UT Student Partners

Volunteer Puppy Partners (VPP) is a student organization at the University of Tennessee (UT). Any student who is enrolled at UT can be a general member of the VPP student organization. Students who are interested in volunteering with SMSD can pursue a variety of opportunities within SMSD. Students serve as socializers and respites and some even go on to puppy raise, other students stay as general members in the organization.

The mission of Volunteer Puppy Partners is to educate and empower students about service dog etiquette and education. This is done through hands-on volunteer opportunities in dog handling with Smoky Mountain Service Dogs and other campus events for those who are not dog handlers. We strive to foster a more inclusive community at the University of Tennessee by enhancing public understanding of service dog etiquette and laws. Through engagement and advocacy, we encourage students to actively participate in making our community more accessible for everyone.

Students can take the knowledge that they learn about service dogs and disability advocacy with them into their chosen career fields and degree paths, working to make the world more accessible to all. VPP is run by an executive board, who are elected by their peers and other club members. VPP has tremendous support and visibility to the University leadership and has a fantastic faculty advisor. Students at UT who are interested in learning more about this organization or ways to become involved should reach out to the current club president. The contact information for the club president can be found on VOLink through the Center for Student Engagement.

     SMSDinTraining Checkers was named via a contest by the students.

 His name is in homage to the iconic UT checkerboards.