are you passionate about dogs and helping your community? this is the opportunity for you!

Become a Weekend Dog Companion for Service Dogs in Advanced Training

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our mission as a Weekend Dog Companion for our service dogs in advanced training. We believe every act of kindness brings us one step closer to a world where people with disabilities can live more independent lives. Your involvement as a Weekend Dog Companion will play a crucial role in achieving this vision.

This role is a commitment to care for one dog in our advanced training program at Paragon's campus in Longmont for 3-6 months at their home from Thursday afternoons to Monday mornings.

As a vital part of our training program, Weekend Dog Companions provides our service dogs with loving homes and real-world experiences that are key to their success in their placement. Here’s how you can help:

what you'll do as a weekend dog companion

• Provide a safe and loving home to one dog in the advanced training program for 3-6 months, from Thursday afternoons to Monday mornings.
• Support their training by reinforcing the cues they’ve already learned from our trainers, puppy raisers, or while in our prison program.
• After approval and a few training sessions with our trainers, Weekend Dog Companions take the dogs on various outings to apply these cues in public settings and maintain appropriate public behaviors.
• Give us valuable feedback by sharing your observations and experiences with our trainers to help tailor the dog’s program to ensure their success.

why become a weekend dog companion?

• Make a difference by contributing directly to the training and success of future service dogs who will go on to assist individuals in living a fuller life.
• Experience a lesser commitment of time and training on your part than raising a puppy and taking them through the program.
• Get your family or friends involved in a meaningful and educational experience.
• Receive full support from our team, including training, supplies, and ongoing guidance.

process to become a weekend dog companion

• Apply online with the Paragon Puppy Raiser/Sitter/Companion application (opening in September) and select the Weekend Dog Companion option.
• Come to Paragon, located in Longmont, to tour the campus and meet some of the team and the dogs in the program during a scheduled meet-and-greet.
• Complete a background check for $20, paid by the volunteer.
• The team will reach out to you to schedule a home visit.
• Participate in a few handling sessions to prepare you for your companion role.