Membership is open to pet owners with dogs, cats and/or rabbits. Applicants are required to complete and meet the following requirements prior to application:
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The potential member must be at least 18 years old.
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Pet must be at least 12 months old for dogs and 6 months old for rabbits and cats.
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Pet must have lived with the potential member for at least 6 months.
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Dogs must have completed basic obedience training in a group class with the potential member.
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Pet must not be on a raw animal protein diet of any type and must not live in a household where a raw protein diet is fed to any animal.
​Membership fees are due on an annual basis and help fund our organization (i.e. pays for insurance and operations). Annual dues provide approximately 20% of the money needed to meet our annual budget. Your first dues will be paid after you pass evaluation
Orientation
Orientation is the first step in our process. It's a 1-hour event that includes a full breakdown of our applicant requirements, an overview of what to expect at evaluation, the mission of Happy Tails, and details about various facilities and visits. At the end is an open Q&A and discussion for anyone who is interested. Pets are not allowed at Orientation and this is for handlers only.
Application & Fee
After attending Orientation, download the Orientation Packet and submit the following to the Administrator:
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Completed application form
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Volunteer profile
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Pet profile
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Health form
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Obedience certificate
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Code of conduct review and signature
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Accidental injury review
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$20 application fee
Obedience certificate
We do not make recommendations for specific trainers or courses. Courses must be in a group setting and at least 6 training sessions. Those wishing to volunteer with Happy Tails must train with their pet and be named on the certificate or letter.
Health Records
Your pet's health records must be on the provided Happy Tails health form and signed by your veterinarian. Receipts or other forms of records will not be accepted.
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Pet-Handler Evaluation
The Happy Tails Pet-Handler Evaluation is designed to see how you and your pet will react in situations like those we encounter while visiting clients. It is important that you and your pet, as a team, can demonstrate the ability to recover in unusual situations like walking in a crowd, noisy environments, etc. If you and your pet successfully pass the evaluation, we can assure our clients that your pet is well-behaved and well-suited for visits.​
Testing Requirements
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You may not use a prong collar, head halter or retractable leash during evaluation.
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You may use a harness that fits around the dog’s chest.
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You may not use a slip or choke collar.
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You may use a standard buckle collar, martingale collar, and a 4-6 foot leash.
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Your cat or rabbit must be in a harness and on a leash.
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You may not give your pets treats or use toys as rewards during the evaluation.
Test Overview
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Will your pet allow petting and grooming by a stranger?
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Can your dog demonstrate basic obedience skills, including sit/stay, down/stay and recall from sit or down?
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Will your dog walk beside you on a loose leash?
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Will your dog walk on a loose leash with a stranger?
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Will your pet behave politely around dogs or other animals?
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Will your pet approach someone in a wheelchair or using a walker?
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How will your pet react to strange noises and equipment?
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Will your pet remain calm in a crowd (like walking in a crowded hallway)?
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How will your dog react and recover if bumped by another person or animal?
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Will your pet allow several people to hug it at the same time?
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Will your pet remain calm when someone nearby is yelling or running?
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Will your pet remain calm when you leave it with a stranger and go out of view?
Scheduling your evaluation
Evaluation is held monthly from 9:30AM to 12:30PM at Atlanta Dogwood Obedience Group in Chamblee, GA. Attending an Orientation session and submission of all forms to our Administrator is required prior to scheduling pet-handler evaluation.​ All evaluations are by scheduled appointment only through our Administrator.
Volunteer Training
The next step for Happy Tails membership after successful completion of Pet-Handler Evaluation is Volunteer Training. It is a 2-hour session that covers the role and responsibilities of volunteers, types of client facilities and populations to help you select the right visit for your pet, and review procedures and policies regarding visit safety, infection control and other topics to ensure a successful volunteer experience. Pets are not allowed at Volunteer Training and this is for handlers only.
Observation Visit(s)
The final step for Happy Tails membership is to make at least one observation visit without your pet. You must choose a facility from the "Approved Facilities for Observation Visits" provided to you at Volunteer Training. Please call the Team Leader at least one week ahead to arrange an observation visit.
The Team Leader will complete your log sheet, provided to you at Volunteer Training.
Membership Dues & Observation Form
After you have completed all the steps above, submit your Observation Form along with your membership dues to the administrator. ​Congratulations! After this last step, you will be considered a full Happy Tails Member! You will receive your t-shirt, pet bandana, ID tags and other materials via mail within a few weeks of submitting your Observation Sheet.
Membership Fee
$50 for individuals | $75 for families
All payments can be made through PayPal or with a check.​​​
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