The centerpiece of Joybound’s Shelter to Service program is our unique dog training pathway that transforms shelter dogs into psychiatric service animals, emotional support animals, and facility animals for individuals with mental health-related disabilities. But before a Shelter to Service candidate starts their new career, they all must spend time with volunteer foster families to assess their aptitude and undergo basic foundational training to help prepare them for their role.
“Fostering a Shelter to Service dog is such a rewarding experience. It’s an amazing feeling knowing you’re helping them become something so much greater.”
– Barry, Joybound Foster Volunteer
Why Foster a Service Dog Candidate?
While all foster pets make a difference, our Shelter to Service program offers a unique fostering experience. These dogs have already been carefully evaluated for their temperament and potential to succeed in service work, which often means they arrive with strong manners, an eagerness to learn, and in some cases, well-established skills like potty training.
Many volunteers also appreciate the clear goal of the program. From day one, these dogs are preparing for a future career helping a person in need, and because they are destined to continue their training journey, foster trainers do not have the option to adopt their candidate. For some volunteers, that makes saying goodbye a little easier, knowing their foster dog is moving on to an important purpose.
Service dog fostering offers a great way to care for a pet without the long-term commitment of adoption and gets the whole family involved with volunteering. Plus, like with all Joybound foster animals, our team provides all the supplies you need.
Start your foster journey by taking our online Volunteer Orientation Session.
Types of Shelter to Service Fostering
We’re looking for special people to foster these pre-evaluated dogs in preparation for their futures as psychiatric service dogs, emotional support animals, facility animals, and more.
Here is a look at some of the opportunities to get involved with fostering Joybound’s incredible Shelter to Service candidates.
SleepRover Fostering
At Joybound, a SleepRover is a one-night (or two-night) foster experience for dogs in need of a break from shelter life. This could be a Shelter to Service candidate who would enjoy a weekend in a home, or even an adoptable shelter dog who could use some time to decompress. Every hour spent in a foster home gives us crucial information about our canine candidates that helps us find their perfect match and set them up for success as psychiatric service dogs.
If you’re interested in providing short-term love without a long-term commitment, try bringing a dog home for a SleepRover!
Joyride Fostering
Even shorter than a SleepRover stay, Joybound’s Joyride outings are an afternoon of fun for a shelter dog. Think of it like a field trip for a dog who could use some fresh air! You could take a dog to the beach, to the park, on a hike, or even just bring them to work if you have a pet-friendly office! Shelter to Service Joyride candidates can be met on Fridays and Sundays, and adoptable Joyride candidates can be met on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Take a Joyride with a shelter dog! All you need is an open heart and a free afternoon.
Volunteer Foster Training
One of the most impactful types of fostering a family can do for Shelter to Service dogs is to serve as a Volunteer Foster Trainer. By caring for a psychiatric service dog candidate for up to 15 weeks, attending weekly training sessions at Joybound’s Walnut Creek headquarters, and following a daily training regimen guided by our professional trainers, these extra-dedicated volunteers lay an impactful foundation for future service dog training.
Plus, your hours as a volunteer foster trainer can county towards becoming a certified professional dog trainer. If you love animals and are considering a career in animal wellness or training, this is a great starting point!
Foster Testimonials
Please note: Shelter to Service foster volunteers may not apply for Shelter to Service program services, and Shelter to Service applicants may not participate as fosters for the program.
Shelter to Service in the News
Get Involved with Shelter to Service
Become a Volunteer Foster Trainer
Volunteer foster trainers make our mission possible.
Make a Gift to Shelter to Service
Your support changes the lives of people and pets alike.
Apply for a Shelter to Service Animal
Start your assistance or support animal journey.
We feed our animals high-quality Purina pet food.
You can find all our adorable, adoptable animals on Petfinder.
We’re a proud recipient of funding from the Engelstad Foundation.
We’re honored to elevate animal wellness alongside the ASPCA.
VCA’s expert care heals pets and Joybound shelter animals alike.