Becoming a Therapy Dog
The Evaluation & Onboarding Process
Have you ever wondered if your pup would make a good therapy dog?
Our Therapy Dog Program has made an impact on communities, spreading comfort and joy to the sick, lonely, and stressed, since the 1990s. They visit hospitals, care homes, rehabilitation and other health care facilities, primary and secondary schools, universities libraries, airports, workplaces, events, and more.
How to Join Our Therapy Dog Team?
To join the Therapy Dog Program at St. John Ambulance, you and your furry friend must go through a number of tests at an official evaluation! This is to test your leash control, your dog’s energy level, their comfort level with people, and more. This video above shows a session with our NorthShore therapy dog division in Vancouver. Could your dog pass the test?
St John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program has over 24,000 volunteer hours each year from over 400 therapy dogs around BC and the Yukon. With visits to hospitals, care facilities, school and events. Find out more about becoming a partner facility, or having us come to one of your own special events.
Who we serve
The BC & Yukon Therapy Dog Program supports a range of community-facing requests through approved program pathways. Depending on the nature of the request, support may be considered for special events, partner facilities, and other eligible settings aligned with program priorities and volunteer availability.
Special Events
One-time or occasional requests for community, corporate, school, or wellness-focused events.
Use this option if you are requesting Therapy Dog support for a one-time or occasional event, such as a community gathering, workplace wellness event, school-based activity, or other approved special event.
Partner Facilities
Organizations interested in ongoing or recurring Therapy Dog visits through a facility partnership.
Use this option if your organization is interested in exploring ongoing or recurring Therapy Dog visits as part of a facility-based partnership.
Volunteers
Individuals interested in learning more about becoming a Therapy Dog volunteer team.
Use this option if you are interested in joining the program and would like to review volunteer requirements, timelines, and next steps.
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