’s puppies as needed. The Foster Puppy will benefit from being included in travel plans whenever possible.

CAN I HAVE OTHER ANIMALS IN MY HOME AND STILL BE A FOSTER PUPPY PARENT?
Yes. In fact, interaction with other animals is essential to the dogs success.

IS THERE A TAX BREAK IF I FOSTER A PUPPY?
Carolina Canines for Service, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All expenses incurred by the Foster Family (dog food, vet expenses, mileage, etc.) are considered charitable donations to Carolina Canines for Service and are tax deductible.  But, please consult your tax advisor for specifics.

WHAT DO YOU FEED THE PUPPIES?
The puppies eat a specified brand of high-quality dry dog food specifically chosen to meet their needs. The puppies NEVER receive table scraps.

WHO PAYS FOR THE FOOD?
The Foster Trainer pays for the food.

HOW OFTEN DO TRAINING CLASSES TAKE PLACE, WHERE ARE THEY HELD, WHEN & HOW LONG IS EACH CLASS?
Initially classes are weekly, then after several months the schedule may be adjusted. Training classes are currently held on Mondays in Wilmington, NC and Tuesdays in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Contact Us to get class dates and locations.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PUPPY IS DISQUALIFIED FROM THE PROGRAM?
The Foster Trainers are given priority at keeping the puppy unless it was donated by a breeder. In the latter case, the breeder gets the first right of refusal.

THERE IS NOBODY HOME DURING THE DAY, CAN I STILL BE A FOSTER PUPPY PARENT?
Yes. Foster puppies are kenneled when unsupervised. However, it is not a good idea for the puppy to be left for more than 4-6 hours at a time.

ISN'T IT TIME-CONSUMING TO TRAIN A PUPPY?
Not really. You will be taught how to work on-going training activities into your daily schedule and it will become a habit.

SHOULD THE PUPPY GO ANYWHERE WITH ME OTHER THAN TO THE VETERINARIAN AND TO CLASS?
Yes. The puppy needs to have extensive socialization. North Carolina Statute (Chapter 168, Article I) grants full accessibility to service dogs in training as well as certified service dogs.

DON'T YOU GET "ATTACHED" TO THE PUPPY OR FEEL YOU COULD NEVER RAISE ONE AND GIVE IT UP?
Yes, and sure you can. You will have many opportunities to meet recipients of Carolina Canines and understand just how much their service dog means to them. Without Foster Trainers this unique partnership could never exist.

If you are interested in becoming a foster trainer with Carolina Canines and live in the vicinity of Wilmington, NC or Myrtle Beach, SC click here for information to contact us.