Do you have a passion for animals and helping those in need? Join our Paw Care Family program and make a direct impact on the lives of our clients by providing safe, temporary housing for their beloved pets while they seek help for the trauma they've experienced. Here are the steps to becoming a part of this wonderful experience.
Step 1: Do You Qualify?
Paw in Hand is committed to creating the best environment for our clients' pets. Just like humans, each pet has unique needs. While the qualifications below may not cover every aspect, they will provide a general idea of whether you and your family would be a good fit for the program:
To qualify as a Paw Care Family, you should:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Have a passion for pets
- Have experience with pet care (preferred but not required)
- Attend training on the proper provision of care
- Maintain home or renters’ insurance
- Have a safe home with adequate space for additional pets
Step 2: Can You Meet the Requirements/Duties?
The Paw Care Family is responsible for providing care, love, and meeting the basic needs of pets under our temporary care. We understand the significant role this responsibility plays in improving the lives of our clients. Therefore, the requirements and duties we have established are designed to prepare you for this wonderful opportunity and to equip you with the necessary tools for welcoming a new furry guest into your home.
As a Paw Care Family, your responsibilities include:
- Provide temporary housing, training, and feeding of pets
- Attend Paw Care Family Training
- Adhere to educational and training resources provided
- Not be away from home for more than 12 hours without care arrangements
- Engage in bi-weekly communication with the Paw in Hand team
- Meet visitation needs
Step 3: Can You Attend Training?
We understand that we can't do this alone, and neither can you. We want to support you on this amazing journey, which is why we have prepared the following resources for you to use at no cost.
You will have access to resources including:
- Pet education and care training
- Respite care
- Support with vet appointments, dog walking, play, and pet transportation
- Staff support for questions and assistance
Step 4: Apply:
Through your kindness, we can make a difference in our community.
-If you believe you qualify to be a Paw Care Family, start your application here today.
-If not, explore other volunteer opportunities with Paw in Hand here to continue supporting those who are taking the brave first step toward seeking help
Step 5: Additional Pieces of Business if Qualified:
Once you have filled out your application, we will continue with the following steps to ensure a good match.
-References
-Home visit
-Talk to your pets’ veterinarian (If you have a pet)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I become a paw care family if I have pets of my own?
Yes! We want the best fit for you and our clients' pets, which is why upon intake we will ask our clients how their pets do around other animals. However, to ensure the safety of both your pets and our clients’ we ask to speak with your pet’s veterinarian before placement.
Can I become a paw care family if I have kids?
Yes! We would make sure to match you with a pet that is good with children.
How much will it cost me to become a paw care family?
We ask that you pay for food or litter for cats, but if we have donations available we can help as needed. We will pay for animal veterinarian visits.
How long will I be fostering the pet?
On average, each foster family has a pet for 3 months. If a pet needs placement for additional time, you can decide if you’d like to continue fostering or not.
Will I need to transport the pets I am fostering?
No. Our wonderful volunteers will provide the transportation. If you’d like to volunteer your time you may transport the pets to veterinary appointments. We’d need a copy of your license, insurance, and a car inspection. If you’d like to meet with pet owners for visits with their pet, you can do that but need to fill out the Paw Chauffeur application here.
Have additional questions? Please send us a message here. We are happy to answer any questions you have.
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted”.-Aesop
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