Requirements

SOTC offers both Regular membership (for individuals or multiple family members age 16 and up) and Junior membership (for individuals between 8 and 16 years of age).   

Basic requirements

• Applicants must be in good standing with the American Kennel Club.

• They must subscribe to the purposes of the Club as outlined in its mission statement.

• Their applications must be sponsored by three SOTC members who endorse the application and agree to act as mentors during the applicant's first year of membership.

Participatory requirements

Applicants must also satisfy additional participatory requirements demonstrating both an interest in training and an interest in the Club:

For Regular membership:

• Applicants must have worked at two Club activities. 

• They must either have earned an obedience, rally or agility title, or have completed a training class with us.

• They must attend a total of five General Membership meetings: three in the 12-month period before applying, then two more in the 6 months after submitting the application (one where the application is read to the membership, another where the application is voted on). At least two of the five meetings must be in-person meetings, not virtual ones.  The entire process must be completed within 18 months. 

For Family membership, the additional person must meet the same requirements as above but may substitute a third work activity for the class/titling requirement.  Each person in the Family membership must apply and be voted on individually.

For Junior membership, "the requirements of attendance at three regular meetings within a 12-month period may be waived at the discretion of the Board. In making its decision, the Board will consider scheduled meeting times and may require participation in up to three club activities in lieu of meeting attendance" (Bylaws art. 1 sec. 1).   Junior applications may be read and voted on at the same meeting. 

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Why Does It Take So Long? 

We want to get to know you, and for you to get to know us and to understand the purpose of the Club. Unlike some clubs  (country clubs, social clubs),  SOTC's purpose is not to provide reduced-price services or other benefits to its members;  it is to fulfill the objects listed in our mission statement. 

The long application process is also a test of commitment. SOTC is a working club run entirely by volunteers. It cannot function without members who can devote time to us by working at our trials and other events, by teaching or doing administrative work, by helping to maintain our building and equipment, and by attending General Membership meetings to vote on Club business. 

Tips for tackling the requirements

• Classes

If you have never earned an obedience, rally or agility title, you will need to take a class at SOTC.  For most applicants this means an intro-level obedience class (Puppy, Pre-Basic, or Basic, depending on the age of the dog). All dogs are welcome, whether mixed-breed or purebred. It can be hard for new non-member students to get into an SOTC class beyond the level of Basic. To break in, you may need to take a step back from where you think you and your dog are in your training. 

For more information,  go to the Classes area of the website.

• Meetings

The schedule for General Membership meetings is posted on the Meetings page. Most meetings are held in person, at Deere Rd., though from December through March they are held virtually, via Google Meet.

Meetings last about an hour, sometimes longer, so if you are attending in person, bring a chair. When you arrive, whether in-person or virtually, sign in as a guest. Once the meeting begins, guests will be asked to introduce themselves. Stand up (or, at virtual meetings, enable your camera) and say hello!

• Volunteering

To find ways of meeting your volunteer requirements, ask your instructor,  pay attention at meetings, or check listings on the Volunteer page of the website.   For the broadest exposure to what SOTC has to offer, and the chance to meet the most members, volunteer at different types of activities --  for example, spend one day stewarding at an agility, FastCAT, or flyball event, then another day stewarding at an obedience, rally, or scent work trial.  

• Sponsors

Sponsors are SOTC members who will vouch for you when you apply and mentor you during your first year of membership.  Between taking a class, attending meetings, and volunteering, you should be able to connect with many members willing to fill this role. 

Having trouble with the requirements?

If you have trouble meeting the requirements (can't get into the class you want, don't have time to attend meetings or volunteer, haven't met anyone you could ask to sponsor you),  SOTC membership may not be realistic for you  –  at least not right now. But we hope you will stay in touch and continue getting to know about us and our work.

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Annual Dues

• Regular Individual:  $35
• Regular Family:  $35 + $15 for each additional Regular member
• Junior:  $5

Initial annual dues are payable when the application is submitted. Applicants voted in after June 30  pay one-half dues. Make check payable to SOTC Inc. Give check to the Membership Chair or mail to  Membership Dues, PO Box 3457, Syracuse NY 13220-3457

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Privileges

• Reduced fees and priority registration for classes and seminars

• Eligibility for annual Club awards

• Building-access privileges, including Open Training
• Access to the Club's library of books and DVDs
• Eligibility to earn points (via teaching or other activities), which may be used for classes

• Regular members only:  Voting and holding office

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Responsibilities

To remain a Regular (voting) member in good standing, eligible for the privileges listed above, you must have all your financial obligations to the Club up-to-date (dues, library fees, class payments, etc.).

Starting with the 2026 renewal period, you must also have worked at three Club activities in the previous year. 

In addition, to be eligible for annual Club awards, you must have attended a minimum of three General Membership meetings in the previous year.

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Associate & Honorary Membership

Regular members who are no longer actively training or involved with the club may put their membership on hold by switching to Associate status. Dues are one-half Regular dues. Associates are not eligible for the privileges of Regular membership.  They may not vote or hold office.

Honorary membership is available to any individual who has given outstanding service to the club. Honorary members pay no dues and have all the privileges of Regular membership except voting and holding office.  

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