PAWS FOR PEOPLE FAQ

DOES THIS CERTIFICATION WORK EVERYWHERE?

No.  St. Hubert’s has built relationships with specific organizations.  Visits can only be done with partnering facilities at times arranged prior by the volunteer office.

WHAT ANIMALS DO YOU CERTIFY?

At this time, we only certify dogs. Note that all dogs must be spay/neutered and have up-to-date vaccine records (rabies, disptemper, parvo) and a municipal dog tag.

WHERE ARE THE VISITS? 

Visits are mainly in Morris and Somerset County. Types of facilities include retirement communities, hospitals, schools, libraries and other services.

WHAT TIMES ARE VISITS CONDUCTED? 

The majority of the Paws for People Visits are conducted for an hour long between 10AM – 4PM Monday – Thursday.  Library visits are often weekday evenings starting between 6-7PM. Two of our participating hospitals allow visits until 8 pm. These hospitals - Morristown Medical Center & Overlook Medical Center - require that Paws for People volunteers also become hospital volunteers (a process that can take one to three months).

WHAT IS THE AGE REQUIREMENT? 

The dog must be over 1 year old.  The age requirement for the person changes based on the facility and their volunteer requirements.  Many hospitals require 21 or older, while others require 18+.  Reading programs will allow junior volunteers.  If you are under 18 and interested in the volunteer program email the volunteer office. 

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG WOULD BE A GOOD CANDIDATE?

Please review our Pet Therapy Test Prep Guide to determine if this volunteer program is the right match for both you and your dog.

Some other questions to consider:

· When meeting a variety of new people, does your pet approach in a friendly, controlled manner?

· Does your pet enjoy being hugged and touched all over by people?

· Does your pet reliably hold sit, stay, down and come when called?

· Can your pet meet another animal calmly without wanting to play, bark or growl?

WHAT IF MY DOG NEEDS MORE TRAINING TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PET THERAPY PROGRAM?

We recommend that you enroll in our Pet Therapy Training course through St. Hubert's Training and Behavior Center: https://www.sthuberts.org/pet-therapy-training/.

WHAT ARE MY REQUIREMENTS?

      · Are you comfortable striking up a conversation with people in nursing homes, hospitals, etc.?

      · Are you available to commit to 2 or more visits a month?

      · All teams are required to pass the evaluation and attended a mentored visit before performing visits.

I’M A SITE LOOKING TO RECEIVE VISITS, HOW DO I PROCEED? 

St. Hubert’s can only add additional sites that we know teams are available to service.  To be added to our waitlist please email volunteers@sthuberts.org. Please not that we may not be able to accommodate your site.

HOW LONG BEFORE MY DOG CAN GET TESTED?

Because of a large number of applicants, the process of certification may take a few months. There are two other local pet therapy organizations that may be able to accommodate you soon. Note that these organizations are partnered with different sites than St. Hubert's Paws for People program. Bright and Beautiful (http://www.golden-dogs.org) and Creature Comfort (http://www.ccpettherapy.org).

I FEEL THAT MY PET MEETS THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS, HOW DO I APPLY?

Please apply to the program through the following link:

https://go.sthuberts.org/PFPapplication