Co-Pilot Pre-Application Questionnaire

Thank you for your interest in helping raise a Pilot Puppy!
The first step in the Co-Pilot (puppy raiser) application process is to complete this short set of questions regarding basic components of the Co-Pilot program. This step will help us determine if Co-Piloting is a good fit for you and if you are eligible to move forward with the application process.

As a volunteer Co-Pilot, it's important to remember that you will be helping to raise a working dog, not a household pet, and that you will be playing a very vital role in the life of a future guide dog; for the safety and the future success of our Pilot Puppies, there are very important and intentional protocols in place that our Co-Pilots are required to follow.

Please take the time to think about the questions and answer honestly - it is understandable if there is information provided here that you don't agree with or just doesn't fit into your lifestyle...not everyone is cut out to be a Co-Pilot, and we have other volunteer opportunites available if raising a Pilot Puppy is not for you!

Full name*

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com

Are you applying for the Co-Pilot program for a 4-H project?*
Are you a student at The Ohio State University?*
Are you a member of the Pilot Dogs Club at OSU?
Pilot Dogs conducts background checks on volunteer applicants over the age of 18. Will you provide authorization to do so, if requested?*
We require our Co-Pilots to have their own vehicle in order to handle unexpected emergencies that may arise with their Pilot Puppy. Do you have your own vehicle? *
Co-Pilots are volunteer puppy raisers who care for our Pilot Puppies until they are old enough start their advanced guide dog training. Are you willing to provide a puppy with a safe, loving home environment, while also helping to develop household manners and positive habits?*
We ask that you have no more than two (2) dogs in your home so that the Pilot Puppy will have a better chance of getting the necessary time and attention from the Co-Pilot. How many dogs do you have?*
For safety purposes, we require that other dogs in the home are spayed/neutered. Are your dogs spayed/neutered?
Pilot Puppies must be crated indoors any time they are unsupervised, including bedtime. Are you willing to crate the puppy as required? *
Socialization is an important part of raising Pilot Puppies, but they are not to be taken to any dog park, dog day care, public swimming area, or similar facility where dogs are off leash. Are you willing to avoid taking the puppy to these types of places?*
Pilot Puppies are not permitted on any furniture, including couches, beds, futons and the like. Are you willing to keep the puppy off of your furniture?*
Do you understand that housetraining is part of raising a Pilot Puppy?*
We do not require dog training experience - we will teach you everything you need to know, and we'll work around your schedule! Will you be able to bring the puppy to the Pilot Dogs campus for obedience training on a regular basis, and work with the puppy between training classes? (Exception: Co-Pilots who live outside of the central Ohio area will be provided training via Zoom.)*
Eventually all Pilot Puppies have to return to Pilot Dogs to begin their advanced guide dog training, which can be one of the most challenging parts of being a Co-Pilot. Will you be able to prepare yourself emotionally for when that time comes?*
Please verify that you are human.*
Should be Empty:

Thank you for your interest in helping raise a Pilot Puppy!