Volunteer Hand in Paw Handler

(Must be trained through the Hand-In-Paw Program prior to volunteering in this position).

Hand In Paw, a Birmingham organization provides pets and handlers for the comfort, education and enjoyment of patients and families.

Since 1996, Hand In Paw has provided teams of handlers and pets to serve as therapeutic tools in medical, social service, and education settings for children, youth, and older adults. Our volunteer teams have made over 100,000 beneficial contact visits through community events and in several participating facilities. We also serve as a resource for students and for therapists who want to utilize animals in their practice.

Most of Hand In Paw's services and programs focus on children and youth. We provide programs for children and youth at-risk using a specific curriculum to teach positive life skills and modify behavior. In health care facilities, we work with staff to provide emotional and physical rehabilitation with specific goal-oriented interactions between patients and therapy animals.

If your dog has previously completed the Hand In Paw Training Program, and you are interested in volunteering for this position, please contact Joy Hardy at : Joy.Hardy@Childrensal.org .