Residency & Home Environment:

Volunteers must live in a non-smoking household located within reasonable driving distance of The Ability Center in Sylvania, OH. The home must provide a clean, safe, and stable environment that promotes the health and well-being of a Service Dog in Training (SDIT).

Volunteers may have no more than two personal dogs and no more than three cats residing in the home. All personal pets must be spayed/neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, and on flea/tick prevention.

Volunteers must be willing to crate the SDIT when left unattended or overnight and ensure that the SDIT is never off-leash unless in a secure, enclosed area.

Physical Capability:

Volunteers must be physically capable of safely handling, caring for, and transporting a growing SDIT. This includes leash handling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and navigating stairs uneven terrain, and bending and kneeling frequently.

Program Participation:

Volunteers must complete the full onboarding process, which includes a background check, interview, home visit, and volunteer training sessions.

Volunteers must agree to attend training classes, complete required documentation (e.g., behavior reports), and follow all training and care protocols as outlined by The Ability Center.

Volunteers must notify staff of any planned absences or emergencies that would impact their ability to fulfill volunteer responsibilities and provide at least 30 days’ notice when possible.

Volunteers may be asked to transfer care of the SDIT if deemed necessary by program staff.

Veterinary & Daily Care Requirements:

Volunteers agree to follow all health and veterinary care instructions, including administration of preventatives, monitoring for signs of illness, and attending scheduled appointments as coordinated by staff.

SDITs must be fed the provided diet, receive daily exercise and enrichment, and may not be given human food.

SDITs are not permitted to attend dog parks or daycare and may only interact with approved dogs as introduced by program staff.

Public Access Expectations:

Volunteers must pass a Public Readiness Test before being granted public access privileges with an SDIT.

Until then, volunteers are not permitted to take SDITs into public spaces.

Only approved volunteers may handle SDITs in public. The dog must always wear its designated Assistance Dogs vest, and interactions must follow all training protocols.

On-Site Volunteer Expectations:

Volunteers must follow all instructions provided by staff when volunteering on-site and must adhere to The Ability Center’s safety and handling protocols.

Appropriate attire (e.g., closed-toe shoes) is required.

Participation in on-site roles is subject to staff scheduling and may require physical capability appropriate to the assigned task.

Social Media & Confidentiality:

Volunteers may share photos of the SDITs on personal social media accounts to promote awareness but may not use images for commercial gain or to promote a personal business.

All program materials, client/volunteer information, and proprietary training resources must be kept confidential. Misuse or disclosure of confidential information may result in dismissal from the program.

Disqualification Clause:

Individuals who have been previously denied participation in any Ability Center program due to misconduct, fraud, or disciplinary reasons are not eligible to volunteer with the Assistance Dogs program.

By filling out the following volunteer application request, you confirm that you meet the minimum eligibility requirements listed above. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. The Ability Center reserves the right to deny participation based on program capacity, needs, and internal review processes.