Volunteer trainers raise service dogs in training in their home until they are ready to be placed as a service dog. They help with manners, public access work, and basic training.

Becoming a volunteer trainer is rewarding and requires no prior experience. 4 Paws for Ability covers the costs of veterinary care, basic supplies, and dog food. Volunteers can participate for a flexible period, but many serve for a year or more.

Type of Volunteer Trainers:

Primary Handler

A primary handler is an individual, family, or student who lives on or off campus, caring for, training, and socializing a service dog in training dog that they have been paired with.

Secondary Handler

A secondary handler is an individual, family, or university student who provides short-term assistance to primary handlers by caring for, training, and socializing dogs in our program for hours at a time up to a couple weeks. Secondary handlers are not paired with a specific dog, and may work with multiple service dogs in training.

Weekend/Weeknight Handler

A weekend handler cares for and trains an assigned service dog in training in their home on weekends and evenings while the dog is in advanced training and working with a professional trainer during the work week. The service dog in training can be picked up each evening and returned in the morning and/or can go home with the volunteer each weekend. 

General Requirements:

-Must be located within three (3) hours of 4 Paws for Ability in Xenia, OH
-Must be at least 18 years of age
-Must complete an online training course and an in-person orientation process
-Must have reliable transportation to travel to 4 Paws for Ability for scheduled appointments and supply pickups at least monthly.

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