Frequently Asked Questions

Find out more about how we operate.

Do I get to decide where I volunteer?

Yes! PATS has a wide variety of opportunities available to you, and you decide where and when you go. If you would like to visit a place that does not yet have an agreement with us, it will have to be approved by us first.
Can I bring my dog to work or school with me through PATS?

No, PATS visits must be two hours maximum and cannot take place during your work hours.
Can I apply without an animal?

We absolutely have positions available that do not require a pet! For instance, we welcome help with our intake process, social media, board work, and website. However, we do not typically need volunteers to attend our events without pets. Please get in touch with us at info@patspets.ca and we can give you more information.
How do I apply?

Please email us at info@patspets.ca to get started! We would love to hear from you.
How do I access my in-progress application?

You can access your in-progress application on Better Impact here.
Do you accept volunteers with animals other than dogs?

Yes, on a case-by-case basis. For some animals, we do not yet have a process and need to discuss vaccines, safety, and our intake assessment, and this can take some time.
How much does your application process cost?

There is no charge for applying, undergoing assessment, or completing a criminal record check with us. We do require a form from your vet and up to date vaccines, and you are responsible for covering those costs. If you and your pet are accepted, there is a $30 per year membership fee.
What is the time commitment?

We ask volunteers to commit to 24 hours a year of visits. We have a wide variety of opportunities and you can decide what fits your schedule best.
Do you provide certified therapy animals?

No, there is no formal standard for “therapy animal” in BC. PATS has our own process, which involves an online application, criminal record check, reference check, vet wellness check, and an assessment with a professional dog trainer. Our process has been officially recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club.
What’s your fee for services?

PATS is proud to provide services free of charge. Where budgets allow, we are hugely appreciative of donations to support our operations.
How do we request a visit?

If you are interested in booking a visit with us, please email us at info@patspets.ca and tell us a bit about your request. We will ask you to fill out our request form and provide some more details. From there, your request will be passed along to our approvals committee. Please note that we receive a high volume of requests for service and cannot fulfill all requests. If we are able to fulfill your request, we will work with you to determine the best timing, size, and type of visit for your organization.
Can we pay a fee/make a donation and receive a visit sooner?

No, PATS does not accept a fee for services and donations do not have a bearing on who receives visits.
Can you set up a facility so I can visit my friend or family member?

We do not provide visits for individuals. If you’re interested in visiting a certain facility because you used to work there, know someone who lives there, or the location is convenient, we can likely set up a group visit. However, visits take time to set up for PATS and for facilities and build expectations for clients, so please make sure you are ready to commit to regular visits before making a request.
How do I update my animal’s vaccine record?

Please email your most recent record to info@patspets.ca and we will happily update it for you.
I’m having technical issues/can’t see anything on Better Impact?

If you can’t see anything on Better Impact, it may be because your vaccine record is expired. Please email your most recent record to info@patspets.ca and we will happily update it for you. If that’s not the issue, please give us a call at (250) 590-9082. We are always happy to hear from you and our program manager can help you with any issue you’re having.
How do I access Better Impact?

You can access your profile and sign up for activities on Better Impact here.
I’d like to visit a place that’s not on the Better Impact list, how do I proceed?

We are happy to consider other places for visits! Please email info@patspets.ca to set up a visit. Visits must be approved by the PATS board and have a memorandum of understanding in place. Please do not promise visits before chatting with us first.
Can you help me train a therapy dog?

No, PATS does not provide training or training advice. We suggest you reach out to our partners at info@babydog.ca for advice about training a therapy dog. Our list of qualities that a therapy dog should have is also a great place to start.
Will you bring in a dog to visit my friend or family member?

Unfortunately, PATS cannot arrange visits for individuals in private residences, hospitals, or care homes. Friends, neighbors, or family members may be able to help. Many care homes allow visits from friends or family members with dogs. We suggest that you reach out to the coordinator to ask about your options or even suggest they get in touch with us to arrange a group visit at the home!