PAWS FOR LIFE USA

Volunteer

Handbook

Participation Sign-In Sheet

Thank you so much for volunteering with Paws For Life USA.

We look forward to your participation. We will provide you with any material and information that you need. At Paws For Life USA, you will get to know other volunteers, trainers, our animals, and our handlers and their families, plus help us make Paws For Life USA a great non-profit organization Spread the word, we need volunteers like you.

We believe in the support of our volunteers, your time is invaluable and your help in great need.

Volunteer Roles at Paws for Life USA

If you’re interested in helping at a service or therapy animal training facility, there are many ways to contribute depending on your skills, schedule, and passion for animals. Here’s a list of common volunteer opportunities you might find:

1. Puppy Raising / Foster Care

· Provide a loving home for a future service dog puppy for 12–16 months.

· Teach basic obedience and socialization in a safe, positive environment.

· Often requires a fenced yard and commitment to daily care.

2. Nights/Weekends & Transportation

· Host service dogs in training during off-hours (nights, weekends, holidays).

· Provide weekday transportation to and from the facility.

· May involve walking, playing, and socializing the dog during these times.

3. Respite Care

· Offer backup care for dogs when regular caretakers are unavailable.

· Can be short-term (hours) or longer (several days).

· Ensures the dog remains comfortable and stimulated.

4. Event & Facility Support

· Event Volunteers: Assist with setup, sales, and community outreach at fundraisers, or field trips. Find or create items to donate.

· Facility Volunteers: Help with cleaning, organizing, car washing, and treat-making to keep operations running smoothly.

5. Therapy Dog Team Volunteer

· Partner with Paws For Life USA / Pet Partners of Cobb County and become a certified therapy dog to visit hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and other facilities.

· Must meet handler and dog qualifications (e.g., age, obedience, temperament, medical records).

· Participate in training and certification programs.

6. Training Assistant

· Support trainers with hands-on help during training sessions.

· May include cueing, monitoring behavior, and assisting with exercises.

7. Community Outreach & Education

· Help promote the facility’s mission through social media, local events, or school visits.

· Assist in public demonstrations to teach about service and therapy animals.

8. Administrative & Office Support

· Handle paperwork, data entry, scheduling, or reception duties.

· Support program coordination and client services.

9. Special Programs

· Participate in or help run programs like reading-to-dogs for children (e.g., R.E.A.D. programs)

· Assist in crisis response or outreach to underserved communities.

10. Fundraising & Donor Engagement

· Help organize or promote fundraising events.

· Serve as a volunteer ambassador to build relationships with donors and partners.

· Distribution of informational material about Paws For Life USA.

Paws For Life USA requires a volunteer training / orientation class before you can start, especially for roles involving direct dog care or therapy visits. This ensures you understand safety protocols, training methods, and client interaction standards.

If you want to get started, check the facility’s volunteer page for specific requirements, training schedules, and application forms. This will help you choose the role that best fits your schedule and skills.

A volunteer handbook will be given to you and you will be required to sign liability / photo / medical waiver.

Volunteer Orientation can be completed either in-person or virtually. Training occurs on the 1st Sunday of every month at 2pm please advise which session you will be attending.