Volunteer with PGI - Paws Giving Independence - Paws Giving Independence

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Volunteer with PGI

Did you want to get involved in PGI? We have many opportunities and would love your help!

Date / Time *

Your information

Name *

First

Last

What is your pronoun gender identity? Common pronouns include she/her/hers, he/him/his, and they/them/theirs.

DOB:

Are you over 18 years old?

Email *

Phone *

Current Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Upload a photo of the front, back and inside of your home

Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 3 files.

Do you own your home? *

If you rent do you have permission of your landlord to have a dog on property?

If you rent, please unload proof of landlord approval (via email or direct communication)

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

I live in a

Single family home
Townhouse
Apartment
Other

Please list all people and ages of who lives in your home. *

Please list all animals and ages that live in your home.

My current pets are (check all that apply) *

Dog friendly
Spayed/ neutered
Up to date on vaccinations
NA- I dont have any pets

Vet Name, City and Phone Number

Please upload proof of vaccinations for pets currently in home

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

Have you ever been convicted of animal cruelty or neglect? *

Yes
No

If you are a student please list your family home address here:

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

If you are a student, do you have parent approval to have a dog at this address?

Are you over the age of 18 years? *

If no- how old are you?

My interest in PGI

Which programs are you interested in volunteering for? (check all that apply) *

General volunteer- unable to have a dog in my home
Dog/ Puppy Sitter- short term dog sitting if fosters are out of town
Furlough trainer- have a helping paws dog one week per month
Puppy raiser
Foster home
Transition trainer
PGI volunteer committee
Fundraising
Public Events
Wags for Mags- Bradley
Indy-pendence Service Dogs- ISU
Other

How long are you able to keep a dog for in your home?

If other…

Please list any relevant experiences you have that you feel would benefit any of the above programs or events. Include dog training experience and general dog care. *

How many hours per week would you be able to dedicate? *

3 hour or less
3 to 5 hours
5 to 10 hours
10 to 20 hours
20 or more hours

What days of the week are you available? *

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Are you available Tuesday nights for trainings? *

Yes
No

Are you interested in getting certified to handle our service dogs in vest in public settings?

Yes
No
Unsure at this time

How did you find out about our organization?

Direct mail
Advertisement
Online Search
Friend / Family
Business Colleague
Other

If other…

Disclaimer

Disclaimer *

By signing this I understand Paws Giving Independence reserves the right to deny any applicant for any reason. I understand Paws Giving Independence does not have to give me a reason for a denial of an animal. In my participation with Paws Giving Independence and Helping Paws I do hereby agree to hold free from any and all liability the Paws Giving Independence/Helping Paws and its members, staff members, trainers, board members, volunteer staff, volunteers and officers. My family, members of my household and myself waive the rights and claims for damages and injuries, which may come from connection and participation with PGI. I declare myself to be physically sound to participate with the PGI. I understand PGI can remove a dog from my home at any time due to failure to fulfill these terms, conditions, policies, and procedures of Paws Giving Independence. I understand any dog that is placed with me through Paws Giving Independence will legally belong to Paws Giving Independence. By listing my vet information I am giving PGI permission to contact them.

Inspection *

I understand that Paws Giving Independence and the IL Department of Agriculture has the right to come and inspect my home if needed at any time without notice. PGI may also remove a dog at any time for any reason.

Photo Release

I hereby authorize and grant permission to Paws Giving Independence to reproduce my first name (or my child) and/or photographic image, and/or any video footage of me, provided such photograph or video shall have been taken by Paws Giving Independence, or obtained by them either from me or with my consent. I agree that such reproduction may be edited as desired. I consent to the use of my first name, photographic image, video footage and biographical material about me in any promotional materials. I represent that I have the right to enter into the Agreement and that my rights I have granted in this Agreement will not violate any commitment or understanding I have with any other person or entity. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Paws Giving Independence, its officers, members, executors, assigns, and/or any other parties or entities employed by it in relation to the usage of the aforesaid information against all claims, losses, expenses and liabilities of every kind including reasonable attorney’s fees, arising out of the inaccuracy or breach of any provision of this Agreement. I expressly release Paws Giving Independence, its officers, members, executors, assigns, and/or said other parties or entities from any and all claims arising out of the use of my first name and/or photographic image and/or video footage. This Agreement represents the entire understanding of the parties and shall be permanent unless revoked by me in writing. Should I wish to revoke this agreement, I may do so by writing to Paws Giving Independence at PO BOX 9572, Peoria, IL 61612-9572.

Signature

Can You Help?

Paws Giving Independence is run completely on public donations. We are unique because our service dogs are placed free of charge and we currently have no paid staff. That is why we need your help to keep our program running. Many of our dogs are all rescued from shelters but we need your support to pay for the vet bills and everyday care.

We are a 501(c)(3) corporation and all donations are tax deductible.

Instagram

pgidogs

Small paws, large impact! 🐾 Gunner is a facili

Small paws, large impact! 🐾

Gunner is a facility dog for The Mary Culver Home for Visually Impaired Women. He is part of everyday activities such as exercise, bingo, and parties. The impact he has made on these ladies is incredible. Not only has he brought a smile to everyone’s face, but has given them some of their independence back by assisting them with task such as retrieving objects, throwing things away, and proving a comforting presence. The ladies get to play a part in caring for Gunner by brushing him, giving him treats, and playing games with him!
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#servicesdogsintraining #pgidogs #dogs #servicedogs #servicedogsofinstagram #dogsofpeoria #pgi

JUST 5 DAY AWAY UNTIL SANTAS ARRIVAL🤩 PGI oper

Did you know? Service dogs come in a variety of br

Did you know? Service dogs come in a variety of breeds! 🐾

One specific breed does not make a “perfect” service dog. What is important to consider is a dog’s temperament, confidence, work eagerness, train-ability, and behavior! Because of this, we get our service dogs in training from a variety of locations! 🐕‍🦺🦮

We would like to thank our pet rescue partners, our breeder co-ops, and local breeders! Pet recuse partners take in abandoned, abused, or stray dogs and recommend some for service work (an example of a rescue service dog is Teeter!). We also participate in ADI breeder co-ops. This means we receive dogs bread specifically for service work, and sometimes send a few back for a short period of time to participate in the breeding program (an example of a breeder co-op dog is Corduroy or Mango)! We would also like to thank our local breeders (an example of dogs from local breeders includes our sisters: Clover and Willow)! Thank you all! 🐕‍🦺

#servicesdogsintraining #pgidogs #dogs #servicedogs #servicedogsofinstagram #dogsofpeoria

🎉 Big congratulations to these hardworking dogs

🎉 Big congratulations to these hardworking dogs who passed their recertification tests! 🐾 Your dedication, training, and commitment to making a difference in people’s lives is truly inspiring. Here’s to more years of incredible teamwork and service! Way to go Parker, Colton l, Marshall and Vinnie!

💪🐶 #WorkingDogs #ServiceDogs #CertificationSuccess

Thank you to our current dogs in training! 🐾 W

Thank you to our current dogs in training! 🐾

We are so thankful for our amazing squad of puppies and dogs in training! From our littlest puppies, to our furlough pups, to our transition dogs, we want to give them all a big round of a-paws! These pups accomplish amazing things everyday and we are so proud! Comment below if there is a current dog in training that you would like to say “thank you!” to. 🐾🐕‍🦺🦮

Our pups couldn’t do the hard work they do everyday without the help of our supporters. We appreciate all of the ways companies, small businesses, organizations, families, and individuals have supported our dogs! Whether it is sponsoring a dog, donating to us, or sharing our message online, our pups and volunteers could not do what we do without your support! Thank you! 🐾❤️

#servicesdogsintraining #pgidogs #dogs #servicedogs #servicedogsofinstagram #dogsofpeoria #pgi

From Team Ace! 🐾 “I am thankful for every li

From Team Ace! 🐾

“I am thankful for every life changing PGI dog. A year ago I stumbled and feared falling. Ace gives my family and myself the confidence to be active. My son said it best, “Ace is perfect for you!"”

Congratulations, Ace on one whole year of being a service dog!
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#servicesdogsintraining #pgidogs #dogs #servicedogs #servicedogsofinstagram #dogsofpeoria #pgi

Heartfelt thanks to the picketfencefoundation for

Heartfelt thanks to the picketfencefoundation for helping PGI to create beautiful holiday thank-you gifts for our veterinarian offices! Your kindness and creativity bring so much joy and gratitude to those who help us all year long. If you are in need of holiday gifts or gift baskets visit them online or at their shop!

Thank you to our veterinarians:
Demanes Animal Hospital
Big Hollow Companion Animal Hospital
Miller's Most Valued Pets Clinic, Inc.
Eastland Companion Animal Hospital

#ThankYou #HolidayGiving #shoplocally

Thank you to the service dogs! 🐾 Everyone at P

Thank you to the service dogs! 🐾

Everyone at PGI would like to send a huge “thank-you” to all of the service dogs we have placed. These dogs change the life of their handler everyday. We are so proud of these pups for working hard and dedicating their hearts to their handlers! Way to go pups! 🦮🐕‍🦺

🐾 Training with a Wild Twist! 🐾 This week,

🐾 Training with a Wild Twist! 🐾

This week, Paws Giving Independence service dogs had an incredible training session at Brookfield Zoo Chicago! 🦁🐘🐒 Not only do these visits help our dogs practice their skills in a busy environment, but they also teach them how to be respectful of other animals—a crucial skill for a working dog. 🌎

By observing zoo animals calmly and staying focused on their handlers, our dogs learn patience and control, preparing them for all kinds of real-world situations. This respect for other animals ensures our service dogs can confidently and calmly support their future handlers, no matter where life takes them!

We’re so proud of these pups as they grow and learn. Huge thanks to Brookfield Zoo for providing this unique training opportunity! ❤️🐕 #ServiceDogsInTraining #PawsGivingIndependence #BrookfieldZoo

THANK YOU❤️🐾 Thank you to Fox Pub and Cafe

THANK YOU❤️🐾

Thank you to Fox Pub and Cafe for selection a Paws Giving Independence as November Charity of the Month!! We would also like to congratulate you all on 15 years of being in business 🥳

Thank you to everyone that stopped by Fox Pub on Nov 2!! We have received over $600 thanks to all of you!! This money will go to helping us continue our mission of saving a life to change a life!!

Thank you all🦮❤️
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#servicesdogsintraining #pgidogs #dogs #servicedogs #servicedogsofinstagram #dogsofpeoria #pgi

CONGRATULATIONS 🐾❤️ Congrats to Bentley an

CONGRATULATIONS 🐾❤️

Congrats to Bentley and his handler for passing their level 1 test!

This allows them to train in public locations like stores and restaurants as they work towards final certification to be a working team!
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#servicesdogsintraining #pgidogs #dogs #servicedogs #servicedogsofinstagram #dogsofpeoria #pgi

SANTAS ALMOST HERE🤭🥳 We’re busy getting e

Big thank you to @rescuepackorg for generously pr

Big thank you to @rescuepackorg for generously providing affordable dog food, treats, and toys for the Helping Paws program at the Illinois Department of Corrections!

Your support brings joy and nourishment to our pups, helping them thrive in their training journey. We are so grateful for this partnership and all you do for these incredible dogs! ❤️🐾 #celldogs #servicedogs #rescuedog @purina @eukanuba @chewy @nulopetfood

Team Teeter and their success! 🐾 From the team

Team Teeter and their success! 🐾

From the team:
"You have probably heard it a million times, but the part you played in raising and training this amazing dog literally changed my life. After being diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and other medical conditions, I had accepted that my independence was a thing of the past. That was until I learned about Paws Giving Independence. From our very first classes, I knew Teeter would change my life.

Teeter provides me with an indescribable sense of security and support. If I fall or pass out at home, I no longer worry about how long I’ll lay there before someone finds me—Teeter can call for help and assist me herself. She gives me the confidence to tackle everyday tasks, like grocery shopping, knowing she is there to keep me safe. I’ll never forget the relief in my mom’s voice when I called her during a fainting episode and she asked, 'Is Teeter there with you?' The answer was yes, and that simple confirmation meant the world.

There truly aren’t enough words to express my gratitude for you and the PGI family. The love, time, and care you invested in training Teeter shine through in everything she does. She has seamlessly settled into my life, and it feels like she was always meant to be here. I hope to continue loving and supporting Teeter in a way that makes you proud."

This powerful message highlights the profound difference your contributions make in the lives of individuals and their service dogs. Thank you for being an essential part of our mission at Paws Giving Independence. Your support allows us to continue transforming lives, one dog at a time.”

THANK YOU🐾❤️ A huge thank you to Max and N

THANK YOU🐾❤️

A huge thank you to Max and Neo for their generous donation of supplies and treats for our pups in training!!

Lucy can’t wait to show all of her friends everything you all donated🤩
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#servicesdogsintraining #pgidogs #dogs #servicedogs #servicedogsofinstagram #dogsofpeoria #pgi

Lily here, just dropping in to see if you’ve con

Lily here, just dropping in to see if you’ve considered becoming a volunteer for PGI?! 🐕‍🦺🦮

Lily wants YOU to become a volunteer! PGI has so many ways to get involved, from helping with fundraisers to becoming a puppy raiser or furlough family! Head to https://givingindependence.org/volunteer/ for more information and to apply!
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#servicesdogsintraining #pgidogs #dogs #servicedogs #servicedogsofinstagram #dogsofpeoria #pgi

THANK YOU! 🐕‍🦺 A huge thank you to everyo

THANK YOU! 🐕‍🦺

A huge thank you to everyone who supported our t-shirt fundraiser for PGI! Thanks to you, more service dogs will be trained to help those with disabilities gain independence. Stay tuned for updates on your orders and the difference you’re making! 🐾
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#servicesdogsintraining #pgidogs #dogs #servicedogs #servicedogsofinstagram #dogsofpeoria #pgi

To our dedicated volunteers!❤️🐕‍🦺 A H

To our dedicated volunteers!❤️🐕‍🦺

A HUGE shout out to all of our PGI volunteers and trainers who dedicate so much of their time to make this program possible. They are the reason that we can continue to change people's lives and give them the independence they deserve. We are forever grateful for all their hard work and dedication! 🐾
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#servicesdogsintraining #pgidogs #dogs #servicedogs #servicedogsofinstagram #dogsofpeoria #pgi

NEW PUPPY ALERT🐕‍🦺❤️ Welcome our newe

NEW PUPPY ALERT🐕‍🦺❤️

Welcome our newest service dog in training!! Thank you American Airlines Puppy In Flight for a VIP ride for him to our volunteer safe and sound!

A huge thank you to Bergin College of Canine Studies for trusting us with his care and training!

We cannot wait to watch him grow in his training to become a service dog❤️🐾
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#servicesdogsintraining #pgidogs #dogs #servicedogs #servicedogsofinstagram #dogsofpeoria #pgi

24 HOURS LEFT 🔔 Tomorrow is the last day to or

24 HOURS LEFT 🔔

Tomorrow is the last day to order a t-shirt to support all our service dogs in training! Don’t miss your chance to contribute to Paws Giving Independence! Every order makes a difference, get yours in! 🐾

Link to order: https://givingindependence.org/product-category/fundraiser-2/
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#servicesdogsintraining #pgidogs #dogs #servicedogs #servicedogsofinstagram #dogsofpeoria #pgi

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Contact Info

Donna Kosner

Email: dkosner@givingindependence.org

Phone: 309.839.2754

©Paws Giving Independence 2024. All rights reserved.

PO BOX 9572 Peoria, IL 61612-9572