Can I join the Paws & Read programme straight away?

Many new volunteers are keen to visits schools with their dogs. Whilst we positively encourage this, we ask that all new volunteers gain a minimum of 3 months regular visiting at another establishment prior to enrolling on the Paws & Read programme. It is important to see how a dog and volunteer settle into a visiting routine. Schools are busy, noisy places and the dog needs learn to trust their handler. A first visit to a school can be very overwhelming. Just because Fido is great with grandkids doesn’t necessarily mean he wants to visit with school children.