Nonprofit
Published 8/14/25 8:00PM

Foster a Future Service Dog

Hybrid, Volunteer must be in or near Seattle, WA
I Want to Volunteer


  • Details

    Available Times:
    Weekdays (evenings), Weekends (daytime, evenings)
    Commitment Details:
    Flexible- long-term & short-term fosters are needed. (Minimum 3 month commitment)
    Recurrence:
    Recurring
    Volunteers Needed:
    15
    Cause Areas:
    Animals, Disability, Family, Veterans
    Benefits:
    Training Provided
    Good For:
    Age 55+
    Participation Requirements:
    Attend Orientation
    Other Requirements:
    All ages welcome (under 18 must have support of an adult).
    Wheelchair Accessible

    Description

    Foster a Future Service Dog

    Our dogs have a very special destiny - to enhance the life of a person living with a disability.

    Volunteer fosters provide the housing, love and care for Canine Companions dogs in order to continue their Professional Training in the Puget Sound region and be matched as service dogs locally. Providing transportation to and from our field office in Seattle, volunteer fosters allow the dogs to be expertly trained by our instructors during the weekday.

    You’ll play an important role in their journey without the full-time commitment of looking after a dog. All food, medical care, and resources are provided, and most fosters commit for 3-6 months. Dogs are either Labradors, Golden Retrievers, or a mix of both, and all are over 1.5 years old.

    Flexible options for drop-off/pick-up:

    • Our training location in SODO, Seattle.
    • Contact us about ridesharing to a central location or our Service Dog Shuttle.

    FAQs:

    • Can I foster if I have pets at home?
    • Yes, as long as your pets are fully vaccinated, friendly, and get along with other animals.
    • Can I foster with small children in my home?
    • Yes, the dogs are well-socialized with children of all ages.
    • Do I need experience in dog training?
    • No, professional trainers handle all training while the dog is at the Puget Sound Field Office.

    If you’re interested but don’t meet every requirement, we’d still love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out, and we’re happy to discuss possible options, including pickup from work locations around King County.

    Watch our video to learn more: A Day in the Life of a Service Dog: pt. 1 and join an upcoming virtual volunteer info session.

    Location

    Hybrid
    Volunteer must be in or near Seattle, WA
    Associated Location

    Your house & SODO Seattle

    Seattle, WA, USA

    How to Volunteer for This Opportunity

    Please express your interest here or go to canine.org/seattle to complete a volunteer application.

    Illustration

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