Becoming a Therapy Dog Volunteer
Information for Prospective Volunteers (BC & Yukon)
Interested in volunteering with your dog through St. John Ambulance BC & Yukon? This page explains the requirements, intake process, timelines, and next steps so you know what to expect before applying.
Our Therapy Dog volunteers are at the heart of the program. We’re delighted that so many people want to join us, and we want to be transparent about the process, the timelines, and what to expect.
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What It Means to Volunteer
Therapy Dog volunteers provide comfort, connection, and emotional support to people in a wide range of settings, including long‑term care homes, hospitals, workplaces, schools, and community events.
Volunteers typically visit a partner facility weekly or bi‑weekly or participate in occasional special events based on their availability and their dog’s comfort.
Becoming a volunteer requires time, commitment, and preparation, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
What We Look For
To ensure safety and positive experiences for everyone involved, volunteer teams must meet program standards. These include:
| VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS | |
|---|---|
|
Handler |
Dog |
|
At least 18 years old |
At least 2 years old |
|
Obtain and maintain a vulnerable sector Criminal Record Check |
In a permanent home for at least 6 months |
|
Able to commit to ~60 volunteer hours annually |
Obtain and maintain vaccination records |
|
Basic computer skills (email, tracking hours online) |
Not fed a raw diet |
|
Comfortable in community environments with strong active listening skills |
Comfortable, calm, and social around a variety of people and settings |
|
A full list of requirements is reviewed during the information session. |
|
Our Intake Process
Becoming a Therapy Dog volunteer involves the following steps:
- Application – Submitted online through the National portal: Volunteer Application
- Information Session – Learn about the program, expectations, and suitability
- Documentation – Criminal Record Check, veterinary form, attestation
- Evaluation – A practical assessment of the handler–dog team
- Orientation – Online program orientation for successful candidates
- Placement – Matching with a partner facility or engagement type that fits your team
Managing Expectations
Interest in volunteering is extremely high across BC and Yukon. Our small, dedicated staff team of 12 people, assisted by leadership volunteers in the community, supports hundreds of volunteers and facilities across the region. We pace our intake carefully to ensure every volunteer and partner receives the support they deserve. As a result:
Wait Times
- Most communities run 1–2 intakes per year
- Wait times can be several months. Because we are a charitable program, our intake rhythm is designed to match available resources while maintaining the quality and safety of our services. Community support and volunteer interest help us grow steadily and sustainably, thank you for being part of that momentum.
Placement
Once accepted, placement depends on:
- Your dog’s temperament and comfort
- The populations served
- Facility needs and schedules
- Geography and transportation
- Safety and program standards
We take great care to place volunteers where they, and the people they visit, can thrive.
Communication
Because demand consistently exceeds our capacity, response times may be slower than we’d like. We truly appreciate your patience as our small team works carefully to support volunteers, coordinate visits, and respond to community requests.
Thank You
Your interest in becoming a Therapy Dog volunteer means the world to us. Your willingness to give your time and share your dog’s comfort has a profound impact on the communities we serve.
For more information, please contact BCY.TherapyDog@sja.ca
Love what our Therapy Dogs do? Your support helps make these visits possible.
Make a gift today: Donate Now – St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program