How to Volunteer

We are ACTIVELY looking for more handler/dog teams that have the time and dedication to serve as Paws for Therapy volunteers! Facilities have opened up!

We have many scheduled visits around Houston that you can go to, but you should plan to make at least one visit per month.

Volunteers need to be 18+ years old. Kids of volunteers are welcome, but they must be with their parent/guardian. Your dog needs to be at least 1 year old and have been owned by you for at least 6 months. Your dog needs to have their CGC (Canine Good Citizen) testing done before an application can be submitted.

What would make your dog a good Therapy Dog candidate?
Great with people, good with other dogs, happy/calm temperament, listens to you (their owner).

What is the CGC (Canine Good Citizen) test?

This AKC test has 10 skills that the dog will be need to know.

1. Accepting a friendly stranger – a stranger approaches the handler (while ignoring the dog) in a friendly manner without the dog reacting
2. Sitting politely for petting – the dog allows a friendly stranger to pet it on the head and body
3. Appearance and grooming – the dog allows a person to examine its paws and ears as well as gently brush/comb it; the dog must be in a healthy condition
4. Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead) – the handler shows they have control of the dog; the dog should follow the direction and movements of the handler
5. Walking through a crowd – the dog moves with the handler in public situations; a dog may show interest, but not over-exuberance, shyness or resentment; no jumping or pulling
6. “Sit” and “Down” on command, Staying in place – the dog obeys the “sit”, “down”, and “stay/wait” commands and allows for the handler to move while the dog stays in place
7. Coming when called – the handler has the dog “stay/wait”, the handler walks 10 ft away from the dog, calls the dog and the dog joins the handler
8. Reaction to another dog – handlers with their dogs approach each other, shake hands, say hello, and then the handlers walk away; the dogs must not be reactive to the other dog or person
9. Reaction to distraction – the dog must not react (panic, try to run, show aggressiveness or bark) to objects/sounds as they pass by; the dog needs to follow the handler’s lead
10. Supervised separation – the dog is ok with being left with a trusted friend while the handler is out of sight for 3 minutes; the dog should not continually bark, whine or pace; the friend or evaluator will not be able to overly comfort the dog

These are some places that our volunteers suggest you look at for training/CGC testing:
– Believe in Dog Training (https://believeindog.com/canine-good-citizen-1)
– Houston Obedience Training Dog Club (http://thehotdogclub.org/classes/)
– Petco (https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/c/canine-good-citizen)

Once we have received all of the requested items, you will be invited to our assessment/Meet And Greet. It will be on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 2pm near 610 & 290. As long as your dog shows that they have the skills/commands/temperament needed, you will be welcomed as a part of Paws for Therapy!