Would your dog or cat make a good therapy pet? If you are interested in volunteering with PAWS of CNY, please complete the steps below.
Step 1: Click here to download a required health screening form. Please ask your vet to complete the attached form based on your pet’s most recent exam.
Note: You will be prompted to submit the annual health screening form, along with a copy of your cat or dog’s current rabies certificate, as part of step two, so please ensure you have these documents accessible before continuing.
Step 2: Submit an application.
Note: You will need your completed annual health screening form from step one and a copy of your pet’s current rabies certificate in order to submit your application.
There are two ways to submit an application:
Option 1: Complete an online application by clicking here.
Be prepared to submit your completed annual health screening form from step one, and a copy of your pet’s current rabies certificate as part of your online application.
Option 2: Submit a paper application.
Click here to download a printable application.
Please mail, email, or fax the completed paper application, along with a copy of your health screening form from step one and a copy of your pet’s rabies certificate to PAWS of CNY, Inc. at:
PAWS of CNY, Inc.
P.O. Box 6936
Syracuse, NY 13217
fax: 315.883.1365
email: info@pawsofcny.org
What Happens Next?
If your application indicates that your pet meets our initial requirements, you will be contacted within two weeks from the receipt of your application to schedule an initial evaluation to begin the certification process.
Please note that in order to be eligible for pet therapy, pets must be at least one year of age and must have lived with you for 6 months prior to evaluation.
Learn more about the certification process or click here if you feel your dog may benefit from therapy dog training classes prior to being evaluated.
PLEASE NOTE: The PAWS of CNY Certification provides accreditation for handlers and their dogs to attend PAWS of CNY sanctioned AAA and AAT pet therapy visits only. PAWS of CNY does not certify emotional support dogs, guide dogs, and other service dogs.
To learn more about what it’s like to be a volunteer with PAWS of CNY, view the video below, produced by Syracuse University students Erica Lim, Caitlin Shalhoub, and Dani Wolfenson.