TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Huikuang Guide Dog School in New Taipei is looking for foster families, as it recently welcomed 10 Labrador puppies.

The mother, Donut, acquired through an exchange with the Hong Kong Guide Dogs Association, gave birth to six male and four female puppies. The father is Rudy, who was bred locally by the school, per CNA.

"We are very surprised to have 10 new members in a single litter. This is a record for us,” said Peng Hsiao-han (彭筱涵), secretary-general of Huiguang Guide Dog School.

She said guide dog puppies must enter foster homes two months after birth and undergo a year of socialization training to help them adapt to humans. Peng said this allows puppies to develop basic habits, preparing them for the task of leading the visually impaired.

According to Peng, guide dog puppies cannot be treated like normal pets. Instead, they must be cared for and trained according to a strict plan set by the school.

For example, foster families will be asked to bring the puppies back to school twice a month for training, which may include visiting different social environments. Another important requirement is that the puppies need to be accompanied 24 hours a day.

Peng said that, based upon experience, only about one out of 50 applicants can pass. Four foster families have already signed up for the program; however, due to more puppies than expected, more foster families are urgently needed.

According to the school’s website, basic conditions for foster care include residence in Taipei, Keelung, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. Families must have a car and at least one adult to take care of the puppies around the clock, and no more than one child under six in the home to avoid the foster families being overburdened.

Foster families do not have to bear any costs or fees associated with the care of puppies, as supplies and veterinary expenses are provided by the school and sponsors.