Become a Comfort Dog Team
We're thrilled that you're interested in becoming a Comfort Dog Team for PawPrint Ministries! Before you complete our Application Form, take a moment to read the information below.
What to Expect as a PawPrint Ministries Comfort Dog Team
PawPrint Ministries has a carefully crafted program that acknowledges the safety of our handlers, their dogs, and the people we visit, while providing a consistently high caliber of service to the community.
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Our visits range in location and purpose, from interacting with individuals at senior homes, hospitals, and memory care centers, to spending time with children learning to read, college students de-stressing from finals, and families who have just experienced a tragedy or disaster.
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Becoming a Comfort Dog Team requires dedication: our training process is comprehensive, and our teams typically participate in at least four visits every month.​​​
What We Ask of Our Teams
Before you can be accepted into the training program at PawPrint Ministries, you must meet some specific criteria:
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You must be able to Volunteer a MINIMUM of 15 hours per month.
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You must be available to serve between the hours of 9am and 4pm on weekdays (Monday - Friday)
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You must be physically able to walk a mile, be on your feet for at least 1 hour consecutively, and lift 20 pounds.
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You must be 21 years of age or older.
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Your dog must be less than 5 years old.
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You must commit to roughly 75 to 100 training classes to become certified.
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You must pass a background check.
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You must carry your own handler/dog liability insurance.
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You must have your own smart phone or tablet to access our scheduling website to sign up for trainings and visits.
​​​​Our Informational Orientation meetings held twice a year are the best way to learn more about the time, effort, and commitment this program requires, answer your questions, and help you decide if the PawPrint Ministries program is a good fit for you and your dog.