Become a Mutt Mentor
Turn a Shelter Dog Into a Life-Changing Service Companion
Foster, train, and empower rescue dogs with guidance. No experience needed.
Every service dog’s journey starts with someone like you. As a Mutt Mentor, you’ll open your heart and home to a rescue dog, helping them take their first steps toward becoming a life-saving partner for someone in need. No prior training experience? No problem. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
What is the Mutt Mentor Program?
The Mutt Mentor Program pairs loving volunteers with service dog candidates rescued from shelters. These incredible dogs are full of potential, and with your help, they’ll gain the obedience skills, confidence, and social exposure they need to succeed.
You’ll foster a dog-in-training, teach them basic behaviors, and prepare them to thrive in a home environment. It’s a deeply rewarding experience, knowing that your care helps shape a future service dog’s ability to transform someone’s life.
“At first, we thought it would be hard to let them go… but realizing the dog would impact someone’s day-to-day life gave us hope. Letting go wasn’t difficult - it was meaningful.”
— Mutt Mentor Family
Why It Matters
Our service dogs help people with diabetes, seizures, PTSD, anxiety, and other medical conditions regain independence and confidence. Each successful placement begins with a caring Mutt Mentor who provides structure, love, and guidance in the dog’s early training.
By becoming a Mutt Mentor, you’re not only saving a rescue dog, but you’re also changing a person’s life.
“Knowing we’re helping someone in need is so rewarding to our family. The dogs are well-behaved, smart, and helpful, and the love they bring into our home is incredible.”
— Mutt Mentor Family
What You’ll Do
As a Mutt Mentor, you’ll:
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Foster a rescue dog in your home
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Attend orientation and weekly mentor meetings
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Teach basic obedience and home manners
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Help socialize the dog in real-world environments
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Communicate regularly with our trainers
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Provide a safe, structured, and loving environment
“The support we received from Medical Mutts surprised us. We were never pressured, and their guidance made everything easy.”
— Mutt Mentor Family
Requirements
To qualify as a Mutt Mentor, you’ll need:
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A calm and dog-friendly home
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Ability to attend orientation at Medical Mutts
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Physical ability to handle larger dogs
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All household members on board
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Some dog experience using positive reinforcement
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A separate space for the foster dog (for quarantine)
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A fenced yard is a plus but not required
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Willingness to sign a liability waiver and agreement
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Openness about any personal medical conditions (won’t disqualify you)
What You’ll Gain
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Training and support from expert service dog trainers
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Weekly mentorship and guidance
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Updates after the dog is placed with their person
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The joy of transforming a rescue dog’s life
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The deep fulfillment of helping someone gain independence
“The bond we build with each dog is strong. Seeing them become more aware of people’s needs, and knowing we helped, is an amazing feeling.”
