Volunteer trainers foster service dogs in training in their homes until they are ready to be placed as a service dog. Dogs may be anywhere from eight weeks to two years old, and volunteers 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 (Biggest Need)
A primary handler is an individual, family, or student who cares for, trains, and socializes a service dog in training assigned to them.
Secondary Handler
A secondary handler is an individual, family, or university student who provides short-term assistance to primary handlers by supporting, training, and socializing dogs in our program for hours at a time up to a few weeks. Secondary handlers may work with various service dogs in training over time.
Weekend/Weeknight Handler
A weekend handler provides care and training for a service dog in training while the dog is in advanced training with a professional trainer during the workweek. Volunteers can choose to pick up the dog each evening from the 4 Paws facility and return them in the morning, or take the dog home for the entire weekend—or both! This opportunity allows volunteers to support a dog’s training while enjoying the flexibility of evening and weekend fostering.
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 training class
-Must be willing to begin fostering within two weeks of training if dogs are available
-Must own your own car and have immediate access to travel to 4 Paws for Ability as a Primary Handler for scheduled appointments and supply pickups at least monthly
-Any pet dogs living in the home must be friendly towards other dogs, up to date on vaccines, inside dogs, and not exceed three personal dogs. All pet dogs will be temperament tested by a 4 Paws staff member.
-Must be able to keep 4 Paws dog on leash at all times, unless in a completely confined area
-Specific physical ability and cognitive capacity See FAQ for more details.
Ready to get started?
To begin, fill out our Volunteer Interest Form to connect with our team. Once submitted, check your email within 24 hours for an invitation to take part in a virtual or onsite information session. Please check your Spam folder if it does not appear in your inbox.
Feel free to email volunteer@4pawsforability.org, or call (937) 374-0385 ext. 102, with any questions.
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