Volunteer with Service Dogs of Virginia

Yes! The vast majority of our volunteers have no formal dog training experience. Before fostering a dog, you must attend a Volunteer Training Class. During this class you will learn our training methods and how to handle the dog in public and cues that the dos are learning. Our training methods are based on positive reinforcement, and we know you will truly enjoy the experience.

A fenced yard is highly desirable, especially for puppy raisers and nights/weekend providers. We will, however, make exceptions on a case-by-case basis for respite care providers if you are willing and committed to leash walking the dog on a regular basis. Please note: Electric or invisible fences are not permitted.

Generally, yes. Program dogs are not allowed to cross state lines without permission, and are never allowed to cross international borders. They are not allowed on cruises or on a flight while in training.

In general, dogs in vest should build the expectation of not greeting people, including friends, family, neighbors or coworkers. If the program dog is out of vest, enjoying "down time," and are being well-behaved, they may meet and greet people. Please make sure anyone greeting the dog is aware of program rules and that you are ready to help enforce good manners.

Anyone who helps care for the service dog in training must be approved by SDV. They should also join you in classes to make sure they understand program expectations.

As long as you provide SDV reasonable notice, we can arrange for a respite volunteer to take care of your dog while you are on vacation or need a break. We also like our puppies to become accustomed to new experiences and occasionally may ask you to let your puppy go to a respite provider for a few days even when you don’t have travel plans.

Yes. Considering the investment of emotion, time, and energy in raising a service dog puppy, the entire family needs to be in favor of taking on this commitment. Family members may participate in the training process; however, one family member should be designated as the primary trainer. Those aged 18 and younger may be allowed to handle the dog with SDV approval.

Yes, if your other pets don’t mind having a young, energic dog in the house. If you have cats or other dogs that don’t apricate the presence of other dogs (or only get along with “older, calm” dogs), then it might not be a good fit

We use primarily Labrador Retrievers in our program due to their size, natural retrieving instinct, and their strong desire to work for and please people. From time to time we will accept a dog deemed unsuitable for guide work and given to us by a guide dog organization which could be a Golden Retriever or a Golden/Lab cross. Typically our puppies come from the International Service Dog Breeding Cooperative, of which we are member.

It varies by dog as some dogs have more energy than others. Additionally, nights/weekend providers may find that their dog is pretty tired at the end of a work day after training and playing at our center all day. However, generally speaking, these are young dogs who will have quite a bit of energy and will require regular play and attention. We strongly recommend that our volunteers have a fenced in yard where the dogs and run and play.

We provide a martingale collar, leash, training vest, crate for crate training, food, all vet expenses, ID microchips, medications (including flea and tick preventatives), and insurance.

You will need to provide a fenced yard or commitment to leash walking on a regular basis, approved dog toys and treats, dog bed, transportation to/from SDV facility as needed, and plenty of love and attention

We wait to spay/neuter until at least 1 year of age in order to determine if a puppy is going to enter our breeding program. This is why we require all pet dogs in volunteers’ homes to be spayed/neutered. Un-spayed female dogs typically go into heat 1-2 times a year, starting sometime between 8 and 13 months of age. During this time, you may want to have her wear a protective liner which we can provide. During this time you will also have to be extra cautious about her activities and public exposure.

Yes, you will have the opportunity to meet the individual who receives the dog you fostered. Applicants for service dogs complete two weeks of team training with their potential service dog followed by a graduation ceremony held in November or December each year.

Sometimes dogs in training cannot be placed as a service dog due to reasons such as health or temperament that don’t meet the qualifications for this type of work. In the event that a dog needs a career change, we evaluate the situation and determine what is best for the dog. If it is determined that the best option for the dog is to be a pet dog, we will find it a good home from a waiting list of carefully screened applicants. The dog’s puppy raiser and nights/weekend providers will also be considered as potential adoptive parents if they are interested.

It’s only natural that you will become very attached to the dog. The ability to give up a dog comes from knowing that you are raising this puppy or providing nights/weekends care or a purpose — that the puppy will go on to help someone with a disability lead a more social and independent lifestyle. Plus, when you are ready we’ll have another dog for you!

Yes. We have our graduation each year, typically in November (typically the weekend before Thanksgiving) and our skills demo in the spring. All dogs in training are present at the graduation and you may be asked to bring your dog to the skills demo. We may also ask you to occasionally help out a fundraising or other event.