COCHRANVILLE, PA — Canine Partners for Life (CPL), a nonprofit dedicated to training and placing service dogs for individuals with a wide range of disabilities, is calling for volunteers to assist with its vital puppy whelping and enrichment program. This role provides a unique opportunity to care for newborn puppies and their mothers during the critical first weeks of life, paving the way for these puppies to become life-changing companions.
To meet the rising demand for service dogs, CPL needs to train between 60 and 80 puppies annually. Volunteers play a key role in this mission by helping care for puppies from birth until they reach eight weeks old. Shifts are four hours long, and support is required around the clock at CPL’s Cochranville facility. Volunteers under 18 years old must be accompanied by a trained adult volunteer.
“I saw my impact from day one…I knew by caring for a tiny week-old puppy that one day, they would become full grown, go through training and really make a difference in someone’s life and make their days brighter,” shared one CPL whelping volunteer, reflecting on the rewarding nature of the role.
To help interested individuals understand the responsibilities and rewards of this volunteer role, CPL is hosting a virtual informational session via Zoom on Wednesday, March 12, at 5:30 p.m.. Attendees can learn more about what it takes to join this impactful program. Register here.
While prior dog handling or whelping experience is welcomed, it is not required. For those eager to contribute, CPL invites prospective volunteers to complete an application on their website or reach out to awalton@k94life.org for more information.
This initiative represents a crucial step in increasing the availability of service dogs to individuals who rely on their assistance to live more independently. By stepping into this volunteer role, community members can directly contribute to transforming lives, one puppy at a time.
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