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Join a Mission That Makes a Difference

Becoming part of PAWS Crisis Response Canines means joining a dedicated team committed to supporting others during their most difficult moments. Our volunteer handlers and their dogs undergo specialized training to safely and effectively operate in crisis environments.

Are You and Your Dog Ready?

To ensure the safety and effectiveness of our deployments, both handlers and dogs must meet specific eligibility requirements, including temperament, availability, and commitment to ongoing training.

PAWs Certification
 Overview:

The following requirements and certifications support the mission to bring hope, comfort, and resilience to survivors and first responders. 


Volunteer Eligibility Requirements

Handler Requirement: 18 years of age or older.

Canine Requirements: 18 months old at the time of evaluation.

Submit updated canine health and vaccination records annually.

Therapy Dog Certification or Pre-Approved Equivalent

Submit Canine Good Citizen certificate

Submit Background check certification

Sign volunteer waivers

Sign Confidentiality Agreement

Pay $200 registration fee

Annual dues $200 + $25 for additional family member due December.

Required Certifications [completion within six months]

Training You Can Trust

All teams must complete required certifications to ensure they are prepared for real-world crisis response environments. These certifications help maintain the highest standards of professionalism and safety.

1. Coursera Certificate — “Psychological First Aid” (Johns Hopkins University)
Overview:

This online course teaches the fundamentals of Psychological First Aid (PFA) using the RAPID model: Reflective Listening, Assessment of Needs, Prioritization, Intervention, and Disposition.
Purpose:

PCRC handlers apply PFA principles to comfort and stabilize individuals in crisis, recognize signs of acute stress, and communicate compassionately while maintaining professional boundaries.

https://www.coursera.org/learn/psychological-first-aid

2. Pet First Aid and CPR Certification
 Overview:

This certification prepares handlers to recognize and respond to medical emergencies involving animals.


Purpose:

Ensures handlers can provide immediate care for their canine partners and other animals during deployments.

3. Human First Aid and CPR Certification Overview:
This certification prepares handlers to recognize and respond to medical emergencies involving people.

Purpose:
Ensures handlers can provide immediate care to individuals in crisis, supporting first responders and maintaining safety during deployments.

4. SAMHSA Service to Self-Training Course certificate
Overview:

This course is a self-paced online program developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to support behavioral health professionals, crisis responders, and volunteers in managing stress exposure related to trauma work.

Purpose:

The course focuses on recognizing signs of secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout, while providing practical strategies for building resilience, maintaining professional boundaries, and sustaining long-term emotional well-being. Participants who complete the training receive a certificate of completion, demonstrating their understanding of self-care principles essential for safe and effective service in high-stress environments.

https://www.samhsa.gov/technical-assistance/dtac/training/service-to-self

Post-Certification Requirements
:

Handlers must continue participating in drills, training, and deployments and must maintain documentation of field experience in complex environments.