Two people sitting on the floor with a black dog in between them, indoors.

Nights/Weekends Volunteers

What is a Nights/Weekends Volunteer?

Nights and Weekends Volunteers play a vital role in the care of our service dogs in advanced training. These volunteers house the dogs overnight, on weekends, and during holidays, ensuring they receive the rest and care they need before being placed with their future clients. Volunteers are responsible for bringing the dogs to our facility during the weekdays for training sessions.

What You’ll Do:

  • House dogs in advanced training during the evenings, weekends, and holidays

  • Transport the dogs to our facility (673 Berkmar Ct, Charlottesville, VA 22901) during the weekdays for training

  • Ensure that the dogs continue to build on the training they receive at the facility, maintaining consistency at home

 What We’re Looking For:

  • Volunteers who are 18 years or older

  • Must complete the SDV Volunteers Class prior to receiving a dog

  • Must live within commuting distance of Charlottesville, VA or willing to commute

  • Comfortable transporting dogs to and from our facility on weekdays

Time Commitment:

  • 1 year commitment

  • Maybe asked to bring a dog or attend SDV event on nights or weekends

See “Nights/Weekend Volunteer Questions” at the bottom of this page for FAQs.

Steps to Becoming a Nights/Weekends Volunteer

  1. Submit an online application

  2. Attend a SDV Volunteer Class

  3. Schedule a home visit with SDV staff

  4. Receive the SDV Service Dog in Training!

Nights/Weekends Volunteer Questions

  • Our Nights and Weekends volunteers house our dogs in advanced training during the weekday nights and on weekends. They are responsible for bringing them to our facility (673 Berkmar Ct, Charlottesville, VA 22901) during the weekdays for training.

  • Yes, it’s important for the dog to get socialization and experience outside of training. Your dog’s training will discuss what outing are appropriate when you receive the dog.

  • Yes. Dogs in advanced training can be left at maximum alone for 4 hours.

  • Typically the dogs start advanced training at 1 year. Some dogs may start as late as 15 months.

  • Typically dogs are in advanced training for a year before placement.