OUR
NEWS
Meet Team Sequin
CLIENT BLOG: Meet Team Sequin. Together, Team Sequin have found the confidence to navigate a quieted world.
2025 Spring Newsletter
Springing Forward – As spring begins to appear, it reminds us of the resilience all around us. After a cold, windy and somewhat soggy winter (with many muddy paws) – the growth going unseen has begun to appear. We are springing ahead with wonderful new opportunities.
Meet Team Diego
CLIENT BLOG: Meet Team Diego. Tamara shares how PADS Diego is fostering a sense of belonging at Carson Graham Secondary School with his unique personality and gentle spirit.
Meet Team Pyxis
CLIENT BLOG: Meet Team Pyxis. Dana shares how together, this team is helping medium-sized humans manage stress, build confidence, and stay focused.
Meet Team Quiche
CLIENT BLOG: Meet Team Quiche. Quiche’s partner shares how this dog’s presence is having a profound impact on every student she meets.
Available for Adoption: Gamora
Sweet and spicy Gamora is ready for her next adventure!
Meet Team Abra
CLIENT BLOG: Meet Team Abra. Our client shares how being paired with a hearing dog helped bring her confidence back.
Meet Team Aslan
CLIENT BLOG: Meet Team Aslan. Christopher shares how Aslan has brought comfort, connection, and countless smiles to Carson Graham Secondary. His calming presence supports students and staff alike—proving every day just how powerful a dog’s love can be.
Meet Team Shimmer
CLIENT BLOG: Meet Team Shimmer. In her own words, Shimmer’s client shares her gratitude for her service dog!
Our Shared Invictus Experience
A recap of our incredible experience at the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver & Whistler (Feb 2025).
Meet Team Beans
CLIENT BLOG: Meet Team Beans III. In his own words, Dave shares his journey with PADS and meeting his new partner Beans!
Meet Team Smore
CLIENT BLOG: Meet Team Smore. In his own words, Smore’s partner tells how AFD Smore is making a positive impact in his role as ‘Chief Happiness Officer’ at Rochester Elementary School.
Burnaby Puppy Days: Learn More About Volunteering
“Puppy Day” is a chance to learn more about volunteering at PADS. You’ll also get to meet some of our amazing volunteers and dogs in training!
Meet Team Radar II
CLIENT BLOG: Meet Team Radar II. In his own words, Radar’s partner tells how Radar is making an impact in his role as an Accredited Facility Dog at St Michaels University School, and as a loved member of his partner’s family.
PADS In Bloom: Hanging Basket Fundraiser
Support life-changing dogs by ordering beautiful spring hanging baskets. Available in both sun and shade!
Delta Optimist: Delta assistance dogs lighten the mood at Invictus Games
At Invictus Games 2025, assistance dogs from Delta supported veterans. These professionally trained dogs helped alleviate stress and ease the psychological challenges faced by participants.
CBC RADIO: Yukon Morning with Elyn Jones
Elyn Jones reports on Ali Harper and her dog Thorin at Invictus Games 2025. They provided support to the competing athletes and their families.
Peace Arch News: Surrey clinic marks 10 years supporting victims of violence
The Embrace Clinic in Surrey has provided medical care to over 5,000 survivors of violence since its opening in January 2015. Located in the Shirley Dean Pavilion, the clinic offers services including injury treatment, infection screening, and referrals to community resources.
YUKON NEWS: Dog offering support to athletes at Invictus Games
Yukon News report on PADS dog Thorin and his handler Ali Harper providing support to veterans competing at Invictus Games 2025.
BIV’s 2025 Influential Women in Business awards: Kristy James
Kristy James is the current vice-chair for Pacific Assistance Dogs Society. She emphasizes authentic leadership and work-life balance, aiming to make a lasting impact both professionally and personally.
Maple Ridge News: PADS Dogs at Invictus
A Maple Ridge-trained PADS assistance dog Loki provided comfort and support at the Invictus Games. Loki played an important role in creating a calming environment for competitors with mental and physical challenges.
People – Prince Harry meeting PADS dog at Invictus 2025
During the Invictus Games on February 9, 2025, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met Thorin, a therapy dog supporting first responders. This interaction reminded Prince Harry of his late rescue beagle, Guy, who recently passed away.
Invictus Games 2025 Appreciation Post
At the Invictus Games 2025 (#IG25), service dogs play an important role in supporting the community. These dogs are present to help offer comfort and companionship to participants. Their presence helps to foster well-being within the Invictus Community.
THANK YOU PORT MOODY LEGION #119
We would like to thank the North Burnaby Royal Canadian Legion (Branch #148) for their generous donation of $7,500 from their Poppy Fund in support of PADS Program.
Meet Team Pepa
CLIENT BLOG: Meet Team Pepa. In her own words, Stephanie shares a touching and inspiring glimpse into the transformative bond she has formed with PADS Pepa.
How to Help PADS During the Postal Strike
Help PADS spread our Holiday message during the postal strike!
PADS Legends Plush
Get the set of three 2020 PADS Legends, Caber, Macbeth and Leahy!
Building Resilience and Community
PADS Partners with Brooks Secondary School’s CALM Program in Powell River, BC.
Meet Team Loki II
CLIENT BLOG: Meet Team Loki II. In her own words, Alysen shares how Loki is a ray of sunshine when everyone needed something positive.
Meet Team Lady
CLIENT BLOG: Meet Team Lady II. In their own words, Dez shares that Lady’s impact on their life has been transformative.
Digital Communications Coordinator | Position Filled
We are seeking someone to fill the role of Digital Communications Coordinator.
Celebrating Community in the Okanagan
Members of our management team visited our Okanagan Region recently and enjoyed the warm hospitality of our amazing community there.
Purdys Chocolate Fundraiser
Stock up on your favourite Purdys Winter fundraising treats AND support PADS at the same time!
Support Analyst | Position Filled
We are seeking someone to fill the role of IT Support Analyst.
Client Care Manager | Position Filled
We are seeking someone to fill the role of Client Care Manager.
MEET THE A&W LITTER
Meet the A&W Canada puppies, named after members of the iconic A&W burger family, spokesperson, and mascot, these adorable puppies are set to bring joy and hope to many lives.
THANK YOU NORTH BURNABY LEGION #148
We would like to thank the North Burnaby Royal Canadian Legion (Branch #148) for their generous donation of $7,500 from their Poppy Fund in support of PADS Program.
THANK YOU POWELL RIVER LEGION #164
PADS Development Manager Jane Short, along with Veteran Matt and PADS Fischer visited the Powell River Royal Canadian Legion (Branch #164) to present Valerie McGregor, Trustee of the Powell River Branch, with a plaque in appreciation of their generous support of out PTSD program.
THANK YOU COQUITLAM LEGION #263
Volunteers Ken with PADS Waffle and Kerry with PADS Sprinter visited the Coquitlam Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 263) last week to present them with a plaque in appreciation of their ongoing and generous support of our PTSD programs. Laurie Chapman, chair of the...
HELP US GROW
Instructor | Position Filled
We’re currently seeking a passionate and skilled individual to join us as an Instructor, helping us fulfill our mission of providing assistance dogs to our waiting clients.
ADOPTED: JELLY II
Sweet Jelly Belly is a cuddly, playful, angel of a girl in search of her forever home!
ADOPTED: JAX
Jax is a reliable and calm boy who is in search of his new home.
ADOPTED: ANTONIO
Antonio is a smart and motivated boy who loves vigorous snuggles and would make a lovely sidekick for any adventure!
Calgary Site Supervisor | Position Filled
We are seeking a passionate and skilled individual to join our team as the Calgary Site Supervisor to help us fulfill our mission of providing life-changing assistance dogs.
ADOPTED: WRIGLEY
Warm and wholesome Wrigley is a loving and gentle boy in need of a forever home.
ADOPTED: WILMA
The lovely and loyal Wilma is looking for her forever person and home!
Willow Park Charity Golf Classic Recap
The 2024 Willow Park Charity Golf Classic raised $575,000 for Pacific Assistance Dogs and will bring positive change for so many Calgarians.
CTV NEWS – CALGARY – Service Dog Shortage
CTV News Calgary Video Journalist Kevin Green reports on Pacific Assistance Dogs Society sounding the alarm over service dog shortage.
CTV NEWS – CALGARY – Service Dog Shortage
CTV News Calgary Video Journalist Kevin Green reports on Pacific Assistance Dogs Society sounding the alarm over service dog shortage.
GLOBAL AB: DOUBLE YOUR DONATION – INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE DOG WEEK
Journalist Meghan Cobb of Global News Calgary speaks about the surge in the demand for assistance dogs.
GLOBAL BC: DOUBLE YOUR DONATION – INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE DOG WEEK
Join host Sonia Sunger, of the Global Morning Show, as she shares the urgent need for PADS Assistance Dogs.
qathet Living
Help Sponsor a Litter of Assistance Dogs!
Powell River Peak
Service dogs recognized at special City of Powell River meeting.
ADOPTED: REEF II
Beefy Reefy is in need of a forever home!
ADOPTED: COPPER IV
Copper is a sweet and affectionate girl in search of her special person!
Grant Writer | Position Filled
We’re currently seeking a passionate and skilled individual to join us as a Grant Writer.
Recycle and Donate
Sick and tired of having to sort out the trash at the depot? Want to help PADS in a fun and unique way? Well do we have the opportunity for you!
Stronger Together | Team Stark
August 2024 will be Juliet’s 6th year of partnership with PADS PTSD dog Stark. To help her write an update of how far she has come, she went all the way back to October 2018 and her graduation speech at PADS.
PADS Puppy Days
Join us Thursday, June 13th, Saturday, June 22nd, or Thursday, July 4th at the Burnaby Campus to learn about volunteering with PADS!
Say Cheese | Team Queso
Queso is Sarah’s fourth Mobility Dog from Pacific Assistance Dogs (PADS), he has seamlessly become an incredible sidekick, enriching my daily life in ways I never thought possible.
ACCESSABILITY WEEK
PADS is partnering with Lime on an initiative to keep sidewalks clear for all pedestrians, especially those with mobility challenges or low vision.
CTV: Meet Thorin the dog, the newest Yukon EMS employee
Thorin the dog is the newest employee with Yukon’s EMS.
CTV: Calgary PADS Puppies
Host of CTV Calgary Shaun Frenette shares news about PADS latest litter of puppies.
IT & Systems Intern | Position Filled
We are seeking a summer inter for the role of IT & Systems Coordinator.
Kennel Intern | Position Filled
The Kennel Assistant cares for dogs in training and the areas they use at PADS’ facilities.
Digital Engagement and Events Coordinator Intern | Position Filled
We are seeking someone to fill the role of Calgary Volunteer Coordinator.
Vernon Matters: Dog day afternoon at Vernon pickleball facility
Puppies and pickleballers will come together this weekend at the Okanagan Wealth Advisors Pickleball Complex in Vernon’s Marshall Fields.
Global TV: Saturday Sips: Puppies and sips for everyone
Jennifer Palma gets a chance to meet two hard-working assistance dogs, and the founder of BC Distilled, and learns how the public can help PADS flourish.
CTV Morning Live Vancouver
CTV’s St John Alexander meets the Exclamation Litter and learns about what it takes to be a PADS Breeder Caretaker.
GET READY FOR TAX TIME
Sick and tired of having to sort out the trash at the depot? Want to help PADS in a fun and unique way? Well do we have the opportunity for you!
Samwise the Stouthearted
Named after the iconic character in J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, PADS Samwise was always fated to be someone’s loyal companion.
PADS In Bloom: Hanging Basket Fundraiser
Support life-changing dogs by ordering beautiful spring hanging baskets. Available in both sun and shade!
Burnabynow: ‘Shaelyn loved dogs’: $10K donation made to PADS in slain Burnaby Mountie’s name
Outlet: Burnabynow Date: March 14, 2024 Host: Cornelia Naylor
FUND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER | POSITION FILLED
PADS is hiring for a Fund Development Manager who will have the unique opportunity to shape the future success and growth of the organization.
CANINE OPERATIONS COORDINATOR | POSITION FILLED
PADS is looking to have a dynamic admin professional join our team as the Canine Operations Coordinator and help us change lives one dog at a time!
PADS AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 2023
PADS 2022 Financial Statements were audited by Crowe Mackay LLP
MooseJaw Today: Victims of violent crime can seek comfort in Sven, a hard-working and lovable police dog
Outlet: Moose Jaw Today Date: February 22, 2024 Host: Aaron Walker
CBC: BC Today: Feb 9 Sparse snowpack fuels drought fears | The role of assistance dogs
Outlet: CBC Vancouver Show: BC Today Date: February 9, 2024 Host: Dan Burritt Time: The segment featuring PADS starts at 38:35 minute mark
TriCity News: The principal of this Coquitlam high school just got promoted
Outlet: Tri-City News Date: January 31, 2024 Author: Janis Cleugh
Adopted: Pearl
Party Girl Pearl is a friend to all dogs she meets, and is also good with cats. She grew up in a home with children and loves to cuddle and play with ‘her’ kids. Pearl will be a wonderful addition to an active family looking for an energetic adventure buddy.
2023 Winter Newsletter
Your support drives our mission, helps dogs transform lives, and empowers individuals to have an independent life. Behind each and every success story is a donor who makes this possible.
Meet the Pumpkin Litter
Join us on Tuesday, November 28th at 1:00 PM PST for a special Tune-In-Tuesday featuring our newest puppies the Pumpkin Litter – now only 5 weeks old!
THANK YOU ROYAL CANADIAN BC/YUKON FOUNDATION
On November 16, 2023 PADS Executive Director Laura Watamanuk and PADS Radar visited the The Royal Canadian Legion Foundation | BC/Yukon Command to receive a $10,000 cheque from Executive Director Amber Stewart representing donations from the following Legion branches:...
Powell River PEAK: Powell River RCMP welcome accredited justice facility dog
Outlet: Powell River PEAK Date: November 12, 2023
Kimberley Bulletin: Trauma dog West retires after six years with Cranbrook RCMP
Outlet: Kimberley Bulletin Date: October 3, 2023 Author: Paul Rodgers
THANK YOU NORTH BURNABY LEGION #148
We would like to thank the Burnaby Royal Canadian Legion Branch #148 for their generous donation of $6,000 from their Poppy Fund. Our Marketing & Media Coordinator, Meredith Areskoug, with PADS Gamora, visited the Burnaby Legion on Sunday, September 24, 2023 with...
Burnaby Now: Giant pickleball tournament to aid Burnaby-based assistance dog program
Outlet: Burnaby Now Date: September 22, 2023 Author: Cornelia Naylor
CTV News: Pickleball tournament to support PADS
Outlet: CTV News Date: September 20, 2023 Host: Mi-Jung Lee Author: Peter Bremner
Meet the adorable working animals of UBC: From fierce mousers to guiding paws
Outlet: UBC News Date: September 19, 2023 Author: Lui Xia Lee
Global TV: The healing power of PADS dogs
Outlet: Global New Date: September 16, 2023 Host: Jennifer Palma
Meet Christian and PADS Sadie
Join us on Tuesday, September 5th at 1:00 PM PDT for Tune-In-Tuesday featuring another one of our incredible Accredited Facility Dog Teams at the Vancouver Police Department – Christian and PADS Sadie.
Vancouver Sun: Canada’s first justice facility service dog, Caber, dies at 15
Outlet: Vancouver SunDate: August 22, 2023Author: Joseph Ruttle
CTV: ‘Our program is hurting’: Charity urgently needs volunteers to raise puppies in B.C.
Outlet: CTV VancouverDate: August 13, 2023Author: St. John Alexander
Burnaby Now: ‘Critical’: Volunteer shortage threatens supply of assistance dogs
Outlet: Burnaby NowDate: Aug 10, 2023 6:30 PMAuthor: Abhinaya Natesh
THANK YOU SOUTH BURNABY LEGION #83
We would like to thank the Burnaby Royal Canadian Legion Branch #83 for their generous donation of $2,500 from their Poppy Fund. Our Director of Communications, Tara Doherty, with PADS Cadence, visited the Burnaby Legion on BC Day, Sunday, August 6, 2023 during their...
Volunteer Canada
CALLING ALL CANADIANS Together we can enrich the lives of our fellow Canadians through our incredible assistance dogs! From coast to coast, assistance dog schools are calling out the need for more volunteers to help raise puppies as the demand for certified assistance...
THANK YOU SICAMOUS LEGION #99
We would like to thank the Sicamous Royal Canadian Legion Branch #99 for their generous donation of $10,000 from their Poppy Campaign. Our Executive Director Laura Watamanuk, with PADS Mudge, visited the Sicamous Legion Headquarters on Sunday, June 18, 2023 to receive...
Jerry & Empress
PADS Empress walks through life at Jerry’s side, ensuring that she is always there when he needs her. Matched in May of 2022, Jerry shares: “Empress has impacted my life in a tremendously positive manner. Being with me 24/7, she ensures that any onset triggers are identified and dealt with before…
In Memory of Neil Mclean
In Loving Memory of Neil McleanThe PADS village lost an incredible member this past spring when Neil McLean lost his battle with cancer. The McLeans have done so many things for PADS over the years, and it comes as no surprise that this amazing family would honour...