Our Shelter to Service program was launched in 2011 as a service providing free pet adoptions to U.S. military Veterans. Today, it has evolved into so much more. The centerpiece of the Shelter to Service program is our unique dog training pathway that transforms shelter dogs into psychiatric service animals for adults with invisible disabilities, or into facility dogs who assist facility staff and clients meet their goals.
The first step on that pathway? Twelve weeks of training in a volunteer foster home.
How to Get Started
We’re looking for very special people to foster these pre-evaluated dogs in preparation for service and facility training. These candidates spend 12 weeks with their foster families, following a daily training regimen guided by our professional trainers, and attending training sessions twice per week at Joybound’s Walnut Creek headquarters. By getting a head start on foundational training and exposure to a variety of stimuli while staying with their foster families, these dogs are well-prepared for their specialized/individualized training once they’re matched with their program participants.
Does this sound like something you’re interested in? Sign up for a foster orientation session to begin!
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