New Members

FAITHFUL PAWS UPCOMING TRAING SESSIONS 

Training session times are:    Tuesdays  7-9 p.m.

OCTOBER TRAINING SESSION:  October 10, October 17, October 24 (skip October 31st), November 7 and November 14.  Testing:  Wednesday November 15.  We are accepting applications for this class.

We will be taking a break for the holidays!  

OUR FIRST TRAINING SESSION of 2024 will be:  January 9, January 16, January 23, January 30 and February 6.   Testing on Wednesday February 7th.  We are accepting applications now for this class.

WEEKEND CONDENSED SESSION:  A special condensed training session is in the process of being organized.  This will be by invitation only, offered quarterly.  This class will be reserved  for returning members who already have their CGC or new members who already have their CGC and advanced skill level.  The cost will be the same as the regular session.   If you are qualified and interested in the weekend condensed session, please let us know.

Becoming a member of Faithful Paws means that you will have the opportunity to enrich the lives of others through animal-assisted therapy. Pet therapy offers a multitude of physical, mental, and emotional benefits for people of all ages, from decreasing stress levels and blood pressure to increasing energy levels and self-esteem.

Our Faithful Paws Pet Therapy Teams visit hospitals, hospice facilities, nursing homes, schools, libraries, and many other types of facilities. All team members are required to:

1. Submit an application, upload all required documents, and pay the non-refundable application and training class fees. When you click the button below to fill out the application, please be sure you have the following documents ready to go:
   • Completed Initial Health Record signed by your veterinarian: Please complete an Initial Health Record form for each pet applying to be a member of Faithful Paws. You may either (1) print the form and write on it, then have your vet sign it; (2) type in the form on your computer, then save it and email it to your vet or print it and bring it to your vet; or (3) email the form to your vet for them to complete and sign. Here are the links to the forms: Dog, Cat, Rabbit
   • Rabies Vaccination Certificate: This is a single page that is usually titled “Rabies Certificate” or “Certificate of Vaccination” and must be signed by your Veterinarian.  This IS NOT a summary of vaccinations.
   • Vaccination History: This is a summary of current vaccinations and their expiration dates.
   • Annual Wellness Exam: Your pet’s current vet records that show a wellness exam/annual checkup. This is a summary of your pet’s recent visit and includes current vaccinations and tests as well as reminders about future appointments. This should only be 2-3 pages max.
   • A photo of your Texas Drivers License
   • A photo of you for your badge
   • A photo of your pet for his/her badge
2. Attend and successfully pass a series of training classes. Training classes are held on Tuesdays from 7-9pm as well as one Wednesday from 7-9pm inside the loop on Bellaire Blvd. Both the human and the pet must participate in training.  If you have a second handler, they must attend all classes.
3. Dogs are required to obtain their American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate and submit it to the AKC for their CGC Title.  If the certificate is not submitted within one year, the test is invalid and your pet will not officially have a CGC.   You will need to retest.  If you already have your CGC, you will be required to attend our training class because it not only trains the CGC but puts a big focus on working as a pet therapy team.  Having just a CGC is not enough preparation for pet therapy work and practice, socialization with new dogs and people helps our Teams be successful.   We prepare our teams for success!  If you have a young dog, you may wish to attend a puppy training/obedience class before starting our training.  Practice at home is required to obtain the 10 skills needed to pass the CGC.  So be prepared to work with you pet before and during our training session.  Alternatively, if your dog is not ready to take the test at the end of our training class, you will have the option to attend additional training classes and then take the CGC test at the next available testing date.  Dogs who are medically unable to pass the CGC will still attend the training classes, but given a temperament test and if passed, admitted to membership in Faithful Paws.   The age of your dog starting class is dependent on the dog’s maturity and breed, in general.  Most dogs need to be at least 8 months of age, with the average age being just over one year.  Some breeds which are more active may need more time to mature before attempting pet therapy work.  If you have questions about the age and readiness of your dog to start training, please contact us before submitting your application.   You can check out the requirements for the Canine Good Citizen Test and find lots of other helpful information on their website.  It is very helpful to review this before starting class and it’s never too early to start training!
4. Cats and Rabbits are tested with a temperament test.  There is a separate protocol for cats and rabbits.  This information will be given to you when you complete your application.

Failure to do all of the above will result in not becoming a member and needing to re-apply should you wish to be considered in the future.

To remain a member in good standing, all members are required to do the following within our membership portal during the designated renewal period each year (January 15-February 15):

1. Upload all required documents, including uploading new Rabies certificates and entering in the new expiration date should it expire before the next renewal period.  Members are now allowed to participate in visits if their pet’s Rabies certificate is expired.
2. Update their profile, including contact information and any other required information.
3. Pay the annual, non-refundable renewal fee.

Failure to do all of the above will result in not remaining a member and needing to re-apply should you wish to rejoin in the future.

Click the links below to learn more about Faithful Paws Membership, and refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page for additional information.

If you have never been a Faithful Paws Member*, you will need to complete an application. After we receive your application, we will contact you if you are eligible for membership. New members may apply between February 16 through December 31 each year. Please remember to have your documents ready before clicking below to begin the application.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT YOUR PET IS MOTIVATED AND TAUGHT BY HUMAN ATTRIBUTES AND BEHAVIORS.

Part of being a successful Faithful Paws applicant requires these skills on the handler’s part:

1. Follows directions to complete online application with a minimum of administrator assistance.  Asks a family member or friend to help if necessary.
2. Comes to all classes on time (or early).
3. Shows up with a positive, cheerful attitude as demonstrated by words, actions and body language.
4. Asks questions of trainers and administrators in a respectful manner.
5. Accepts correction as a necessary part of learning.
6. Pays close attention during class.
7. Works at learning and practices diligently with the pet between all sessions, preferably two or three 15-minute sessions daily.
8. Completes all homework assigned on time and without prompting.

IMPORTANT: When you click the button below to apply to become a Member, you will see instructions regarding entering your pet’s name in the First Name field on the first screen of the application after you create a username and password.  Please make sure you put your pet’s name in the First Name field and not your first name.  The last name field will be your last name.  Your full name will be entered on the following screen.

*If you were previously a member of Faithful Paws and want to return, please reach out to us via email at [email protected]. We will provide instructions on how to re-apply and/or be re-evaluated.