Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O'Connor, visited the Customs and Border Protection Breeding Centre in Melbourne today to launch a recruitment campaign for puppy foster carers.

"With a large number of pups expected to be born within the next three months, Customs and Border Protection is seeking individuals or families to be part of the Customs and Border Protection Puppy Foster Carer Scheme," Mr O'Connor said.

Foster carers help raise Labrador puppies that are training to become Customs and Border Protection detector dogs.

Customs and Border Protection provides all food, veterinary needs, equipment, expert advice as well as canine development training. In return, volunteer carers provide a safe home for the pup while socialising them to the sights, sounds and smells of the suburban environment.

Foster carers host a pup from about eight weeks until 12 months of age. The dogs are then assigned to work as a detector dog within Customs and Border Protection or another agency.

Mr O'Connor said the puppy foster carer program is a great way for Australians to work in conjunction with the government to help protect Australia's borders.

"Being a puppy foster carer is a rewarding way for everyday Australians to help protect our borders, while enjoying the fun of raising a Labrador puppy," Mr O'Connor said.

Customs and Border Protection detector dogs play an important role in protecting Australia's borders. They contribute to the detection of firearms, explosives, narcotics and drugs at the border.

Last year Customs and Border Protection detector dog teams attended more than 24,000 tasks and directly contributed to the detection of 500 illicit imports and exports.

"But before these puppies can protect our borders they need a loving home," Mr O'Connor said.

For more information on how you can become a puppy foster carer visit the Customs and Border Protection website at www.customs.gov.au or call 1800 664 106.

Media Contact: Christian Taubenschlag 0438 595 567