Become a Member of Paws Forward Foundation "Standard of Care: Medical-Grade. Cost to Hero: Zero." Paws Forward Foundation provides elite, medical-grade Service Dogs at zero cost to veterans, service members, first responders, law enforcement, fire fighters, and their families. We operate with a specialized focus on women's mental health and survivors of Military Sexual Trauma (MST). Our highly trained medical assets specialize in psychiatric, mobility/physical, medical/scent alert, and hearing assistance. (Note: We do not train or place seeing-eye guide dogs). By becoming a member, you are stepping into the gap to help us build a trauma-informed sanctuary and provide life-saving partnerships for those who have sacrificed for our communities.Choose Your Membership TrackWe offer two distinct, non-voting membership tiers to fit how you wish to support our mission: Tier 1: General Community Member: This track is for individuals who wish to support the Foundation financially and attend public events/graduations. It is designed for those who are not seeking an active daily volunteer role or future board leadership. Tier 2: The "Associate" Probationary Track (Active Volunteer/Advisor): This track is for individuals who wish to actively serve the Foundation. Completing two (2) consecutive years in good standing within this tier is a mandatory prerequisite for any future eligibility to be nominated to the Executive Board of Directors. Tier 2 Volunteer & Advisory OpportunitiesIf you choose the Tier 2 Associate track, you can apply your skills in the following critical areas: Puppy Socializer: Providing early environmental conditioning utilizing strict adherence to positive reinforcement (LIMA) methods. Respite & Continuity Handler: Providing emergency short-term or long-term housing for service dogs in training. Event Logistics & Administration: Assisting with fundraisers, events, and community outreach. Peer Support & Trauma Navigation: Assisting our MST and Male Peer Coordinators with community integration. Strategic Advisory Board: Providing professional, subject-matter expertise to guide our operations. The "Tip of the Spear" Ethics PledgeTo protect the vulnerable populations we serve, all members must agree to our core operational ethics: Actively foster a physically and psychologically safe, "Zero Judgment" environment that honors the recovery journeys of MST and PTSD survivors. Maintain HIPAA-level privacy regarding the identities, medical diagnoses, and trauma histories of all applicants. Strictly utilize the Foundation's approved, ADI-compliant positive reinforcement methods if handling a canine asset. Certify that you are not seeking to utilize Foundation methodologies for a competing for-profit business or attempting to overtake the Foundation's operations. Membership DuesAnnual dues for both the Community and Associate Memberships are $50.00. These dues are payable upon application approval and renew every January 1st. (Note: Applicants actively receiving a service dog are entirely exempt from all organizational fees). Moving Forward. Bonded. One Paw at a Time.