General Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions

How old must I be to volunteer?
You must be at least 18-years-old to volunteer.

If I am not yet 18-years-old, but want to help, what can I do?
You can participate in select volunteer activities with signed parental consent or parental supervision. If the parental consent is signed for you to volunteer without your parent present, you will also need to provide a notorized Medical Power Of Attorney signed by your parents.

I work Monday through Friday. Can I volunteer after work or on weekends?
Absolutely!! There are many opportunities available evenings and weekends..

What kind of commitment does My Angel With Paws, Inc. require?
While we don't have a stated "minimum" time commitment, please understand that we are looking for individuals who will be active volunteers at MAWP. In addition to volunteer activities such as raising a puppy, we also would love to see you at our publicity and fund raising events (either as participants or helpers.) As a MAWP volunteer, we need your support in helping our organization achieve its mission in many ways. For more information on how you can help, click HERE.

Can I complete my court ordered community service at My Angel With Paws, Inc.?
If you are a juvenile or adult offender it may be possible to complete community service hours with My Angel With Paws, Inc. You must check with the office for details. 386-490-4949.

I am required to complete a number of hours of community service hours to graduate. Can I complete them at MAWP? What are my options?
Absolutely, we would love to help you aquire your community service hours. Please contact our office for details. 386-490-4949.

Client Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a Service dog?
First you must fill out an application for a service dog which may be found (Application Available Soon). You can return the application by mail or email found HERE. Once the application is completed, an in home interview will be scheduled at which time it will be determined whether you will qualify for a service dog with MAWP. After acceptance, you will be placed on our prospective client list.

How long does it take to get a service dog?
Training a service dog takes approximately 2 years. Ensuring the perfect service dog for you will entail a waiting period of 6 months up to 2 years.

Once I have my service dog, will you continue help me if i need it?
Absolutely. Our commitment is for the life of the human/canine partnership. Many disabilities are progressive requiring the service dog to perform additional skills as time goes by. We will be with you to assist in further training as the need arises and help you and your service dog to stay in harmony.

I have a pet who I think would be a great service dog for me. What are my options?
You can be classified as an owner/trainer. You will need to set up an appointment for you and your dog to be evaluated by our staff and if accepted you would also be required to participate in our service/therapy dog classes. For more details on our classes, go to the services/classes section of this site.

Donation Frequently Asked Questions

How can I donate to MAWP?
There are numerous ways to donate. We are always in need of monetary and goods donations. Please see our donation page HERE.

Do you only take cash donations?
We accept cash, check and credit card donations. We also have a wish list HERE that lists materials and items needed to support our 'Angels in Training'. Credit card donations are handled only through our website HERE. You can also support us through IGive/ISearch, see more information HERE.

What if I have something to donate that is not on the wish list?
We could very well be interested. Please contact our office at (386) 490-4949 or email us.

Puppy Raiser Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a puppy raiser?
A puppy raiser application must be completed and an interview scheduled. For further details and an application go to our puppy raiser page HERE.

What is the difference between raising a Service Dog Puppy or raising a Breeder Dog?
When raising a service dog puppy you will care for, socialize, participate in regular training, periodically make appearances at special and fundraising events, and love this wonderful puppy, preparing him for his new partner and forever home.

The main difference in raising a puppy for service vs raising a puppy for breeding is that the breeder puppy will stay with you forever. You will still need to care for, socialize,participate in regular training, periodically make appearances at special and fundraising events, and love this wonderful puppy. Your pup will be bred up to 3 times in her lifetime and is then retired. For more information, click HERE.

How long do I keep the puppy I am raising for MAWP.
From the time that you pick up your puppy to the time his socializing and training are completed is approximately 18 months. He will then come into MAWP facility for his client specific training and then final placement with a partner.

How do you raise and love a dog for 1 1/2 years and then give them up?
This is the most frequently asked question!!!

It is very much like raising our children. We raise them to be confident and strong. We know they will leave home, go off to college, probably marry and have a family of their own. Just because they don't live with you anymore does not mean you have lost contact with them. The same applies when you begin your journey raising a service dog. Just as with your children, you must understand how very important he and his future are. This puppy has a destiny to one day give independence, confidence, companionship and love to a partner who needs him so very much. The partnership will complete and enhance each of their lives.