Present Volunteers can login in to VicNet here:

VOLUNTEER

For the safety of dogs and humans, volunteers must complete an orientation prior to becoming a volunteer and also complete the volunteer sign up form
before being approved as a volunteer.

Check our CALENDAR to see upcoming dates for our next Volunteer orientation.

General Volunteers

 After completing the orientation, volunteers assist in all facets or our operation:

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  • assisting with fundraising and events

  • community outreach and education

  • groundskeeping

  • animal care and grooming

  • sewing and crafts

  • handyman work

  • administrative work

FOSTER VOLUNTEERS

Foster volunteers require special training.
(Read more below)

weekend foster

Weekend Fosters take a puppy/dog home on weekends and holidays. PAALS asks for a six month commitment

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As a puppy or dog Foster Weekend Foster, you establish the foundation of training and socialization critical to a service dog’s future success as a lifelong partner to
someone in need.

pup sitters

Pupsitters cover for weekend fosters when needed. Aa puppy/dog will stay in your home for 1 weekend (or more.)
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As a puppy or dog Pupsitter/Foster, you establish the foundation of training and socialization critical to a service dog’s future success as a lifelong partner to
someone in need.

FAQ's for Volunteers

Frequently asked questions

What is the age requirement to be a volunteer?

Most of our volunteer opportunities require someone 18 or older. However,we do have quite a few volunteer activities which can be done by younger volunteers, particularly those who have participated in one of our Summer PAALS camps. Minor volunteers must have their parent’s or guardian’s permission to volunteer and must always be under the supervision of an adult. The volunteer application for a minor must be completed and submitted by the parent or guardian. Minor volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times when volunteering for PAALS.



When can I start volunteering?

Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by a staff member.
If additional information is needed - you will be contacted.
Once your application is approved, you will be notified and you will be placed on a list to be notified when the next volunteer orientation session is scheduled.
You will also have access to the online volunteer portal. While most opportunities require completion of the orientation class, there are some activities you can volunteer for immediately.



Can my company/groups/friends volunteer at once?

Absolutely. We frequently have volunteer projects which need a team of people to complete them. Rather than completing the online application, please fill out our CONTACT FORM.



I work full-time, are their other times I can volunteer?

Certainly. We have many opportunities for after-hours and weekend volunteers.



Can I assist with dog training?

Training of our service dogs takes years of learning and practice. So volunteers are not allowed to serve in this capacity. However, we do sometimes have opportunities for volunteers to participate in evaluations and take notes during training and/or evaluation sessions.



Will I be able to take home a puppy?

Only our specially trained Weekend Foster PAALS are able to take PAALS’ dogs home on the weekend. After you have become a PAALS volunteer and completed volunteer orientation, you can apply to become a weekend foster.



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221 N. Grampian Hills Road / Columbia, SC 29223  /  803-788-7063