Volunteer

Welcome! We're glad you're here! Please take a few minutes to read the information below.

Volunteer Handler Eligibility

To volunteer with your dog as a therapy dog-handler team, you must:

Be at least 18 years of age
Pass a criminal background check
Demonstrate at a team evaluation and at least one coached visit that you and your dog have the temperament and competencies to be a safe, effective team
Adhere to the PAL Code of Ethics, Standards of Professional Conduct, and Volunteer Policies and Procedures

Dog Eligibility
PAL registers dogs of all breeds and sizes. To participate in our therapy dog program, a dog must:

Be at least 18 months of age
Have lived with their handler for at least six months prior to their Team Evaluation
Be vaccinated against rabies and distemper
Be on a parasite control schedule, as recommended by their veterinarian
Have regular wellness exams and not be experiencing an acute or chronic health condition that may be exacerbated by visiting
Not be fed a raw protein diet
Not be actively working as a service dog (retired service dogs are eligible)
Have no history of aggression or causing serious injury to a person or pet, including bite or protection training

Path to Becoming a Registered PAL Therapy Team

Contact the PAL office for a link to watch Intro to PAL's Therapy Dog Program.
Team self-assessment. Is this potentially a good fit for my dog? For me? Which therapy animal team competencies do my dog and I need to work on? Continue preparatory, skill-building work.
Complete a volunteer handler application when ready.
Team Evaluation ($35).
Read PAL Volunteer Handbook and sign Volunteer Agreement.
Pass criminal background check.
Have your veterinarian complete the Dog Health Screening form.
Successfully complete at least one coached visit as a team-in-training.
Pay $100 team registration fee.

Questions? Text or call 202-966-2171, or email onboarding@peopleanimalslove.org.