Tulane University Service-Dog Training and Education Program
Become a Raiser
Your ability to change a life!
Raising a dog through TUSTEP is one of the most rewarding opportunities our club offers! Through our connection with Canine Companions, we offer the unique chance to raise and train a service dog in training as full time students. Students are able to apply as a solo or co-raiser, raising the dog as partners.
To learn more about the organizations, please refer to: Canine Companions
a little about the process
The application process is advertised towards the end of the fall semester and takes place during the beginning months of the spring. Leading up to the application deadline, potential raisers must attend informational sessions, complete written applications, and questionnaires pertaining to the upcoming academic year (when they would be raising). Following the applications are interviews for selected applications. These applicants undergo a solo/co-raiser interview, group interview, and a handling trial with a current dog in the program.
At the beginning of the following semester, raisers receive their 8 or 16 week old pup! Ages can vary based on organization and opportunity each year. From that point forward, the raisers focus on training, socializing, and raising their service dog in training for the next 15-18 months. During that time, raisers dedicate over 13,000 hours to prepare them for advanced training and their future careers.
Becoming a raiser is an incredible experience! Raise a dog, change a life!
