Hand-in-Paw
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Volunteer

With An Animal

Make a meaningful impact in the lives of people across Central Alabama.

Our volunteers are the backbone of the organization and their dedication is unsurpassed. Hand in Paw volunteers deliver Animal-Assisted Therapy in hospitals, schools, and community settings, helping reduce stress, encourage connection, and improve overall well-being.

Become A Professionally
Trained Therapy Team

You and your pet can make a meaningful impact in the lives of people facing emotional, cognitive, and physical challenges.

Hand in Paw Therapy Teams deliver structured Animal-Assisted Therapy across hospitals, nursing homes, schools, workplaces, and other community settings throughout Central Alabama. Our teams help reduce stress, encourage engagement, and create moments of healing connection where they’re needed most.

This is a true team commitment. You and your animal will train and complete the registration process together, preparing to serve safely and effectively in real-world environments.

Sounds great, right?

Let’s start with the basics

You and your animal MUST meet these general qualifications before taking any further steps to becoming a Therapy Team:
  • Animal must be at least 18 months old
  • You must have owned the animal 6 months
  • Dogs must complete a group obedience course
  • Animal must be spayed or neutered

HIP Quiz

Take our quiz to quickly find out if you and your animal are ready to become a Therapy Team!

Ready to apply?

Complete the

Therapy Team application.

Important Note: Hand in Paw does not train service animals or provide animal sheltering. We train volunteer Therapy Teams to deliver Animal-Assisted Therapy through Hand in Paw programs.

Before applying, please watch the instructional video below. It explains the qualities we look for in prospective Therapy Teams and will help you understand whether this opportunity is the right fit for you and your animal.

Click Here to Apply

Watch Before Applying

Hand in Paw YouTube

Volunteer

Without An Animal​

No Dog? No Prob!

You don’t need a four-legged partner to make a difference. Hand in Paw has plenty of volunteer opportunities, from Visit Assistants to general office support to community events. Ready to jump in? Submit a volunteer application to get started!

Thank you for your support of Hand in Paw!

Looking for Something More?

Junior Board

The Hand in Paw Junior Board is a group of emerging leaders committed to supporting our mission through fundraising, community engagement, and organizational advocacy. Junior Board members play an active role in shaping the future of Hand in Paw while developing their own professional and philanthropic skills.

Click Here to Apply

Board of Directors

The Hand in Paw Board of Directors provides strategic leadership and governance to guide the organization's long-term growth and impact. Board members bring a range of professional expertise and share a deep commitment to advancing Animal-Assisted Therapy in Central Alabama.

Reach out to Executive Director Margaret Stintzi at margaret@handinpaw.org to learn more about current opportunities and expectations.