Volunteer Foster Training

The centerpiece of Joybound’s Shelter to Service program is our unique dog training pathway that transforms shelter dogs into psychiatric service animals for individuals with invisible disabilities, or into facility dogs who assist facility staff and clients meet their goals. The first step on that pathway? 15 weeks of training in the home of a volunteer foster trainer.

You Can Make a Difference

We’re looking for special people to foster these pre-evaluated dogs in preparation for service and facility work. Before a Shelter to Service candidate meets their future handler, they must undergo exposure and foundational training with a volunteer foster trainer to master the required skills of crate training, alone-time behavior, walking appropriately on a loose leash, and potty training. These candidates spend 15 weeks with their volunteer foster trainers, following a daily training regimen guided by our professional trainers, and attending weekly, two-hour training sessions at Joybound’s Walnut Creek headquarters.

By getting a head start on training and exposure to a variety of stimuli while staying with their volunteer foster trainers, these dogs are well-prepared for their individualized training once they’re matched with a program participant.

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, Joybound provides all the supplies you need.

Foster Testimonials

Please note: volunteer foster trainers may not apply for Shelter to Service program services, and Shelter to Service applicants may not participate as volunteer foster trainers for the program.