Due to a high volume of applicants, expect an onboarding process of 6 months from date of initial inquiry to completion of evaluation.

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To be eligible to become a PAL team:

• Humans must be up to date, per the CDC, on COVID-19 vaccines

• Dogs must be fully up to date on rabies (& distemper if a DC resident) vaccination

• Dogs must be at least one year old, and have lived with you for at least six months

• Dogs must have passed the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test

 

Steps in the registration process for PAL teams that make in-person visits:

• participate in a 30 minute introductory Zoom session

• complete a 25-minute handler virtual interview

• demonstrate at an in-person evaluation that you and your animal have the skills and temperament to be a safe, effective team

• submit health records for your animal, and

• demonstrate competency at two coached visits

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