National assistance dog charity Canine Partners has recently announced a significant move to its new headquarters in Leicestershire. The organization, known for its exceptional training of assistance dogs to aid disabled individuals, is closing its older training center in West Sussex and relocating its head office to a modern, purpose-built facility in Osgathorpe, near Loughborough.
The decision to become a single center organization is driven by the challenging financial circumstances faced by Canine Partners, as is the case for many charities. This strategic move will help reduce costs and secure the charity’s financial future, ensuring that funds can be directed towards creating as many life-changing partnerships as possible both now and in the future.
Alex Lochrane, the charity’s CEO, expressed delight in establishing their center of operations in Leicestershire, stating,
“Canine Partners has been training puppies and dogs and creating life-changing partnerships with disabled adults from our Midlands Training Centre for 10 years. I am delighted that our center of operations will be based from the Centre, bringing lots of exciting additional volunteering and other opportunities into the Leicestershire area.”
Canine Partners currently has 93 disabled adults on their waiting list, eagerly hoping to be matched with one of their amazing canine partner assistance dogs. The charity heavily relies on its supportive community of volunteers to fulfill this important service.
In light of this, Alex Lochrane is urgently appealing for Puppy Parent volunteers in the area to help provide the best start in life to puppies being trained to assist disabled individuals. Becoming a Puppy Parent volunteer is described as a highly rewarding, fulfilling, and fun role, offering an opportunity to learn new skills and make a truly remarkable impact on someone’s life.
Alex Lochrane emphasizes the critical role of Puppy Parent volunteers in the early socialization and training of the puppies, which significantly enhances their chances of becoming fully-trained assistance dogs. These puppies will live in the homes of volunteers from the age of eight weeks until they are ready to begin advanced training at Canine Partners’ Midlands Training Centre, typically around 14 months old.
Canine Partners’ assistance dogs are trained to perform a wide range of tasks that provide essential support to their partners. These tasks include retrieving and fetching items, opening doors, assisting with dressing and undressing, and even helping with household chores such as loading and unloading a washing machine. They are also trained to seek help in emergency situations, offering both practical assistance and unique companionship.
Becoming a Puppy Parent volunteer in one of Canine Partners’ 11 puppy training areas across the country requires individuals to be 18 years or older and able to flexibly accommodate the training schedule. Volunteers are expected to commit to providing care and support to a puppy for approximately 12-14 months. No previous experience is necessary, as Canine Partners’ expert staff will provide guidance and support throughout the process.
If you’re interested in becoming a Puppy Parent volunteer or would like to explore other voluntary roles within the area, reach out to the Canine Partners team to discuss whether this rewarding opportunity is right for you. Your involvement can make a significant difference in transforming the lives of disabled individuals while offering personal growth and a truly fulfilling experience.
To find out more about becoming a Puppy Parent volunteer for Canine Partners, please visit caninepartners.org.uk/volunteer, call 03456 580480 or email volunteer@caninepartners.org.uk
