Foster a service dog in training

Fosters (foster families) are vital to Circle Tail’s mission. Fosters contribute an essential service by providing a means to house, train, and nurture Circle Tail assistance dogs-in-training. With the close guidance of Circle Tail staff, fosters carefully socialize pups and dogs, teach manners and reinforce basic and advanced obedience.

What is required?

• Volunteer fosters must devote time each day to oversee the complete care of the dog including: feeding, grooming, socialization, and exercise as recommended by the staff. Fostering these wonderful dogs is an important, rewarding and memorable experience!
• You must be at least 18 and have no more than 2 pet dogs in your home. Your dogs must be at least 1 year old. Cats are welcome.
• You will need to attend obedience training classes and follow the Circle Tail training, manners and socialization guidelines.
• You provide toys and treats. Circle Tail can provide food, collars, leashes, and crates as needed. Veterinary care is also provided by Circle Tail.

How do I get started?

First step is to attend a campus tour and info session at Circle Tail. Check our calendar for the next campus tour.

You’ll then schedule your training classes and work with a Circle Tail volunteer or staff member to answer any questions and prepare you for your first Circle Tail dog!

Our on-campus volunteer opportunities are for dog lovers 16 years of age with a valid driver’s license. Although we cannot accommodate volunteer groups of young children at our facility, Circle Tail always appreciates groups who gather donations of items from our  wish list, and we are happy to schedule a volunteer to come to your organization with one of our dogs to talk about our programs. We strongly support scouts achieving their Eagle Scout or Gold Award at Circle Tail.

There are opportunities for adult volunteers who want to volunteer and be accompanied by one child (10 years and older) with the following requirements in place.

1. The parent or guardian will be fully trained and self-sufficient before they can bring a minor.
2. Children are not allowed to handle dogs (leashes/ collars/ etc) or give any commands
3. Children are allowed to appropriately pet the dogs and toss toys
4. Parents/ Guardians are required to supervise every interaction of the child with the dogs, staff, and adult volunteers
5. Children are not allowed to be anywhere on the campus without their parent/ guardian