Welcome Faithful Paws Members!
Access training, resources and updates to help you continue making a positive impact through pet therapy.
Find Everything You Need in Our Online Portal
Login to our online portal to access all the information you need as a member or team leader. Explore everything from training materials, visit schedules, and membership updates to facility information, leadership resources, and our code of ethics.
Important Information for Our Members
As an essential part of Faithful Paws, your dedication touches countless lives across the Greater Houston area. With over 200 active teams and 15,000 visits annually, your volunteerism is invaluable.
Find important tips, guidance, and information about your membership with Faithful Paws below.
Stay Connected
Remember to check your email regularly for updates and announcements. Keeping in touch ensures you don’t miss important information about visits, training, and events.
Email communication is our primary way to notify you of changes to visit schedules, new volunteer opportunities, and important organizational news. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date to receive all relevant updates, and please ensure that all of the Faithful Paws email addresses are in your contacts so that emails don't get sent to spam. If you think you are not getting all of the communications, please check your spam folder.
Renew Your Membership During the Renewal Period
Membership renewal is scheduled annually from January 15 to February 15. Mark your calendar to avoid late fees and ensure continuous coverage for your visits.
Renewal ensures that you remain an active member and that your liability insurance coverage is uninterrupted. Late renewals (February 16 - March 1) incur an additional fee, and missing the renewal period could require re-application and re-testing.
Update Your Documents
Ensure all required documents, including vaccination records and health certificates, are current. This is essential for the safety and well-being of those we visit.
Regular updates help maintain our high standards of health and safety. Please upload new documents to the member portal as soon as they are available. Outdated or missing documents can prevent you from participating in visits.
Participate in Ongoing Training
Continuous education is key to providing the best therapy services. Watch for notifications about refresher courses and advanced training opportunities. We can help you test for novice or intermediate trick dog titles! In addition, we can recommend advanced training opportunities.
Regular training helps you and your pet stay sharp and effective in your roles. These sessions cover new techniques, refresh fundamental skills, and address any changes in our protocols or best practices.
Follow Our Safety Guidelines
Safety is our top priority at Faithful Paws. Please adhere to the following guidelines to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone involved:
01
Health Checks
Ensure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on all vaccinations before visits.
02
Hygiene
Your pet should be clean and groomed, including trimmed nails. Bathe your dog within 48 hours of a visit.
03
Behavior
Monitor your pet’s behavior closely. Pets showing signs of stress or aggression should be removed from the visit.
04
Supervision
Always keep your pet under control and on a four-foot leash with martingale collar or a four-foot leash and harness. Our professional trainer recommends the Freedom No-Pull Harness by 2 Hounds Design.
05
Interaction
Allow interactions to be guided by the facility’s staff. Respect personal boundaries and comfort levels of those you visit.
06
Facility Guidance
Follow all of the requirements and guidelines that facilities establish for pet therapy teams and volunteers.
For a comprehensive list of safety guidelines, please refer to our member handbook located in the Files section on the Home screen of the member portal.
Follow Our Code of Ethics
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At Faithful Paws, we’re committed to maintaining the highest standards of trust, respect, safety, honesty, and integrity. As a member, you’re expected to conduct yourself in a manner that reflects our values and mission. For the full code of ethics, please refer to our member handbook located in the Files section on the Home screen of the member portal.