PAWS team
REGISTERED HANDLER/DOG TEAM
Our PAWS Teams consist of a volunteer handler and their dog. Being a registered handler/dog team gives you and your dog the opportunity to support youth mental wellness through scheduled visits at our school and community partner locations. You and your dog can help bring joy, comfort, and connection to middle and high school students, teachers, staff, and families. The expectation is for our PAWS Teams to participate in an average of two onsite visits per month. Click here to review complete criteria for what is required of a PAWS Team Handler and a PAWS Dog.
Qualifications:
Handlers
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Must be age 16 or older (handlers under 18 require parent/guardian permission).
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Must pass a criminal background check (for volunteers 18+).
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Strong communication skills to engage with youth and collaborate with program partners and staff.
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Ability to guide interactions calmly, compassionately, and professionally.
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Ability to read your dog’s body language, advocate for their well-being, and facilitate positive interactions.
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Commitment to following all program policies and guidelines.
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Willingness to participate in continuing education and training provided by TCC.
Dogs
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Must be at least 1 year old at the time of evaluation.
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Has lived with the handler for at least 6 months (or frequently been in the handler’s company for 6 months if handled by a friend or family member not living in the same home).
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Friendly and approachable; welcomes social interaction with strangers.
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No history of aggression or causing serious injury to dogs or people.
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Demonstrates basic obedience: walks with a loose leash and reliably responds to commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “leave it.”
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Reliably house-trained.
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Currently vaccinated against rabies.
Ongoing requirements: We require that our handlers pass the PAWS Team evaluation every 2 YEARS. PAWS teams must submit updated health and vaccination records annually; as well as, participate in mandatory training workshops or cointuning education 1-2 times per year.
PAWS BUDDY
sUPPORT VOLUNTEER
This role is designed for individuals passionate about youth mental wellness and the power of human-dog connection, but who do not have a registered support dog of their own. PAWS Buddies assist with student engagement, logistics, and overall visit coordination, helping handler/dog teams deliver impactful, therapeutic interactions. The expectation is for our PAWS Buddy to participate in an average of two onsite visits per month.
Qualifications:
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Must be age 16 or older (volunteers under 18 require parent/guardian permission)
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Must pass a criminal background check (for volunteers 18+)
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Passion for supporting youth mental wellness through human-animal interaction
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with students, handlers, and staff
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Ability to facilitate interactions calmly, compassionately, and professionally.
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Willingness to follow program policies and participate in required training
If you are interested in becoming a PAWS Buddy, please fill out the volunteer inquiry form and a Chris Center team member will be in touch within 48 hours. PAWS Buddy volunteers are required to submit a background check and fill out the volunteer application and agreement. After we receive your volunteer application and background check, we will schedule an onboarding call. During this call we will discuss expectations, show you how to sign up for volunteer shifts, review our Mental Wellness Toolkit and other training resources, as well as schedule shadow visit with an experienced PAWS Team at one of our partner locations. Upon completion of your shadow visit, you will be ready to begin signing up for regular visits!
eVENT VOLUNTEER oPPORTUNITIES
The Chris Center’s event volunteers play a key role in supporting events that advance our mission of improving youth mental wellness through nature and human-animal connection. This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about youth mental health, enjoy event planning, and want to make a meaningful difference for young people in our community. If you are interested in volunteering with The Chris Center at one of your events, please reach out to us at info@chriscenterpaws.org.