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

Flynn and his fish friends! 🐠🐕‍🦺 While

Flynn and his fish friends! 🐠🐕‍🦺

While on furlough, Flynn took a trip to the pet store and made some new fish friends! He absolutely loved being able to watch the fish and this experience will help him not only become more comfortable in new environments, but teach him how to interact with similar animals! Keep up the great work Flynn!
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#servicesdogsintraining #pgidogs #dogs #servicedogs #servicedogsofinstagram #dogsofpeoria #pgi

🐾 Meet Lucy, our incredible facility dog on a m

🐾 Meet Lucy, our incredible facility dog on a mission! 🌟 This month, Lucy has been out and about, representing PGI at various community events, including a heartwarming luncheon at PFS Shelter and a special appearance at the Illinois Association for Medical Assistants. 🎉

At the luncheon, Lucy stole the show by demonstrating her skills, including pushing automatic door buttons with finesse! 💕

Lucy also visited the Illinois Association for Medical Assistants, where she wowed attendees with her service dog expertise, helping to raise awareness about the vital role of service dogs in the medical field. 🩺 Way to go, Lucy! 🐶

#ServiceDog #CommunityEngagement #VolunteerMonth

Happy graduation day to Sully! He is officially a

Happy graduation day to Sully! He is officially a mobility service dog and off to do amazing things! 🐾

Congrats to Teddy for passing his annual facility

Congrats to Teddy for passing his annual facility dog re certification test! ❤️

Bentley wants to show you what a perfect “hold” looks like! This command is used for many things such as holding keys, their leash, or something at the store. This command is very useful and comes into play for almost every service dog. Great work, Bentley! 🤩🐾
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#servicesdogsintraining #pgidogs #dogs #servicedogs #servicedogsofinstagram #dogsofpeoria #pgi

Congrats to captain for passing his annual adi pub

Congrats to captain for passing his annual adi public test! 💕🐾

This past week was furlough week!! What is furlo

This past week was furlough week!!

What is furlough?

PGI is partnered with the Logan Correctional Center and their Helping Paws training program! This program allows these dogs to have targeted training conducted 24/7 by the amazing trainers there!

Once a month, for a week- PGI dogs come out from the Logan Correctional Center to student trainers on college campuses and also trained community members! This allows the dogs to get exposure to new environments!

Mango, Bentley, Gunner, Arlo, Daisie, Flynn, and Lily all had an amazing time!!
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#servicesdogsintraining #pgidogs #dogs #servicedogs #servicedogsofinstagram #dogsofpeoria #pgi

Congrats to our newest group of student trainers f

Congrats to our newest group of student trainers for passing their public tests. This gives them more access to work with our dogs in public settings!

Colby Jack’s mood because it’s finally Friday!

Colby Jack’s mood because it’s finally Friday!! 🤩 He hopes you have the best weekend and it’s filled with lots of fun! 🐕‍🦺
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#servicesdogsintraining #pgidogs #dogs #servicedogs #servicedogsofinstagram #dogsofpeoria #pgi

Congrats to Gatsby and his handler for passing the

Congrats to Gatsby and his handler for passing their level 1 test. We can't wait to see all they will accomplish together!

🌟 Celebrating #ThankfulThursday with immense gr

🌟 Celebrating #ThankfulThursday with immense gratitude for our incredible volunteers! 🌟

Let's give a round of applause to the amazing Indy-pendence group at Illinois State University! They're not just volunteers; they're the heartbeat of our mission.🎉

Indy-pendence doesn't just talk the talk; they walk the walk, quite literally! 🐾 Working hand in paw with us, they dedicate their time and passion to fostering and training our service dogs. But their impact doesn't end there! They're spreading awareness and inspiration throughout Bloomington Normal and beyond.

Every week, they open their doors to the Illinois State University community, inviting students to dive into the world of service dog training. And it doesn't stop at the campus gates! They're out in the community, sharing our mission far and wide through outreach events and educational initiatives.

To the amazing members of Indy-pendence: your commitment and compassion light up our world. Thank you for embodying our motto, "Saving a life to change a life." Your dedication doesn't go unnoticed, and we are endlessly grateful for all you do for PGI!❤️

🌟 Did you know our prison program offers more t

🌟 Did you know our prison program offers more than just service dog training? 💇‍♀️

Meet Penny, who recently enjoyed a pampering spa day as part of our professional grooming program at Illinois Department of Corrections Helping Paws program grooming program! They groom some of our service dogs in training! ✨ Look at her shine! #SecondChances #RehabilitationWorks 🐾

Class time 📚 Bentley got to visit a classroom

Class time 📚

Bentley got to visit a classroom to teach students about all of the amazing things service dogs can do! This was great for Bentley’s training. He practiced getting used to children, loud noises, and lots of pets. It is so important for children to learn about service dogs and how to interact with them. This was such a great experience for all involved! Great work, Bentley 📓✏️
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#servicesdogsintraining #pgidogs #dogs #servicedogs #servicedogsofinstagram #dogsofpeoria #pgi

Two of our working dog duos represented PGI at the

Two of our working dog duos represented PGI at the Pekin High Resource Fair tonight! We can’t get the word out about our dogs without our amazing volunteers! 🐶❤️

🐾 Help keep our service dogs cool this summer!

🐾 Help keep our service dogs cool this summer! ☀️ Our training program at Helping Paws in Illinois Department of Corrections is in need of donations of fans to ensure our furry friends stay comfortable and focused during their training sessions. Your contribution will make a huge difference in their journey to becoming life-changing companions.

Please consider donating a fan or making a contribution towards purchasing one. Together, we can ensure these amazing dogs stay cool and ready to serve!

Two ways to donate:
1. Donate by shipping a fan off our Amazing wish list right to helping paws: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1UW0EGBE491IE...

2. Donate to our facebook fundraiser and we will order and ship the fans: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1927044941043798/

Miss Winnie is hard at work and loving every secon

Miss Winnie is hard at work and loving every second of it! Just look at her smile! 🥹🐕‍🦺
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#servicesdogsintraining #pgidogs #dogs #servicedogs #servicedogsofinstagram #dogsofpeoria #pgi

Spring is finally here!! ☀️🌸 Daisie has bee

Spring is finally here!! ☀️🌸 Daisie has been absolutely loving the weather and has been enjoying car rides with the windows down! Daisie votes that spring is the best season! 🌷🐕‍🦺
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#servicesdogsintraining #pgidogs #dogs #servicedogs #servicedogsofinstagram #dogsofpeoria #pgi

Did you know that April is National Volunteer Mont

Did you know that April is National Volunteer Month?

We would like to take this time to honor the heartbeats of our mission - our invaluable volunteers! To do this, we will be dedicating our #ThankfulThursday posts every week to the many people who help keep our dream alive.

Kicking off our tribute are our incredible community members! From individual trainers to whole families, these extraordinary people pour countless hours into nurturing the dreams of our organization. Be it fostering our furry friends, participating as board members, or lending a hand in many other ways, they're the cornerstone of everything we stand for. Without their relentless passion and dedication, our journey wouldn't just be difficult; it'd be impossible.

To make our community feel loved and appreciated, we ask that you comment below to celebrate a volunteer that has touched your heart or share your favorite way to sprinkle a little kindness in the world as a volunteer.

Here's to those who make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time. 🌍❤️ #VolunteerAppreciation #ServiceDogHeroes #CommunitySpotlight

Thank you to Forever Home Resale Shop for always s

Thank you to Forever Home Resale Shop for always supporting our service dogs in training! Check out their store for your pet supplies!! ❤️🐶

Gunner looks amazing thanks to My Dog's Bakery, Da

Gunner looks amazing thanks to My Dog's Bakery, Daycare & Grooming! He hopes to meet his potential new working match soon ❤️ so he will be looking his best!
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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 2021. All rights reserved.

PO BOX 9572 Peoria, IL 61612-9572