Home, heart and helping paws, giving guide dogs the temporary care they deserve

Meet Jasper, a golden retriever with an important job. This working guide dog is currently enjoying a well-deserved break at the home of Joyce Moore, Technical Manager at Intertek’s UK Softlines laboratory, while his handler is away.

Jasper’s stay with Joyce is one of many inspiring examples of how our Ever Better Day programme empowers Intertek colleagues to give back to their communities in meaningful ways.

Since its launch in 2022, Ever Better Day has offered colleagues across all 50+ Intertek UK sites the opportunity to take a working day each year to support local charities and causes close to their hearts. This year, Joyce chose to dedicate her Ever Better Day to training as a respite fosterer with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, an organisation that transforms lives through the gift of mobility and independence.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is the world’s largest assistance dog organisation and the only one to breed and train guide dogs in the UK. With the help of volunteers like Joyce, the charity supports over 3,000 guide dogs working across the country.

As a respite fosterer, Joyce opens her home to guide dogs in need of temporary care, whether retired dogs awaiting permanent homes, dogs between placements, or active service dogs like Jasper whose handlers are away.

Her training day combined both hands-on and theoretical learning, covering everything from canine communication and welfare to legal responsibilities, alongside practical sessions with guide dogs in training.

Reflecting on the experience, Joyce shared:

“The Ever Better Day really is an amazing opportunity for all of us to put something back into the community. I had a very instructive and fun day and knowing it was the start of my journey volunteering for this fantastic charity made it even more rewarding.”

Anna Thomas, UK HR Director, added:

“We’re proud to offer this opportunity for colleagues to make a difference in their communities. From supporting STEM education and local charities to beach clean-ups and fundraising, our colleagues have made incredible contributions since the launch of Ever Better Day.”

Through initiatives like Ever Better Day, Intertek continues to live our purpose of making the world Ever Better, one act of kindness at a time — proving that small gestures can create lasting impact.