Assistance Dogs Volunteer Application

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with The Ability Center! Our volunteers help future Service Dogs, Skilled Companion Dogs, and School Facility Dogs move closer to their careers. This application helps us learn about you and identify opportunities that may be a good fit.

You do not need prior dog-training experience, and not every volunteer role requires you to house or handle a dog.

All volunteers complete an onboarding process that includes an application, orientation, interview, background check, and volunteer training. A home visit is also required for opportunities that involve caring for a dog in the volunteer’s home. Additional training and requirements may apply depending on the volunteer opportunity. Submitting an application does not guarantee placement, but it is the first step in finding the right fit.

Applicants under age 18 are welcome to volunteer with the involvement and supervision of a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian must complete our screening process, including a background check.

All Assistance Dogs Program volunteers are required to successfully complete a background check before beginning volunteer activities.

Your answer does not commit you to accepting a dog. It helps our team understand which opportunities may be a good fit.

What kinds of opportunities would you like to learn more about? Select all that interest you; this does not commit you to a role.

When are you generally available? Select all that apply.

If a dog is placed in my care, I understand and agree that I will:

• Use a crate when the dog is unattended or overnight, as directed by staff.
• Keep the dog on leash unless the dog is in a secure, enclosed area.
• Feed the provided or approved diet and not give human food.
• Provide daily exercise and enrichment appropriate to the dog.
• Follow veterinary, preventive-care, training, and documentation instructions.
• Not take the dog to dog parks or daycare, and allow interaction only with dogs approved by program staff.
• Attend required classes and appointments and communicate promptly about illness, emergencies, or schedule changes.
• Provide at least 30 days’ notice for planned absences whenever possible.
• Transfer the dog’s care if program staff determine that a change is needed.

Some roles may include walking and safely controlling a growing dog, bending or kneeling, navigating stairs or uneven ground, lifting up to 30 pounds, and transporting a dog or supplies.

Prior dog-training experience is not required. Staff provide training and support.

Public outings with a Service Dog in Training are available only after the volunteer completes required training and passes the program’s Public Readiness Test. Until approved, a volunteer may not take a dog into non-pet-friendly public spaces. Only approved volunteers may handle a dog in public, and the dog must wear its designated vest.

Individuals previously denied or dismissed from an Ability Center program because of misconduct, fraud, or disciplinary reasons may be ineligible for the Assistance Dogs volunteer program. Applications are reviewed individually.

By submitting this application, I understand and agree that:

• I will follow staff instructions, safety procedures, training protocols, and expectations for my approved volunteer activities.
• I will complete required training and documentation and communicate promptly when I need help or cannot fulfill a commitment.
• I will protect confidential client, volunteer, program, and training information.
• I may share appropriate photos of dogs on personal social media to support program awareness, but I may not use them for commercial gain or to promote a personal business.
• Volunteer opportunities depend on program capacity, current needs, scheduling, and the applicant’s fit with available roles.

May The Ability Center use your name, photograph, and/or video image in program communications and publicly released materials?

Choosing “No” will not affect consideration of your volunteer application.

I acknowledge that my participation as a volunteer with The Ability Center’s Assistance Dogs Program is completely voluntary and undertaken at my own risk.

I understand that volunteering may involve inherent risks, including but not limited to interactions with dogs, transportation of dogs, participation in training activities, attendance at events, visits to homes or community locations, and activities conducted at The Ability Center or off-site locations.

I agree to follow all program policies, safety guidelines, and instructions provided by Assistance Dogs Program staff. I further agree not to perform duties for which I have not been trained or am not adequately prepared.

I understand that I am not an employee of The Ability Center and am not entitled to compensation, workers’ compensation coverage, or employment benefits.

I hereby release and hold harmless The Ability Center, its officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, volunteers, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, injuries, losses, costs, or expenses arising out of or related to my participation as a volunteer.

I certify that the information provided in this application is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that all Assistance Dogs Program volunteers must successfully complete a background check. I authorize The Ability Center to conduct this background check and verify information provided as necessary to determine my suitability for volunteer service.

I understand that violation of program policies or volunteer expectations may result in suspension or termination of volunteer privileges. I have read this agreement and understand that by signing below, I am voluntarily agreeing to its terms and releasing certain legal rights. I am signing this agreement freely, knowingly, and voluntarily.