Volunteer Opportunities
Are you interested in volunteering with your pet? Become a Therapy Team!
Don’t have a pet? We are always looking for help on our Benefit committee, Bow WOW Bingo committee and special
projects or there are times where a pet is available and a handler is needed.
For information on this, email info@palsforlife.org.
You may sign up to be put on a list and we will call you as needed. Below is helpful information on how to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The most common type of pets that are evaluated are dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. We are open to other types of pets. Do you have one? Let’s discuss. We do not accept birds or turtles.
We accept dogs that are past the puppy stage and are housebroken. There is no maximum age limit. We love the seniors!
All pets must pass our Therapy Pet Evaluation
Of course! If your pet doesn’t pass their test the first time, you will be given homework on what they need to work on. You are welcome to have them re-tested once they’re ready.
Yes. Any pet that participates in Pals For Life visits must pass the Pals For Life Therapy Pet Evaluation
Once your pet passes the evaluation, you will be able to take them on pet visits that are arranged through Pals For Life. Our calendar contains our monthly volunteer opportunities.
You will only be covered under Pals For Life insurance if you are participating in a pet visit arranged by Pals For Life. Any visits done on your own are not connected to Pals For Life.
Our visits are generally one hour long. Visits that are longer than an hour may be divided into shifts.
Pet visits are held Monday through Friday. Library visits are held both during the day and evening hours during some months of the year.
There is not a required minimum number of visits. Sign up when you have time available.
Pals For Life volunteers start at age 12. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent.
Yes! There are times where a pet is available and a handler is needed. You may sign up to be put on a list and we will call you as needed. We are always looking for help on our Benefit committee, Bow WOW Bingo committee and special projects.
Yes. There is a one-time volunteer dues of $35.00.
All Pals For Life volunteers are required to wear a Pals For Life T-shirt or sweatshirt on pet visits. These are available for purchase. Pals For Life dog bandanas are not required but are available for purchase.
Yes, volunteers who work with children will need to complete the 3 clearances required by Pennsylvania. Information on this can be provided.
Yes, Pals For Life is recognized by the AKC as an accredited pet-therapy organization. Dogs who are AKC registered may attain their therapy dog titles by participating in our programs.
Pet Therapy Evaluation:
All pets must pass the Pals For Life therapy pet evaluation. This evaluation will be scheduled through Pals For Life. Some general requirements are:
- Pets must be comfortable going into unfamiliar locations, and maintain good behavior in a location other than their own home.
- Pets must be able to have good behavior around small animals, such as bunnies, birds, fish.
- Pets must be comfortable being petted by someone they’ve never been pet before in a place they’ve never been before.
- Pets must be comfortable being handled on all parts of their body
- Pets must have good manners, including not jumping on people, not pawing at people, and no vocalizing.
- Pets must be comfortable around medical equipment such as walking canes, crutches, and walker.
- Pets must react appropriately to various situations that occur in a therapy setting.
To schedule your Pals For Life therapy pet evaluation, email Kristen@palsforlife.org
