Fundamental Support

Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) provides many different types of support to puppy raising volunteers. Our Fundamental Support program strives to reduce financial barriers for our dedicated volunteers when considering the equipment and supplies needed to raise a GDB puppy. With the completion of each Puppy Placement Questionnaire (PPQ), you’ll be asked to complete a Fundamental Supply Request Form to let us know the items and supplies you may need GDB to provide for that puppy.

GDB relies on donations to fulfill our mission, and we greatly appreciate the financial support that many puppy raising volunteers provide by purchasing as many items as possible for the puppy. When each puppy raiser purchases what they can, we have the opportunity to support others. In most cases, these expenses can be deducted for tax purposes (speak to your professional tax preparer for more information).

For more details, see Equipment and Supplies.

In addition to dog-related items and supplies, if you have a puppy that graduates as a guide, breeder, or K9 Buddy, and you will be traveling more than 200 miles or further, one way, to the campus the dog is graduating from, if requested, GDB will provide a travel stipend of up to $200 each for up to 3 people in a household to help pay for expenses to attend the graduation ceremony.

Expense and Reimbursement Policy
GDB does not provide any financial or in-kind compensation for volunteer hours performed. GDB does not reimburse travel or other expenses except at the discretion and pre-authorization of the director of puppy raising.

GDB offers reimbursement for authorized veterinary expenses for GDB puppies. See Guide Dog Puppy Veterinary Care.

Financial Liabilities
GDB requires that all who participate in its programs provide reasonable care and control of GDB dogs to prevent injury or harm, such as dog bites or property damage to third parties. GDB’s breeding program, selection process, and training programs are designed to minimize these risks; however, nothing replaces the care and attention of the volunteer to prevent risky situations.

GDB maintains liability insurance to help cover program participants. Legal protections are also provided to volunteers under the Federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997, minimizing volunteers’ civil liabilities. To further minimize the potential for personal liability, volunteers are advised to maintain insurance coverage to protect themselves from claims arising from third parties for the action of the dogs they are handling. Volunteers who maintain standard homeowners or renter’s packages of insurance will generally find their coverage sufficient. GDB suggests that volunteers review their policies or contact their insurance agency for a review.

If a third party has been injured (or their property damaged), volunteers may receive a claim for damages. If an injury or property damage claim occurs, please notify your own insurance company and GDB immediately.

A volunteer is personally financially liable for any damages incurred:

• By non-compliance with GDB guidelines, policies, and protocols.
• By negligence or disregard for safety.
• In the course of their involvement in a non-GDB sponsored (or organized) event, meeting, or other activity.
• In driving a motor vehicle or other types of transportation to and from any GDB activities.
• By any outside contract entered into by a volunteer.