About Star City Canine Training Club

Star City Canine Training Club of Roanoke, Inc. is not a commercial trainer – it is "a 501C(4) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization" and an AKC-affiliated club based in a building of its own at 1860 Apperson Drive in Salem. It describes itself as "an organization of dog enthusiasts formed with a mission to create quality training opportunities in dog sports and activities compatible with responsible dog ownership in the Roanoke Valley."

Classes

Classes are described as running the full range: "Training classes from puppy and beginner to advanced competition." Importantly for anyone outside the club, the site states that they are "Dog training classes open to members and the general public", with registration handled online.

Sports and trials

The club hosts trials and lists the activities its members compete in as "Obedience, rally, agility, scent work, fast CAT, and more", and elsewhere adds conformation, herding and tracking. Trials are held at the club's own facilities and at other venues through the year, each with its own premium.

Therapy work

A distinct part of the club's activity is pet therapy. The site says members visit hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities and take part in reading programs at libraries and schools, that the club supports the therapy program of Pet Partners, and that "Some of our members are licensed PT Team Evaluators and Instructors by Pet Partners, Inc." – which is what lets the club offer therapy team training and regional evaluation support.

Who runs it

A volunteer board is elected by the membership to two-year terms; the site lists Deb Jones as president for 2026. Money raised through class fees, events and donations funds operating costs. Contact is by email through the site.