National Volunteers Week Volunteers Week takes place 1-7th June every year is a chance to recognise the fantastic contribution volunteers make at Support Dogs. Support Dogs is a small charity and we rely heavily on the support of our volunteers to make our life changing work possible. Without the support of our amazing volunteers, who donate over 100,000 hours of their time each year, we could not continue to train life changing assistance dogs for children and adults with autism, epilepsy, and physical disability. We'd love you to join us in any of the many roles available. Find out about volunteering Why I volunteer as a puppy socialiser? Janet and Peter Dyson had always had dogs but when they lost their last one, they decided to have a break. However, when they heard that Support Dogs were looking for puppy socialisers to look after young pups before they start their formal training, they quickly changed their minds. Within weeks, fox red Labrador puppy Frank had arrived. “What we are doing is so worthwhile – we are helping to give a puppy who will go on to be a life-saving assistance dog the very best start in life,” says Janet, aged 63. “It can be hardwork – he’s a puppy after all - but Frank is the most loving, sweetest dog, and very sociable.” Janet says being a puppy socialiser is ideal for recently retired dog-lovers who don’t want the long-term commitment of their own pet. Peter is a retired bank manager and Janet took voluntary redundancy from Sheffield University during the pandemic so for them it’s a win-win. “It keeps us active, and we get lots of support from the charity, and I’d really recommend it to others in a similar situation,” she adds. We are in need of more volunteer puppy socialisers and have a variety of roles available to suit you: Puppy Socialiser - Holiday Cover Provide holiday or weekend cover for our full time puppy socialisers. You will get to look after one of our puppies in training for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Click here for more details Puppy Socialiser Play a vital role in looking after and supporting the socialising of a young puppy from about 8 weeks old until they start full time training at 14 month old. You will receive the full support of our training team and we cover all costs. Click here for more details Interested but unsure whether this role is right for you? Why not come along to one of our puppy socialiser information sessions. We hold these monthly and it is a great opportunity to talk to some of our current volunteers about their experience and to ask any questions you have about the role. Our next sessions will be held on Monday 12th June at 1pm at Support Dogs, Riverside Works, Jessops Riverside, S9 2RX. 7 Sign up here to book your place for 12th June Don't fancy looking after a puppy? We have plenty of other exciting volunteer roles: Foster caring older dogs Volunteer Driver Volunteer at our training centre Volunteer at one of our events Microvolunteering Manage Cookie Preferences