Share The Love and Healing Power of Pets
VOLUNTEER THROUGH
OUR PET THERAPY PROGRAM
What is a Pets and Friends Pet Volunteer Therapy Team?
A Pets and Friends Pet Therapy Volunteer Team consists of a volunteer and their own pet dog, cat or rabbit, who have successfully completed our program.
Our volunteers are dedicated, passionate individuals with a desire to share their pet’s unconditional love and affection with others.
Our therapy pets come in all shapes, sizes and breeds but share one thing in common - they adore human contact!
What does volunteering look like?
Primarily, we connect our volunteers to a Partner Facility of their choice, and our Pet Therapy Volunteer Teams visit their Partner Facility on an ongoing basis. (Min. 1 visit per month for a 12 month commitment)
We also hold community and corporate events which our Pet Therapy Volunteer Teams are invited to sign up for, to provide pet therapy to individuals outside of our Partner Facilities.
Pets and Friends therapy pets should not be confused with support animals such as service dogs, guide dogs, facility dogs, or emotional support animals, and have no special privileges above and beyond a pet that has been approved to specifically volunteer at one of our partner facilities.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Human Requirements
- Sixteen (16) years' old or older
- Commit to a regular volunteer monthly visiting schedule for a minimum of one (1) year
- Submit to a criminal records check with vulnerable sector through Pets and Friends
- You must have BC Services Card
- Attend a pet screening to evaluate your pet's suitability for visitations
- Attend a human-only orientation to learn about Pets and Friends, our policies and procedures, and the pet therapy program itself
- Be willing to pay an annual membership fee of $40.00;
- Be willing to wear the official uniform on all pet therapy visits
- Human vest, pet bandana, and ID Badges
- Reside in the Lower Mainland of BC
Pet Requirements
- One (1) year of age or older
- Must be a dog, cat, or rabbit
- Owned by, and have lived, with their handler for a minimum of three (3) months before filling out an application
- Provide current vaccination certificates for all required vaccinations and maintain up-to-date vaccinations while volunteering
- Dog required vaccinations: Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus) and Parvovirus
- Please note we do not accept titre testing in lieu of the vaccination
- Cat required vaccinations: Rabies & FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotrachetis, Calicivurs, and Panleukopenia)
- Rabbit required vaccination: RHD (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease)
- Receive annual veterinary health check;
- Respond to basic cues (i.e.: sit, down, walk on a loose leash)
- Be clean, healthy and well groomed (odour free, nails clipped and filed, teeth brushed)
- Be friendly, social and enjoy meeting new people
- Successfully complete the Pets and Friends pet screening
Please note: Pets that are aggressive or have a history of aggression, jump on people, growl at other dogs or are not housetrained are not eligible to participate.
Please note: Pets and Friends does not train therapy pets or provide them to people who want to volunteer in the pet therapy program. Rather, we evaluate your pet as a prospective therapy pet for the purpose of volunteer visits. The training recommended for this role is basic obedience and good socialization. Pets and Friends is unable to 'certify' your pet as a therapy pet for the purpose of accompanying you to or involving your pet in your place of work.
THE JOURNEY TO BECOMING A PET THERAPY TEAM
Fill out an application to determine your eligibility. You will need to upload the current vaccination certificates at this point.
During the assessment, situations that may arise during a typical visit to a healthcare facility are simulated. The pet is evaluated for temperament, sociability, good manners and grooming.
All volunteers must submit for a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector through Pets and Friends. BC Services Card is required.
All volunteers are required to be members in good standing and this is an annual fee of $40.00 paid initially before orientation and renewable before Dec 31 each year.
This fee is paid per human volunteer.
Volunteers will learn about Pets and Friends, our policies and procedures, and the pet therapy program itself.
The Pet Therapy Volunteer Coordinator will help match you with an available partner facility.
It is important to note that some partner facilities may require additional references, onboarding, and/or training before you start volunteering with your pet.
What you've been working towards! Some of the available opportunities include: senior residences, hospitals, hospices, colleges, day programs, mental health programs, and youth at risk throughout the lower mainland.
READY TO JOIN OUR COMMUNITY OF VOLUNTEER TEAMS?
Pets and Friends offers three (3) intakes annually for new pet therapy teams. The next three application cycles open:
- Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025
- Monday, January 19th, 2026
- Friday, May 1st, 2026
Applications will open on the first date of each intake date and remain open until all spots are filled. If accepted, you will be asked to participate in the steps to become a volunteer during your intake period so you can start visiting right away.
If you are not ready to apply, or applications are closed and you want to be the first to know when our next intake opens, please fill out the expression of interest form at the very bottom of this page.
Please note that Pets and Friends is unable to certify your pet as an emotional support animal
or to accompany you to your place of work as a certified therapy dog.
Learn more about becoming a Pet Therapy Volunteer Team!
Please note this not the application to become a pet therapy team.
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