Respite Volunteers

A cute puppy sleeping on a bed of colorful plastic balls, resembling a ball pit.

What do respite volunteers do?

Provide care and consistency for our puppies and dogs in advanced training when their usual caretaker is unavailable.

Respite Volunteers step in to provide temporary care for our puppies and dogs in advanced training. When a dog’s usual caretaker is unavailable, respite volunteers ensure the dog continues to receive the attention and training they need. Volunteers may be asked to care for a dog for a few hours, a few days, or even longer.

What You’ll Do:

  • Provide temporary care for puppies and dogs in advanced training

  • Ensure continuity in training by following SDV’s established methods

  • Help maintain the dog’s routine, including feeding, exercise, and socialization

  • Bring dogs in advanced training to our facility daily during the week for training

  • Puppies can stay in the home of the respite provider during the week and are encouraged to attend puppy class, though it’s not required

Respite Volunteer Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age

  • Must complete the SDV Volunteers Class prior to providing respite care

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

  • Comfortable with following SDV training methods to ensure consistency 

  • The ability to bring dogs in advanced training to our facility in Charlottesville every weekday

Time Commitment:

  • Respite volunteers provide temporary care based on the needs

  • Flexibility is key; volunteers may be asked to help on short notice for a few hours, a couple of days, or longer

For more details, check out our Respite Volunteer FAQs section below.

Still have questions? Feel free to email us at volunteer@servicedogsva.org.

Return to Volunteer Opportunities

Your Path to Volunteering

  • Fill out an application so we can get to you know you

  • Participate in our required volunteer training class. Classes are offered 3 times a year in February, May, and September.

  • Schedule a home visit with our staff

  • Sign up to provide respite care. Our Respite Care Coordinator will reach out by email when respite is needed.

Respite volunteer FAQS

  • Respite volunteers provide care for our puppies and/or dogs in advanced training when their usual caretaker is unavailable.

  • Yes

  • Yes, you will receive a respite form that details information about the dog and feeding, sleep, and toileting schedule. If you have additional questions about the dog, you can always speak directly to their full time care provider.

  • This is up to the trainer’s discretion. You can correspond with the trainer or volunteer liaison prior to committing to respite care.

  • It depends on the age of the dog. Older dogs in advanced training can be left home alone for up to 4 hours. Younger puppies may have more restrictive requirements.

  • While note required for respite volunteers, a fenced yard is highly desirable and preference will be given to respite providers who have one. Please note: Electric or invisible fences are not permitted.

  • 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.

Apply Now!