Puppy Raiser Qualifications
1. Live in the Caldwell, Winn, Jackson, Ouachita, Richland, Franklin, Catahoula, or La Salle Parishes.

2. 18 years and over.

3. Attend bimonthly meeting to demonstrate progress of training.

4. Single, Married, Male, Female, with or without children, with or without pets, and working or stay-at-home moms/dads .

5. Ability to follow instructions in care & training of the puppy.

6. Raise the puppy as a house dog ONLY while providing full & nurturing care for 16-22 months.

7. Walk the puppy daily ONLY on lead so s/he gets used to many new conditions. May need to drive to a city weekly for this.

8. Must carry trainer card at all times when in public with the puppy.

9. Work with the puppy everyday on each command as demonstrated at training class so the puppy has the best chance of being certified as a service animal.

10. Take puppy every where with you EXCEPT grocery stores and restaurants. Only our professional trainers are allowed to take our animals-in-training to any grocery store or restaurants.

What Happens to the Dog After Returning to the School?
11. Once the dog is returned, it will be placed with a trainer to attend the advanced level training. When this is completed, the dog will be given a final exam for certification.

12. If the dog passes the certification exam, they will be placed with an individual that has requested a service dog.

Dismissal from the Program
13. If the dog does not pass the certification exam, they will be placed for adoption by a non-disabled individual or family. The puppy raiser always has first right to adopt the dog.

14. Public adoptions are on-going. If the puppy raiser does not wish to adopt the dog, the general public in Northern and some central parishes in Louisiana will be allowed to adopt the dogs after passing the screening process. People in other states may receive a dog on a case-by-case basis.

15. All dogs placed for adoption will have basic obedience training, be well-socialized, spayed/neutered, current on vaccinations and flea & heartworm preventives.

How to Apply
16. Fill out the Puppy Raiser Application. ALL information must be complete.

How Long Do We Keep Our Puppy/Dog?
17. This depends on several factors. There is a normal time of 7-18 months, depending on how old the puppy is and what the puppy needs to learn in your home.

For more information contact us at starlightanimals@bellsouth.net.