Assistance Dog Training Volunteer

You’ll provide a safe, loving, and stable home for a young dog aged 13 months upwards while supporting their ongoing training.

With guidance from our expert trainers, you’ll reinforce home behaviour, social skills, loose lead walking, appropriate off-lead exercise, and monitor the dog’s health and wellbeing.

Dogs are usually based around our National Training Centre in Loughborough, Leicester, for four to six months, with a minimum commitment of two to three months.

On average, dogs attend the centre three days per week. Drop-off is between 7.30–9.30am and collection between 4–6pm, Monday to Friday.

You’ll need to live within a 30 minute drive of our National Training Centre (LE12 9SR) and have a secure, dog-friendly garden.

On the days the dog is not at the National Training Centre, someone approved in your household must be at home. Dogs must not be left alone for more than four hours at a time.

You, or another approved adult in your household, must be at home overnight and at weekends. Access to a suitable vehicle is required.

You’ll need to attend an induction session, home visit, and ongoing training as needed.

We provide guidance in person, online and by phone, along with resources to help you feel confident handling large breed dogs, typically weighing 25 to 30kg. 

Holiday cover can be arranged if required. We provide all essential equipment and cover food and veterinary costs. Pre-approved mileage expenses can also be reimbursed.

This role is ideal if you’re over 18, physically able to handle a large dog, and enthusiastic about positive training methods.

Previous dog ownership is helpful but not essential. If you already have a pet dog, they must be over 12 months and pass a suitability assessment. 

You can also explore our Volunteer section to discover other ways to get involved.