FAQ
Q. How can I become involved?
A. Come to our next monthly meeting! We have all of our meetings listed on the “events” page of this website. Each meeting we explain a ton of ways that you can get involved as a member. Essentially though, we have three types of members: General Members, Puppy Sitters, and Fosters. Each of these members play a critical role towards our program.
Q. I want to become a puppy sitter. How do i start?
A. Puppy Sitters are a great asset to our program. They are responsible for helping the Fosters whenever they need assistance watching their service dog in training. We currently work with 4 Paws for Ability, Circle Tail, and Guiding Eyes for the Blind. We recommend learning about each organization and choosing the one that fits you best. After you complete your training with a specific org (check the link above for more information!), please email the proof that you attended the orientation to pawsforacausemiami@gmail.com and pay your $10 dues for the semester, and we will get you added to the GroupMe to start sitting.
Q. I’ve seen acronyms like SDiT, ADA, SDS, P4AC, CT, and GEB. What do they mean??
A. SDiT= Service Dog in-Training
ADA= Americans with Disabilities Act
SDS= Student Disability Services
P4AC= Paws for a Cause
CT= Circle Tail
GEB= Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Q. What if I do not have house approval?
A. This is not a problem. If you do not have house approval, you can still be a puppy sitter or co-foster with someone that does have house approval. You CANNOT take SDiTs into dorms under any circumstances. This includes the lobby of a dorm or sorority suite.
Q. What if I can’t find someone to co-foster with me?
A. First, try messaging in the GroupMe saying that you are looking for a foster. You may be surprised that someone is in the same boat. If that doesn’t work, this is where our Paws for a Cause Miami Team comes in. We have documents indicating who is looking for co-fosters or who would be willing to step into a co-foster role.
Q. I have become certified as a handler. What are my next steps to start working with the dogs at Miami?
A. Simply send an email to pawsforacausemiami@gmail.com with proof of the completion you received upon finishing the training for one of the three organizations. When you send this email, please also include your phone number so that we can get you added to the GroupMe. The final step before we can get you added will be to ensure that you have paid you $10 dues for the semester. If all of this checks out, you will be added to the official GroupMe and receive an email stating the password to the “member portal” of this website so that you can review our rules for handling dogs, social media, GroupMe, and many more resources. After these steps, you will be ready to start working with our dogs.
Q. I want to be a member of Paws for a Cause Miami but I absolutely can not afford the $20 dues. Will I be removed from the org?
A: No! Email us (pawsforacausemiami@gmail.com) and we can work something out. We don’t want money to be an issue.
Q. Where can I bring my SDiT?
A. Service Dogs and Service Dogs in-Training are protected under Ohio Code 955.43 and are therefore permitted in most public areas. Exceptions include, but aren’t limited to, Miami University Residential buildings, some science labs, bars, and restaurants, stores, and classes where they are refused entry. Store owners, teachers, etc. are allowed to say ‘no’ to service dogs in-training entering, even though they are legally allowed. Be respectful and use your best judgement. Reach out to us if you have any issues with employees or teachers.
Q. Can I still get involved if I am not ready to become a puppy sitter or foster?
A. Of course! We greatly value our General Members. Just join our organization on The Hub so that you receive our emails, and come to the next monthly meeting. We have plenty of events that you can help out with or come to as a General Member. We would love to see you get involved in the program.