Special to the View

The nonprofit PAWS for Service is seeking pet owners who are willing to take their well-adjusted dogs to visit patients in hospitals, nursing homes and other rehabilitation facilities.

Visitation teams are made up of members and their dogs who volunteer their time to encourage and support those whose activities and interactions are limited because of health or other challenges.

Teams are pre-evaluated to determine suitability, and attend a seven-week course and practice lessons between classes. Upon completion of training, dog handling experts approved by PAWS for Service will evaluate each team.

Each new team is mentored on two visits by an experienced PAWS for Service member. Visitation teams and facilities are carefully matched based on the special skills and interests of the team and the needs of the facility.

Dogs must be at least 18 months old, and their owners must be at least age 18. Occasionally, exceptions are made to this requirement at the discretion of the trainer and PAWS for Service board.

All dogs must be current on all vaccinations and be determined to be healthy by the prospective member’s veterinarian.

Group classes are held on Thursday nights at University United Methodist Church, De Zavala and Vance Jackson roads. The training class fee is $100. Cost to join PAWS for Service is $45, which covers the membership due, name badge, shirt and bandana, insurance, etc. Renewal dues are $35 annually.

For more information, call Virginia Braddock at (210) 682-0549 or trainer JoAnn McFadden at (210) 493-1890.