Together we are building the next generation of guide dogs.
Giving people with visual impairments the freedom to move through life with greater independence.
Intro
At Nova Canis, dedicated foster families play an essential role in the development of our dogs. As a foster family, you provide the daily care and guidance for a dog within our breeding programme.
Depending on your situation, there are different ways to contribute.
Below you will find the three types of foster families within Nova Canis:
-
Puppy Raising Family
-
Maternity Family
-
Combined Family
Puppy Raising Family
As a foster family, you raise a puppy from approximately 8 weeks to ±16 months of age during an important stage of its development.
You provide daily care, guidance and basic training, with a strong focus on calm, positive and gradual exposure to new experiences. By doing so, you help lay the foundation for a confident, stable and well-balanced future guide dog.
And who knows? Even after she leaves, She might even join you on holiday one day, so you can stay in touch!
Maternity family
(Available from a later phase of the breeding program.)
As a maternity foster family you welcome a young breeding female into your home from approximately 16 months of age.
You provide a stable home and are responsible for supporting her throughout her heat cycles, veterinary care and, if applicable, pregnancy.
During whelping and the puppies' first weeks of life, you provide a calm, safe and nurturing environment.
Once her breeding career comes to an end you will have the first opportunity to adopt her permanently.
Combined family
As a combined foster family, you take on both roles.
You raise a puppy from a young age during its early development.
Following an evaluation and consultation, you may continue as a maternity family if your dog is selected for the breeding programme.
In that case, she remains with your family while continuing her journey within the breeding programme.
This provides continuity and stability throughout her development.
Once her breeding career comes to an end you will have the first opportunity to adopt her permanently.
What can you expect from us?
-
all essential resources, including food, equipment and veterinary care
-
professional guidance and support at home
-
personalised guidance tailored to your situation
-
clear guidelines and practical documentation
-
a dedicated point of contact for all your questions
-
valuable knowledge about canine behaviour and development
-
a unique experience that will stay with you for a lifetime
As a foster family at Nova Canis, you'll never be on your own!
What do we expect from you?
-
you live in a house with a safe, securely enclosed garden
-
you have access to a car
-
you have sufficient time available
-
the dog is left alone for no more than approximately 4 hours per day
-
higher availability is required during the whelping period
-
-
you live in West or East Flanders
-
you are physically able to care for a puppy or young dog
-
you are open to guidance and willing to work closely with our programme
-
you have a positive and respectful attitude towards dogs
-
there are no children under the age of 8 living in your household
The young female Labrador you raise today can help shape generations of future guide dogs.
Would you like to make a difference as a foster family?
Please complete the form below. Once we receive your application, we will contact you by phone to arrange a no-obligation introductory meeting.
By submitting this form, you agree to our privacy and cookie policy .