Request Therapy Dog Support for a Special Event
Planning a community, workplace, school, or wellness event? St. John Ambulance BC & Yukon Therapy Dog teams may be able to support your special event. Use this page to learn what qualifies, what to expect, and how to submit a request.
Note: This form is an application to request volunteer Therapy Dog services at your community or corporate wellness event.
Requesting Volunteer Therapy Dog Services
Our Therapy Dog teams bring comfort, connection, and joy to people across BC and Yukon, and we’re grateful for your interest in welcoming them into your community. Because each request is unique, and because demand often exceeds volunteer availability, we use two different request pathways: one for Special Events and one for Partner Facilities.
Note: Completing the correct BCY form helps us understand your needs and match you with the right volunteer teams when possible. We truly appreciate your patience as our small staff team and committed volunteers work together to support meaningful, safe, and sustainable visits.
Attendance at Special Events
What Is a Special Event?
A special event is a one‑time visit with a defined start and end time, such as a wellness fair, staff appreciation day, conference, school event, or community gathering. These visits are designed to bring comfort, engagement, and stress relief to participants during a specific occasion rather than on an ongoing basis.
Volunteer Availability and Prioritization
Because special events occur on set dates and times, participation depends entirely on the availability and interest of our volunteer Therapy Dog teams. Our volunteers generously give their time, and each team chooses the types of environments and events where they feel their dog will be most comfortable and successful. Ensuring a good fit helps create a positive experience for both the event participants and the volunteer team.
High Demand and Response Times
We receive a very high volume of special event requests, often much higher than the number of volunteers available for any given date. While we do our best to share all opportunities with our volunteer teams, we cannot guarantee attendance. We truly appreciate your patience as we work to coordinate volunteers and respond as soon as possible with an update on availability.
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