“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
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.
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
Pets other than dogs will be considered on a case-by-case basis
Becoming a PATS Pet Therapy Team is a three-step process:
Attend PATS 101, our virtual introductory session for interested pet handlers
Complete the PATS Application Process, including Criminal Record Check for the Vulnerable Sector, reference check, and undergo a pet behavioural and health assessment
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.
Support the delivery of pet therapy services in your community with a tax-deductible one-time or recurring donation.
Our pets bring joy to people of all ages and backgrounds through visits to health care facilities, care homes, retirement communities, schools, universities, private residences and more.
