If you are not a dog handler but are interested in assisting PAWS Teams in training, on searches or completing other duties as assigned, you may become an Associate Member. Associate members do not have voting status, but may serve in Appointed Officer positions.

To achieve Associate Member status, you must:

• contact one of the handlers and attend six PAWS training sessions;

• submit an application “Associate Member Guidelines”; and

• join Wilderness Search & Rescue (WSAR).

Compliant certified handlers will review your application, general attributes, and potential as an Associate Member, and will vote on accepting you as an Associate Member within six months. If accepted, you will be issued a PAWS ID card and a t-shirt.

You are expected to:

• follow PAWS Associate Member Guidelines;

• attend, if requested and available, trainings, searches, briefings, debriefs, fundraising events, other public appearances and business meetings; and

• pay $25 annual dues.

To maintain Associate Member status, on an annual basis you must:

• attend at least 15 unit training sessions, searches, fundraising events, other public appearances or business meetings; and

• pay $25 annual dues.