Ready for Membership?

Application Process

(Please read before applying)

Thank you, for your interest in PAWS for Service.  PAWS trains owners and their dogs to become Therapy Dog Teams.  Once certified as a team, PAWS will help to connect you with a facility to visit- nursing homes, assisted living centers, hospitals, schools, libraries- there are many places where our teams serve others. 

The first step is for you to fill out the application.

Be sure to submit your application by hitting the green button at the bottom of the application!

Prior to entering a class, your dog must be at least 2 years old, well socialized and enjoy being petted by different people.   He or she must be able to walk well on a loose leash, know basic obedience such as “sit” – “stay” – “come” – and should not display any aggression towards other dogs.

Once you fill out the application, you will receive an email that gives you specific dates of interviews and trainings. We hold two trainings per year: Fall and Spring.

Interviews are held to meet the team- owner and dog, assess the dog’s temperament and determine the potential for a good fit between the team and the PAWS program. 

After the interview, if you have been accepted, you will be assigned to attend either a Monday class or a Thursday class. Classes are once a week for 8 weeks; and attending all classes is essential to graduating from our program. Classes are scheduled between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM for an hour.  Once you successfully complete the class and pass the certification exam, you will be assigned a mentor team and a facility to visit.

Classes and evaluations are held at University United Methodist Church, 5084 De Zavala Rd at the corner of Vance Jackson and De Zavala.