Foster A
Young Adult Dog

Fosters are volunteers who provide a loving and supportive environment for young adult future autism service dogs, beginning at about 18 months of age and typically lasting 6-12 months. BluePath dogs are typically Labrador retrievers, Golden retrievers, or Golden-Lab crosses. 

Fosters must transport their dogs to and from training at BluePath’s location in Wappingers Falls, NY, approximately three to five days each week. The foster provides exercise, engagement, direction, and relaxation for the service dog outside of its daily training routine.

Fostering for BluePath has been an amazing experience for our entire family. We are a link in the chain of many BluePath volunteers who give a family of a child with autism the freedom to be out in the community safely.

- Allison Armstrong

The foster follows BluePath protocols in continuing the already-established basic skills and house manners to prepare the dog for life supporting a child with special needs. No experience is required and BluePath provides veterinary care, supplies, instruction, and support.

You will be invited to attend service dog graduation, a moving ceremony where you will have the opportunity to connect with the dog’s recipient family. 

Application to Foster a BluePath Dog

"*" indicates required fields

I understand that a requirement of this volunteer opportunity is to drop off the dog in Wappingers Falls in the morning and return to pick the dog up in the afternoon, three - five days each week.*
Name*
Address*
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Is anyone in the home a veteran or actively serving in the military?*
Are all family members willing to contribute to fostering?*
Is anyone in your household allergic to dogs?*
Is anyone in your home afraid of dogs?*
Do you have a fully fenced in yard?*
Do you have other dogs at home?*
Does your dog alert bark to noises, the doorbell or a knock on the door?*
Do you have any other pets at home?*
Would you be comfortable with us making a home visit?*
Are you willing to adhere to our policies to keep our dogs healthy and safe at all times, this includes keeping them on a leash unless in a fully fenced in area, and providing adequate exercise and socialization?*

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