Volunteer with us

If you are…

Over 16 years of age and have a healthy and well-trained pet who loves people and handles unfamiliar situations well, you and your pet may be candidates to become a PATS Pet Therapy Team. 

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Dogs must:

• Be friendly and comfortable in unfamiliar situations;

• Enjoy meeting new people of all ages, and be relaxed around other dogs;

• Be at least one year of age;

• Have lived with their handler for at least six months;

• Be up to date on vaccinations as recommended by their veterinarian;

• Be on a parasite control program for fleas, ticks, and worms;

• Be clean, healthy and well-groomed;

• Not be fed a raw-meat diet; and

• Pets other than dogs will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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Becoming a PATS Pet Therapy Team is a three-step process:

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1. Attend PATS 101, our virtual introductory session for interested pet handlers

2. Complete the PATS Application Process, including Criminal Record Check for the Vulnerable Sector, reference check, and undergo a pet behavioural and health assessment

3. Orientation & onboarding

IMPORTANT: PATS is not an accreditation organization. Registering with PATS allows a pet and their handler to engage in pet therapy activities organized by the society only.

Completion of the PATS application process does not confer any special status or certification on the pet or handler. There is no recognized certification for therapy or emotional support animals in B.C.

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We are actively recruiting teams, and we would love to hear from you!

 

Please contact us at info@patspets.ca to apply or find out more about our assessment process. 

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