Is Therapy Dog work right for you?
Want to bring joy and improve lives in your community, all while spending time with your pet? If the answer is yes, then we’re here to help get you started and support you along the way!
P.A.W.S. Therapy Team is always looking for individuals who would love to be part of this elite team.
Is Your Dog Ready?
Dog must:
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Be at least one year old at the time of evaluation
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Demonstrate good basic obedience skills. Walk with a loose leash, and respond reliably to common commands such as “sit,” “down,” “stay,” “come,” and “leave it.”
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Welcome, not merely tolerate, interactions with strangers.
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Have no history of aggression or seriously injuring either people or other animals
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Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certification Your dog must have successfully passed the CGC test. Proof of certification is required.
Canine Good Citizen was established in 1989 and is an AKC program to promote responsible dog ownership and to encourage training of well-behaved dogs. To learn more about the CGC, go to:
Steps to Join the P.A.W.S. Therapy Team
1. Complete a Background Check
All prospective handlers must successfully complete the required Sterling Volunteers background check.
2. Download and Submit Required Paperwork
Once all application forms and required documents have been completed and submitted, both the handler and
dog may be approved to begin visits.
Required documents include:
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Proof of successful completion of the Sterling Volunteers background check
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Proof of your dog’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certification
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Completed Member Application
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Completed P.A.W.S. Assessment Test
- Completed Vaccination Verification form
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Signed Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability form
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Signed Rules Review form
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Appropriate membership fees
3. Receive Welcome Materials
New handlers will receive a P.A.W.S. Therapy Team handbook and official team T-shirt.
4. Begin In-Training Status
Dogs entering the program will receive an “In Training” bandana to wear during all observation visits and events.
5. Complete Supervised Training Visits
Handler and dog teams will remain in training status until they have successfully completed four to five supervised visits with a board member.
To help ensure the highest standards of safety and care, P.A.W.S. reserves the right to request additional training or testing at the applicant’s expense if needed.
6. Become an Official P.A.W.S. Therapy Team
After successfully completing the required supervised visits, your dog will receive their official P.A.W.S. Therapy Team vest, and you be recognized as an official PAWS Therapy Team member.
For more information