Organization Policies
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the San Francisco SPCA AAT Program!
February 2026: We are currently finishing training our last cohorts, but feel free to submit an application now to be reviewed during our next onboarding window.
We are thrilled that you have an interest in Animal Assisted Therapy! We also recognize that you have a number of volunteer opportunities available to you in our bustling city. What follows is additional information to help you begin to gauge whether our programs will be the right volunteer opportunity for you. We hope that you will attend an orientation in the near future to learn more about training and testing for your pet, our facilities, and the joy of sharing your pet with others.
Before you complete the application, please review our pre-requisites and FAQ below.
- Handlers must be over 18
- Handlers must commit to one visit per month minimum (1 hour) for at least one year. Weekdays most needed.
- Handlers must recognize their animals' signals of stress (know when they need to potty, are fatigued, stressed, worried, or overstimulated).
- Handler must advocate for the safety and well-being of their animal at all times.
- Your pet should, at all times, be on a flat collar or harness and non-retractable leash. They must be able to walk on a loose leash using accepted equipment. No prong, choke, slip chain, or electronic collars are allowed.
- Pets must be one year of age, and in the current home for a minimum of six months.
- Pets must be surgically altered (spay/neuter)
- Pets may not eliminate indoors during evaluation or on visits.
- Pets cannot have ANY negative history with humans, e.g., no growling, biting, or other signs of aggression directed toward people. Additionally, they must not be mouthy even if playful.
- Dogs must refrain from barking during visits.
- Dogs must refrain from jumping on people.
- Dogs may NOT be fed a raw protein diet.
- Pets must be interested in visiting with new people, not just tolerate them (e.g. dog adores all people and wants to approach every stranger, leans in, or makes eye contact).
- Pets must be comfortable in new environments, and around groups at events and/or facilities.
- Dogs must have taken at least one positive reinforcement obedience course and have basic manners.
A few commonly asked questions:
Q. Can I visit a certain facility or type of people?
A. AAT seeks volunteers with a commitment to serve all members of the San Francisco community, regardless of age or diagnosis. While we understand a strong desire to work with a specific population (such as children) and may take that into account when scheduling visits, we expect incoming volunteers to enthusiastically share the love of their pets with any and all of the clients in our contact facilities. If your desire to work with a certain group precludes flexibility in service, then it may be more rewarding for you to seek volunteer opportunities working explicitly with that population. We appreciate your honest assessment of your goals and needs in volunteering and respect that our programs might not be the best fit for everyone.
Q. What do I need to do to participate in the Puppy Dog Tales (PDT) Reading Program or SFO Wag Brigade?
A. Before a volunteer team can join one of our Specialty Programs we require that they serve at least one quarter in the general AAT Program (i.e., visiting our general program facilities) and complete additional training and testing.
Q. Once my pet and I complete AAT training, will my pet be certified to accompany me to work or public places?
A. No. Our training programs qualify our volunteer teams to participate in our program only. Our insurance only covers teams when visiting facilities that are working cooperatively with the SF SPCA, with a designated contact present, as scheduled through the AAT department.
Q. Are there any volunteer fees associated with the AAT program?
A. Yes, there is a one-time fee associated with the AAT program once you are accepted. However, the fee is not a barrier to participation, and we are happy to work with anyone who may need financial assistance.
Thank you for your interest in our programs. We hope that you will find your experiences with us fulfilling for both you and your pet!
(Note: this is the application for the AAT Program only. If you are interested in volunteering in other areas, you can navigate to the Volunteer Page on the SF SPCA's website and fill out our General Application)
