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Pacific Animal Therapy Society

Pets visiting people

PATS is a volunteer-driven pet therapy organization serving Vancouver Island for 35 years.

Pet therapy brings joy to people of all ages and backgrounds through visits to health care facilities, care homes, retirement communities, schools, universities, private residences and more.

"Pet Therapy is Magic!
PATS pets arrive and light up a room."

Amber Lote, student at University of Victoria

The unconditional love and acceptance offered by a pet has the power to transform lives by promoting emotional, physical and social well-being for our clients. Research shows that petting a dog or cat can reduce blood pressure, slow heart rate, improve cognitive focus and ease stress, anxiety and depression.

PATS is a trusted organization with deep roots in the community. We provide valued, caring pet therapy services to Vancouver Islanders.

Snapshot of our programs

Paws and Tales Reading Program

One-on-One Visits

De-stress Events

Group Visits

Support the delivery of pet therapy services in your community with a tax-deductible one-time or recurring donation.

“Our goal is to make people smile — by remembering pets of days gone by, or laughing at my dog’s big wet nose as she greeted them. It’s about the moments of connection.” - Kimberley, PATS handler

Territorial Acknowledgement

Pacific Animal Therapy Society is grateful to serve on the traditional Coast Salish territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, including the Esquimalt, Songhees, Sc’ianew, T’Sou-ke, Pacheedaht, MÁLEXEȽ (Malahat), BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout), W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartip) and W̱SĺḴEM (Tseycum) first nations.

PATS recognizes and holds great respect for the resiliency of Indigenous culture and connection with the land we now share. We are continuously working to deliver our services in a way that is collaborative, culturally sensitive and respectful.