RELAX…Lend A Heart Evaluation is not a test!
It’s a series of exercises that demonstrates communication, teamwork and visiting skills. Experienced Lend A Heart volunteers will guide and support you through each step.
- Practice obedience with your dog without treats in different distracting environments, i.e. outside a dog park, Petco, Petsmart, Green Acres,…
- Practice the LAH Evaluation Exercises provided at Orientation or download the summary.
- Gain and maintain confidence with your pet – work on visiting skills with your dog, cat, or rabbit, with friends, family, and strangers, if possible.
LAH Evaluations are held several times per year – every 3 months or so!
Evaluation appointments are made when we receive your…
- complete Volunteer Application Packet : initial online application part1 in Better Impact, PDF application parts 2 (obedience) & 3 (health)
- completed our Orientation – Park Role-Play/Orientation and Orientation Training Modules in Better Impact
- completed a shadow facility visit without your pet – see My ImpactPage (Better Impact)
Next Evaluation dates are (happen to be on Sundays – based on availability, at no expense, to LAH):
February 22, 2026
June 7, 2026
August 16, 2026
November 1, 2026
Evaluation Location:
Sacramento UC Cooperative Extension
4145 Branch Center Road, Sacramento, 95827
- Attend an orientation (Park Role-Play and Orientation Online Training Modules in My ImpactPage or Better Impact).
- Submit a COMPLETE Volunteer Application Packet – all 3 parts.
Once you have a confirmed Evaluation appointment with Lend A Heart, arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment to exercise and relax your dog, and check in with our greeter. The Evaluation and debrief usually last about 45 minutes to one hour.
QUESTIONS?
Email us at smckaig@lendaheart.org.
Steps to Join (click on each link):
- Meet the basic criteria
- Apply
- Attend Park RolePlay/Orientation + Shadow Visit
- Pass Evaluation
- Trainee Evaluation Period
- Active Volunteer
Click on each link to walk through the process to become a Lend A Heart volunteer.
Additional details are provided in the Lend A Heart Volunteer and Policy Guide.