Volunteer
Open Your Heart and Home
Volunteering with See Differently means becoming part of a purpose-driven community of everyday heroes for the leading and largest program in South Australia.
What’s on this page?
Together, we raise and shape the future generation of Guide and Assistance Dogs, that will one day walk beside people who are blind or living with vision loss living with vision loss or support a veteran navigating life with PTSD.
You don’t need special superpowers, just a warm heart, a safe home, and a little time to give. Whether you’re available every day, on weekends, or just every now and then, your contribution will have a lasting ripple effect. And you won’t be doing it alone. From day one, we’ll walk alongside you with expert guidance, training, support, and all the essentials your dog needs.
Volunteering is flexible, rewarding, and deeply meaningful. You’ll gain a sense of community, connect with like-minded volunteers, and be part of something much bigger than yourself.
Join a community that changes lives
Our puppy volunteers are incredible. Their care, support and love for puppies as they embark on their journey to becoming future guide or assistance dogs is selfless and inspiring. Find out more about joining our volunteer community.
Why Volunteer With Us
The impact we make is life-changing and so is your role in it
Because of volunteers like you, our dogs become more than pets. They become heroes. Your kindness, care, and commitment can help change a life maybe even your own.
When you volunteer with See Differently, you become part of something bigger than yourself:
You’ll change lives
Every pup you help raise or care for becomes a life-changing support for someone living with vision loss or a veteran with PTSD.
You’ll be part of something bigger
Join a passionate community of over 300 volunteers who are making a real difference—together.
You don’t need experience
Just a caring nature, a bit of time, and a belief in helping others is all it takes. We provide the training and support.
You’ll gain purpose and connection
Volunteering offers meaning, routine, and the joy of knowing your time has a tangible impact.
You’ll help raise a hero
Our dogs are more than companions—they’re trusted guides, calming presences, and everyday heroes.
You might even grow in the process
Many of our volunteers say the experience is life-changing—for them, too.
What We Offer
Feel supported, every step forward the way
Volunteering with See Differently means you’re never doing it alone. We’re with you through every walk, every milestone, every goodbye.
When you give your time to help raise a hero, we make sure you feel valued, prepared, and backed by a caring team. Here’s what we provide:
Everything’s Provided
We supply food, bedding, toys, dog coats, and everything else your pup needs — at no cost to you.
Training and Support
You’ll receive training before you start and regular support throughout your volunteer journey, including one-on-one guidance and group sessions.
Bills Covered
We take care of all vaccinations and veterinary visits as needed.
A warm, welcoming community
Join fellow volunteers at open days, info sessions, and social events — because shared purpose feels even better together.
Flexibility to suit your life
With different volunteer roles available, you can choose the commitment level that fits your lifestyle.
Because when you open your home and heart to a dog in training, we open ours to you.
“It takes time and a community to breed, train and support our Guide and Assistance Dogs.
We do it all ourselves, from the breeding, to the early puppy training, to formal schooling and bringing together the partnership of handler or veteran and their dog – it takes a village”.
Who we are looking for
If you could raise a future hero?
The best way to find out what’s right for you is to attend one of our upcoming information sessions. You’ll meet our team, chat with experienced volunteers, and discover which path fits your lifestyle.
Puppy Educators
As a Puppy Educator, you’ll raise one of our ‘babies’ from just eight weeks old.
Bed & Breakfast Boarders
As a Bed & Breakfast Boarder, you will help a ‘teenager’ for about 20 weeks whilst they are at school.
Emergency Boarders
Life happens. Sometimes our Puppy Educators or Bed & Boarders go on holiday, have emergencies, or just need a break. That’s when we call our incredible Emergency Boarders.
![[Image description: Photo from behind of two see differently volunteers wearing dark green see differently volunteer shirts.]](https://seedifferently.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Group-54-2.jpg "Photo from behind of two see differently volunteers")
Information Sessions
Interested in volunteering, yet not sure where to start?
Our free Information Sessions are the perfect place to learn more, ask questions, and meet the team behind See Differently’s Guide & Assistance Dog Program.
The Information Session will cover:
- An overview of our Guide & Assistance Dog Program
- What support and training you’ll receive
- The different types of volunteer roles available
- Plenty of time for questions
Take the first step toward changing someone’s world —
and maybe your own.
You’ll hear about the different ways you can get involved — from full-time Puppy Educators to Bed & Breakfast Boarders or Emergency Boarders, and find out what it’s really like to open your heart and home to a future hero.
Our sessions are friendly, informal, and obligation-free. Whether you’re curious, ready to sign up, or just want to explore if this is the right fit for you, we’d love to have you.
“It is difficult to explain how much Lana has changed my life and how much I appreciate the trainers and puppy volunteers. She comes everywhere with me – to work, to pilates, the supermarket, Adelaide Oval and even the Australian Open in Melbourne.”
FAQs
Curious about volunteering?
Have questions about volunteering? We’ve answered some of the most common questions about how you can support our Guide & Assistance Dog program from puppy raising to temporary care:
Do I need experience to volunteer?
No previous dog experience is needed. We’ll support you with all the training, guidance, and resources you need, whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong dog lover. All you need is time, care, and a willingness to learn.
Are the puppies fed a special diet?
Puppies are generally fed premium dry food, which provides all the nutrients they need.
Where do you get your puppies come from?
Puppies come from our own Breeding Program.
What volunteer roles are available?
From full-time Puppy Educators who raise our dogs in their homes, to Bed & Breakfast Boarders who care for pups on weekends or in emergencies — there are flexible ways to get involved. We’ll work with you to find a role that suits your lifestyle and availability.
Can I volunteer if I work or study?
Yes, absolutely. Many of our volunteers are students or professionals. If your schedule doesn’t suit Puppy Educating we can explore other roles, such as Bed& Breakfast or Emergency Boarding.
What costs are covered?
We provide all essential equipment, food, and veterinary care for puppies in the program.
What if I have other pets at home?
You can still volunteer, even with other pets. We’ll work with you to ensure your household is a safe and suitable environment. Having other calm, well-behaved pets can actually help with the puppy’s socialisation.
What happens if I need to travel or something unexpected comes up?
We understand life happens. If you’re heading away or have an emergency, we can arrange for your puppy to stay with another approved carer through our Emergency Boarding network.
How long will it take to be matched?
It can take up to a few months to receive a puppy, depending on availability and the current program needs. Once you’ve completed training and passed assessment, we’ll match you with a pup as soon as we can.
What if the puppy I raise doesn’t become a guide or assistance dog?
Not every dog graduates into a working role — and that’s okay. Some become facility or therapy dogs, others join our breeding program, and some are adopted as companion pets.
Will I get to meet the person my puppy eventually supports?
Where possible, Puppy Educators and Bed & Breakfast Boarders are invited to attend graduation ceremonies to see the difference they’ve made in someone else’s life.
Is it hard to give the puppy back?
It’s never easy to say goodbye. But our volunteers often tell us that the pride and joy of seeing their pup move on to change someone’s life far outweighs the sadness. Many return to educate another puppy!
Help Us Raise The Future
Whether you’re ready to open your home to a puppy full-time or part-time, we’d love to hear from you.
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