Question
As a volunteer trainer of 4Paws for Abilities organization, I have been asked to return the dog for evaluation and change in volunteer trainer. My family is extremely emotionally attached to the dog. I would like to understand how I can opt for adoption and take my dog out of service training program. Do I have any chances? Is there a legal consultation me and my family get in this matter.
Answer
Rights and obligations of service dog organizations and people who agree to train a dog to become a service dog are usually contained in a written agreement. That agreement should be carefully reviewed.
People who volunteer to train a dog to become a service dog usually do not get to keep the dog they agreed to train. It is important to realize this before agreeing to become a trainer. It is not unexpected that trainers will become attached to the dogs they have taken care of for an extended period of time and that it will be very difficult to part with the dog.
Service dog training organizations occasionally decide that a service dog in training is not suitable to be placed as a service dog, such as when the dog has health or temperament issues. When this occurs, these organizations sometimes allow the trainer to adopt the dog.
For further information, consult with an attorney in your area who can review your contract.
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