As a General Program Support (GPS) Volunteer you will partner with (rather than simply assist) the k9 staff in mentoring, educating and inspiring the at-risk teens.   This will require becoming involved in group discussions, encouraging students to work on short-term goals along with the other students and, of course, helping students train the homeless dogs.   No prior dog training experience is required or necessary.  On the last day of each program we bring together all our work with a graduation ceremony where students demonstrate their dogs' training and  give brief individual presentations about their experience in k9 connection.

Each k9 connection program is three weeks long and takes place at participating partner high schools in Santa Monica and Los Angeles.  GPS volunteers must be able to attend three classes per week during the three consecutive weeks.   Classes are two hours a day.  Please note that many people inquiring about this position have difficulty committing because of the typical hours of the program--all classes are on weekdays during regular working hours.   

All GPS volunteers must be at least 21 years old, have a current TB tests and must be fingerprinted prior to working with our students.   Fingerprints are taken via LiveScan and the process is free of charge.