PAL WARMLY WELCOMES FRIENDLY PETS AND THEIR KIND HUMANS!
PAL volunteers make DC a more compassionate place to live.Pet Visiting - PAL volunteers and their pets visit nursing homes, hospitals and other places in need of TLC in the DC metropolitan area. Our certification process is friendly and easy so that your dog (or other pet!) can start visiting ASAP.
Details on the Pet Visiting volunteer process are below.
PAL Club and Camp -- The students of Stanton Elementary need you. They are curious and eager to learn, but face all the challenges of urban education. PAL Club Volunteers tutor these great kids in reading and math, organize field trips to fun places like the zoo, visit with their pets and help in many other ways. Try it once and you'll be hooked - the kids will thank you in hugs! Please fill out this PAL Club Volunteer Application and submit it to the PAL Office if you'd like to serve as a PAL Club volunteer tutor, chaperone or in some other capacity.
PAL Club and Camp -- The students of Stanton Elementary need you. They are curious and eager to learn, but face all the challenges of urban education. PAL Club Volunteers tutor these great kids in reading and math, organize field trips to fun places like the zoo, visit with their pets and help in many other ways. Try it once and you'll be hooked - the kids will thank you in hugs! Please fill out this PAL Club Volunteer Application and submit it to the PAL Office if you'd like to serve as a PAL Club volunteer tutor, chaperone or in some other capacity.
If you would like to visit Stanton as a Pet Visit volunteer, follow the usual certification process below and then let Fran know you want to bring your pet's loving presence to Stanton!
PET VISITING BASIC REQUIREMENTS
PET VISITING BASIC REQUIREMENTS
Pets must be friendly, get along with dogs, other pets and humans, and should respond to basic commands - come, sit, and stay - reasonably well.
-
Birds and pocket pets like guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters are welcome. (They don’t need to be trained to sit and stay!)
-
Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Volunteers under the age of 16 are welcome with an adult partner.
Students needing volunteer hours are welcome to meet school requirements by volunteering with PAL. - Female dogs may not attend orientation or pet visits while in heat, and male dogs must be neutered.
- Pets must have a health certificate with a current rabies vaccination signed by a veterinarian.
- Your pet's rabies vaccination must be up-to-date to continue volunteering. PAL will contact you when your rabies is due to expire.
PET VISITING Certification Process
We know you and your pet will be excellent at sharing love and affection with others. Follow these steps to become certified and start spreading the joy.
1. Download and read the Orientation Package for a general introduction, information on visiting, and the application forms.
2. Send in your forms and your $100 donation. PAL will contact you promptly with the next orientation date, and reserve your spot.
-
3. Attend a Volunteer Orientation and enjoy yourself.
Orientations are held monthly and last about an hour. Find the dates on the calendar on this website for upcoming orientations. Usually, between 10 and 20 dogs and their humans attend. Click here to see an orientation in action.
- At the orientation we will review the orientation package, do an obedience test with your pet, and observe your pet's temperament.
The orientations are held at the Armed Forces Retirement Home and you will get a chance to participate in a practice visit with the residents there. - 4. Attend a PAL supervised visit
At orientation, you will be asked to sign up for a supervised visit. On this visit, you will work with an enthusiastic and experienced PAL Group Leader who will answer your questions and give you tips and advice. - Once your supervised visit is completed, you will be encouraged to go to the site or sites of your choosing. PAL currently visits 27 sites in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Don't worry − people-loving dogs always do well. And if you still have questions, read this FAQ.
after you are certified...
- 1. Join one or more facility visit group.
-
The calendar on this website gives you dates and times of visits.
The current volunteers' section of this site includes a detailed list of our facilities, explaining limits on the number of teams and any other special requirements. Each site has its own personality. To find a good fit, talk with other volunteers during your evaluation visits, or call the PAL office for more information.
Visit as many sites as you like! Many of our volunteers make dozens of visits a year. It's addictive.
2. Send in your updated doggie health information when contacted to keep your dog's health records current.
3. Please join us at volunteer events: two are held in the summer, and one during the holiday season. Read the e-newsletter, send us photos of your dog in action, and recruit other great dogs and owners you know.
Gather a Group to Volunteer
Volunteer with your friends, church or other group!
St. Pete’s Pets is a special group of PAL volunteer teams in Leesburg, VA. Eight members of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church volunteer at Heritage Hall, a nursing and rehabilitation center. These folks share a special experience with their pets, families, and the residents.
St. Pete’s Pets is a special group of PAL volunteer teams in Leesburg, VA. Eight members of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church volunteer at Heritage Hall, a nursing and rehabilitation center. These folks share a special experience with their pets, families, and the residents.
If you have a group that would like to volunteer, we would be happy to hold a special orientation for you, and help you find just the right site for your team of volunteers.
We're here to help
If you have any questions regarding the certification process, orientation, or the program in general, please contact the PAL Office at 202-966-2171 or info@peopleanimalslove.org.
