Established 1960
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).
Applicants must also satisfy additional participatory requirements demonstrating both an interest in training and an interest in the Club:
For Regular membership: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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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
Reduced fees and priority registration for classes and seminars
Eligibility for annual Club awards
Regular members only: Voting and holding office
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.
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.