A shortage of carers in Tauranga has the Blind Foundation asking people to step up and become a puppy walker.

Blind Foundation guide dog services spokesperson Paul Metcalf says they need puppy walkers urgently, as they have a lot of pups coming up that need to be placed into volunteer homes.

Ted Joyce with his Blind Foundation puppy Zippy.

'We're looking to place more than 100 puppies a year [in Tauranga, Auckland and Hamilton], so it's quite a number.

'We do have a fantastic army of volunteers out there, some of which have successfully walked up to 18 of our dogs, so it's a fantastic commitment.”

Papamoa man Ted Joyce became a puppy walker when his father had a stroke and went blind.

Since then, he has had seven puppies in his care, with his current pup a black Labrador by the name of Zippy.

'They are just gorgeous. I get them when they are about six to eight months old and keep them for about a year,” says Ted.

'We do basic obedience training and socialisation. We also have lots of fun.”

Ted warns the one hard thing about being a puppy walker is giving the dog up once the year is over.

'The best way to do it is to give them up and get a new pup straight away.”

The Blind Foundation visits regularly and covers all costs, including food and veterinary care. To find out more information, visit the Blind Foundation website.