Download the vet form  here , and upload it to the box below, along with your vaccination records.

Download Vet Form

PAWS for Service Membership Policies

Number One Priority: keep and dogs safe

1. All PAWS Teams must complete the certification process, the first and second mentoring sessions before solo visiting any facility or representing PAWS for Service at an event.

2. All active PAWS Teams are required to make at least one visit per month. Recording visits is mandatory through the Track-it-Forward system. If you have any questions or issues, please contact President: Lynnette Pierce

Lynnette.Pierce@mdlz.com, 713-822-1612.

3. It is mandatory for all visiting dogs to be current on vaccinations and be examined annually by a licensed veterinarian and determined healthy for visitation. The PAWS for Service Annual Veterinarian Physical Examination & Record of Vaccinations form is due every May during re-certification. PAWS requires an annual fecal float, even for dogs on preventative. Dogs must be up to date on DHPP, Lepto, and Bordatella, unless there is a medical reason stated on the Vet form for not having them. All dogs need a current Rabies Vaccine. Vaccine titers are accepted- except for Rabies.

4. Dogs must be free of parasites, including fleas and ticks, when making facility visits. Any topical treatments (Topspot, Advantage, Frontline, Revolution) must be applied not less than 72 hours prior to visiting.

5. A visit is official only if the handler and dog are in their PAWS uniform, visiting an approved facility for a scheduled visit. The uniform consists of: a PAWS shirt, blue/black/khaki/denim slacks or trousers in good condition (no holes), closed toed shoes and your current PAWS Badge. Dogs shall wear the PAWS bandana.

6.During a visit the handler must maintain leash control of the dog at all times. The dog should remain within a 2 foot perimeter of the handler.

7. If visiting a hospital, the dog must be bathed within 24 hours before the visit. Always use a barrier between the dog and a patient's environment- ie., an additional sheet on the bed, a towel to cover the chair...

PAWS for Service Membership Policies June 2021

8. Dogs and Handlers must not only be in good health and physical condition, they must also give the appearance of being healthy. Visits should be suspended if the dog has developed a problem or condition which appears unhealthy such as a limp, ear infection or a hot spot. Please notify your facility immediately if you must suspend your visit.

9. If you will not be able to visit for more than one month, please notify our Member Coordinator, Cindy Ainsworth 54clsa@gmail.com

10.Approval from the PAWS for Service Board is required of any team before attending any function representing PAWS for Service other than their normal assignment through the PAWS Facilities Coordinator or a PAWS sanctioned Special Event.

11. All PAWS teams must adhere to all directives and protocols of the facility being visited.

12. All PAWS teams that have not completed 50 visits will be re-certified by exam annually in May as a pre-requisite for renewal of membership in PAWS for Service. At the recertification exam, teams shall be attired and groomed as if visiting their assigned facility. Teams will be required to demonstrate that their PAWS for Service visitation skills are being maintained.

13. Any event that occurs during a visit that could result in the facility making a report or complaint to PAWS for Service must be reported immediately to the PAWS President: Lynnette Pierce Lynnette.Pierce@mdlz.com

Adherence to these policies will protect you, those you visit and PAWS by helping to ensure your team is covered by PAWS insurance during your visits.

I have read the PAWS for Service Membership Rules and will comply with them for the upcoming year.

PAWS for Service Membership Policies June 2021

I understand that participation in dog training is not without risk to myself and family members or guest(s) who might attend, and to my dog.

Knowing this, I hereby waive and release PAWS for Service, Doug Welch and University United Methodist Church from any and all liability of any nature for injury or damage suffered as a result of my participation in any class, including any damage resulting from the action of any person or dog for any accident occurring on the premises or its surroundings.

I agree to accept full responsibility for my actions, those of my family or guest(s) and my dog.

Training Class Checklist - VP - Revised June 2021

We need your help to identify the type of facility you are MOST interested in visiting. The information you provide should help us identify facilities that are well-suited for you and your dog. If being assigned to a location near your home is important, please say so. If you know the name of the facility that you are interested in visiting please provide us with that information. This preference sheet should be completed and brought back to the second training class. At the beginning of that class, the Facilities Coordinators will collect the forms and review your answers. If they have additional questions or concerns they will talk with you at the end of that training class.

If You Have a Point of Contact at a Specific Facility Please Indicate:

*Please note that every facility has its own requirements that must be met prior to a PAWS member receiving their approval for visitation. The requirements can be as simple as a signature for a background check or a brief orientation of their facility. If, however, you have selected Children's Facilities, Hospitals, or Veteran's Programs you will need to meet their more extensive requirements before receiving their approval for visitation. Their process might take multiple weekdays, even weeks to complete. If your schedule cannot support their requests, you will want to consider alternative visitation sites.

Training Class Checklist - VP - Revised June 2021

Each class begins promptly on time. Please arrive 15 minutes early to ensure that housekeeping items have been tended to prior to the beginning of class (do remain attuned to your dog's needs throughout the class)

1. Dress for the occasion - comfortably with closed toed shoes. For the majority of the class, you will be on your feet, unless you are physically unable. Some of the training may require sitting on the floor or kneeling.

2. All vaccinations must be current and meet the requirements for the class, and your veterinarian must clear your dog to attend. If your dog becomes ill during the course of your enrollment, please, do not bring your dog to class and contact us to see about making up the session. This protection is essential for all dogs in the class.

3. You will need the following equipment for class: (If you do not already have some of these items or if you are unsure which tool is the most appropriate for your dog, you may wait for the first class to discuss with the instructor the right equipment for your dog

1. Leash. A 3' or 4' leash that is fixed length. Retractable leashes are not appropriate for the training
2. Collar. PAWS will provide a martingale collar that is properly fit. Please, do not bring a choke or prong collar unless you have discussed this in advance with our trainer. Dogs that require a harness for medical reasons must discuss with the trainer the correct style of harness to use for
3. Rewards. You may bring more than one kind. We recommend that you only feed your dog a  partial meal prior to class (we want them a little hungry Instead, bring your usual dinner kibble to use in training. You should also bring treats that the dog loves, such as chicken or hotdogs, to help work through some of the really tough distractions. It is important that your dog likes these treats - they are a reward! d. Treat Pouch. A means of holding the treats/kibble, most commonly either a treat pouch, tool belt/pouch or easily accessible pockets. e. Water. Bring a bowl and water for your dog (and yourself if desired
4. Housekeeping. You will be responsible for cleaning up after your dog, so please bring bags and  drool towels. Dogs who soil indoors may be dismissed from class. Unexpected soiling is generally a sign of anxiety and it may indicate your pup is not ready for the rigors of training.

4. If you are unable to attend class, please contact the Training coordinator and the trainer. Training Coordinator: TBD

Trainer: Doug Welch 210-591-9752

Training Class Checklist - VP - Revised June 2021

1. Handlers must be 18 years old

2. Dogs must be at least 2 years old

3. Dogs must be on leash at all times. No "flex-ees". The handler must never allow a dog to approach another dog or person without being told to do so by the instructor.

4. One handler, one dog. Only handlers who have completed the program may handle the dog at facilities. If multiple people will be handling the dog at facilities, all must attend all classes separately with the dog.

5. Children under age 6 are not allowed in the training class. Children older than 6 may come to class but may not participate in the training with their family member or interact with family members or any other people or dogs during class.

6. Dogs must be housetrained: Any "accidents" in the classroom will be cleaned by the owner. Repeated accidents are considered grounds for dismissal from the program. If this occurs after the second week, there will be no refund.

7. Dogs must be in excellent health and give the appearance of being so. The health evaluation form and vaccination records from veterinarian must be presented the first night of class.

8. Dogs must be clean, well-groomed and free of all parasites such as fleas and ticks. Dogs must have healthy coats without flaky skin or dandruff

9. Dogs are to be free of any residue from topical applications such as Frontline, Advantage or Revolution as well as flea and tick shampoos or dips. These applications, shampoos or dips should be applied at least three days before class.

10. We expect 100% attendance and participation from all teams. Unforeseen emergencies must be cleared by the trainer. Failure to attend required classes will result in non-compliance, making the applicant ineligible for certification. No refund of the training class fee will be returned under these circumstances.

11. No other dog training classes may not be substituted for the PAWS for Service training classes. This includes dogs with obedience titles as well as teams receiving other trainer's private lessons.

12. Completion of training classes does not guarantee a team will successfully complete the certification. If it is decided at certification that a team is not ready for visitation, the team will have an opportunity to re-take the class and be evaluated again. If the dog commits an act of aggression during evaluation, the team will not be allowed to re-take the class.

Training Class Checklist - VP - Revised June 2021