Volunteer With PAD
Our volunteers are the backbone of Phoenix Assistance Dogs. Whether you're an experienced dog handler or completely new to training, there's a place for you on our team.
Make a Difference
PAD is entirely composed of dedicated volunteers to help raise and socialize the next generation of assistance dogs. Our volunteer program offers a unique opportunity to directly impact the lives of individuals with disabilities by helping prepare dogs for their future roles as trusted partners.
Volunteers contribute in many ways — from puppy playtime and grooming to general care, office work, and event staffing. Our most involved volunteer role is the Puppy Raiser program, which places future assistance dogs in loving homes during their critical early development.
Puppy Raiser
Volunteer Position
Puppy Raisers are dedicated volunteers who give future assistance dogs the very best start in life. Rather than raising a puppy all the way through advanced assistance dog training, PAD Puppy Raisers provide a strong foundation during a puppy's earliest months — through positive reinforcement, early socialization, confidence building, and basic manners — preparing them for the next stage of their journey with their future handler.
What It Involves
- Caring for a puppy in your home for approximately three months during their foundation stage, before they transition to their future owner-trainer
- Minimum 15 minutes daily of one-on-one clicker training, separate from classes and outings
- Attending 2 classes monthly in Ephrata, PA
- At least one new public outing per week for socialization
Requirements
- Primary trainer must be 15 years or older
- Able to attend classes in Ephrata, PA
- Home visit approval (if you have other pets)
Good to Know
- No prior training experience needed
- Compatible with full-time work
- Other pets are welcome (with approval)
- PAD provides gear and vacation coverage
What PAD Provides
PAD supplies the harness, vest, collar, and ID tag, a crate, leash, toys, clickers, training gear, vet care and heartworm prevention. Puppy raisers cover replacement gear, treats, flea prevention, and travel costs to classes.
Benefits of Being a Puppy Raiser
Professional Training
Learn dog training from PAD's expert trainers through twice-monthly classes — no experience required.
Community
Join a supportive network of fellow puppy raisers and PAD volunteers who share your passion.
Life-Changing Impact
Directly contribute to transforming the life of someone with a disability through a trained assistance dog.
Meet the Recipient
You'll be invited to meet the person who receives the dog you trained — see the impact firsthand.
Young Puppy Volunteers
Volunteer Position
Young Puppy Volunteers help with the earliest and most formative stage of a future assistance dog's life. You'll work with puppies during their critical socialization window, giving them the positive experiences and gentle handling they need to build confidence and trust.
Responsibilities
- Early socialization — exposing puppies to a variety of people, sounds, surfaces, and environments in a positive, controlled way
- Establishing foundational routines such as crate rest, mealtime manners, and supervised play
- Introducing new experiences — car rides, different floor textures, gentle grooming, and brief outings
- Reinforcing calm behavior and helping the puppy learn to settle in various situations
- Maintaining regular communication with PAD staff about the puppy's progress and any concerns
PAD Support
PAD provides guidance, training resources, and ongoing mentorship throughout your time as a Young Puppy Volunteer. You're never on your own — our staff is always available to help.
Puppy Starters
Volunteer Position
Puppy Starters focus on building the foundational skills that every assistance dog needs. Working closely with PAD staff, you'll help young dogs develop good household habits, leash manners, and early obedience — setting them up for success in their more advanced training.
Focus Areas
- Potty training and crate training — establishing reliable routines from day one
- Household manners — teaching appropriate behavior indoors including not jumping, chewing, or counter-surfing
- Leash skills — introducing loose-leash walking and polite behavior on lead
- Public socialization — accompanying the puppy on outings to stores, parks, and community spaces
- Confidence building — helping the puppy navigate new situations with positive reinforcement
- Foundational obedience — reinforcing sit, down, stay, and name response through clicker training
Working with PAD Staff
Puppy Starters work in close collaboration with PAD's training team. You'll receive hands-on coaching, attend regular check-ins, and follow a structured training plan tailored to each puppy's needs.
Volunteer Sitters
Volunteer Position
Volunteer Sitters provide short-term, temporary care for PAD dogs when their primary raiser or handler is unavailable — whether due to vacation, illness, or other commitments. It's a flexible way to contribute without the long-term commitment of a full-time raising role.
Responsibilities
- Providing short-term care in your home for a PAD dog, typically ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks
- Maintaining the dog's established daily routines — feeding schedules, crate times, and exercise
- Reinforcing the dog's training by following PAD's guidelines for commands, leash behavior, and house rules
- Providing safe socialization opportunities appropriate to the dog's training level
- Communicating with PAD about the dog's behavior, any issues, and pickup/drop-off logistics
Flexible Commitment
Volunteer Sitting is ideal for people who love dogs and want to help but can't commit to a long-term raising role. You choose when you're available, and PAD will match you with a dog when the need arises.
Ready to Become a Volunteer?
Whether you're interested in the Puppy Raiser program or other volunteer opportunities, we'd love to hear from you. Start your application today.