OUR
NEWS
Calgary Release
PADS Calgary is looking for a new home! Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) is appealing to the Calgary community to help us find a new home from which to train life-changing dogs. After 6 years subletting from our friends at Chasin’ Tails, in the Meridian...
Spring Volunteer Info Session 2023
Join us for an in-person Spring Volunteer Information Session on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 1-3pm at our Burnaby Campus Training Centre.
Meet Michele & PADS Zen
Join us on Tuesday, March 21st at 1:00 PM PDT for Tune-In-Tuesday featuring one of our Accredited Facility Dog Teams at the VPD – Cst. Michele McKnight and PADS Zen of the Employee Wellness Unit.
Meet Chelsi & PADS Sonar
Join us on Tuesday, March 7th at 1:00 PM PST for Tune-In-Tuesday featuring Accredited Facility Dog Team – Chelsi and PADS Sonar. They help people who have experienced trauma, grief and loss or have mental health challenges.
Meet The Landscape Litter
Join us on Tuesday, February 21st at 1:00 PM PST (2PM MST) for Tune-In-Tuesday featuring our new Calgary puppies of the Landscape Litter – now 4 weeks old!
Meet Norquay and Judy at the MVTP
Meet PADS Norquay: Metro Vancouver Transit Police's Newest TEAM MEMBERMetro Vancouver Transit Police has welcomed a PADS Accredited Facility Dog (AFD) named Norquay to its dog team. Unlike the existing seven Transit Police dogs that are trained to detect explosives...
Adventures of Sawyer Part 4
Join us Tuesday, January 10th at 1:00 PM PST for our fourth instalment of the “Adventures with Sawyer Series”! Catch up with her Puppy-Raiser Jackie and see what skills they are working on that will help her when she enters adolescents in a couple of months.
MEET RICHARD & BISCUIT
Richard Chalke has been a Police Officer with the Vancouver Police Department since 1997. In 2019 he was diagnosed with complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of the many exposures to traumatic events and scenes over the years serving his community....
Adventures of Sawyer Part 3
Join us Tuesday, December 13th at 1:00 PM PST for our third instalment of the “Adventures with Sawyer Series”! Catch up with her Puppy-Raiser Jackie and see how they have been growing her world.
MEET SUSAN & JONATHAN
Long-time volunteers Susan Taylor and Jonathan Young have spent decades as PADS ambassadors and advocates. They have raised puppies, helped with campus maintenance, hosted volunteer info sessions, volunteered at events...they have done it all. Within their circle of...
Meet Pat and Orca
Join us Tuesday, December 6th at 1:00 PM PST when we chat with Pat and AFD PADS Orca of the Provincial Overdose Mobile Response Team.
Instructor’s Assistant | Accepting Applications
The Instructor’s Assistant cares for dogs in training and the areas they use at PADS’ facilities.
In loving memory of Nancy Kemble
It's with immense sorrow that we share that Nancy Kemble, a beloved member of our PADS family, lost her valiant battle with Cancer on Friday, November 11, 2022. Nancy has worn many hats at PADS - board member, board Chair, volunteer, donor, advocate and tireless...
Nancy
CONTINUE NANCY'S LIFE-CHANGING WORK Throughout her career at Scotia Wealth Management Nancy worked tirelessly - she did the same for Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS). In her current battle with Cancer, she's expressed the desire to ensure the work she started at...
Puppy Program Administrative Assistant (Parental Leave – 6 months) | Position Filled
PADS is seeking a Program Administrative Assistant to fill a 6 month parental leave, full-time position, based in Burnaby, British Columbia.
Meet Hugo + Toast
Join us Tuesday, October 25th at 1:00 PM PDT when speak with Karlissa and Kenedi of Hugo + Toast, our new Corporate Sponsors.
Invisible Disabilities Week
October 16-22 is Invisible Disabilities Week – at PADS we have many clients that fall in this category. We caught up with one that is close to home, our client (and PADS Communications Manager) Tara to share a few thoughts on some of the unique challenges of having an (often) invisible disability.
Adventures of Sawyer Part 2
Join us Tuesday, October 11th at 1:00 PM PDT for our second instalment of the “Adventures with Sawyer Series”! We will we catch up with her Puppy-Raiser Jackie and see what they have been working on!
Welcome Hugo + Toast!
We are delighted to announce a new partnership with Canadian sustainable clothing company Hugo + Toast.
ADI Accreditation
PADS was presented with our fifth Assistance Dogs International (ADI) accreditation at the #ADITogether conference in Concord, California last week.
Meet Dave and Jasper
Join us Tuesday, September 27th at 1:00 PM PDT when we catch up with Dave and his Service Dog PADS Jasper. This dynamic duo was matched back in 2015 and have been going strong and steady ever since.
MORE FUTURE SUPERHEROES!
Last week PADS welcomed 28 tiny superheroes to our community, but their arrivals were not without challenges.
Meet Jackie and Sawyer
Join us on Tuesday, September 13th at 1PM PDT, when we check in with Jackie our Breeding and Puppy Program Manager, who has just started Puppy-Raising PADS Sawyer, who comes to us from Career Dogs Australia.
Meet Tia and Merlot
Join us on Tuesday, August 23rd at 1PM PDT, when we catch up with Tia and PADS Merlot of “How Merlot Can You Go”, our top individual fundraiser of 2022 to date!
In a New Light
We are honoured and overwhelmed to finally get to share this film with our community. It documents the journey of our client Juliet Walden and PADS PTSD Service Dog Stark. This STORYHIVE Documentary was produced by our dear friends, the incredibly talented Mack...
Meet PADS Tetley
This week PADS Tetley joined our community. Her naming sponsor, Jessica Ferrari, is one of our dedicated volunteers. Jessica shares her volunteer journey thus far with PADS, and how little Tetley got her name.
Meet Grete and Angela
Guests Grete Eide and Angela Bentivegna, Assistance Dogs International (ADI) Assessors, and PADS CEO, Laura Watamanuk, will join us live on Tune in Tuesday on August 9th at 1PM PDT.
Meet Ella of Sew Awesome
Join us Tuesday, July 26th at 1:00 PM PDT when we chat with young entrepreneur Ella of Sew Awesome who is making dog bandanas to support a PADS puppy-in-training.
Kennel Technician | Position Filled
PADS is seeking a Kennel Technician, a full-time position, based in Burnaby, British Columbia. The Kennel Technician provides support to the Advanced Training & Puppy-Raising Program teams as needed.
Call for Applications
ABOUT YOU You are passionate about creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and respected You have a proven work ethic that is responsive You take responsibility for your actions, and honor your commitments You have a desire to engage and work closely with...
Meet Ruth and Victoria
Join us Tuesday, July 12th at 1:00 PM PDT when we visit with Ruth and Victoria, Breeder Caretakers of PADS Strudel and her Encanto Litter.
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT | POSITION FILLED
PADS is seeking a Director of Development based out of Burnaby, British Columbia.
DIRECTOR OF CANINE OPERATIONS | POSITION FILLED
PADS is seeking a Director of Canine Operations based out of our Burnaby Campus.
Meet Trish and Shale
Join us on Tuesday, June 28th at 1PM PDT, when we catch up with our newest Hearing Dog Team, Trish and PADS Shale.
PUPPY PROGRAM TRAINER (OKANAGAN) | POSITION FILLED
PADS is seeking a part-time Puppy Program Trainer for our Okanagan Region.
Meet Krista and Felicity
Join us on Tuesday, June 14th at 1:00PM PDT as we chat with breeder-caretakers Krista and Felicity and meet the 6-week-old Constellations Litter!
Advanced Dog Trainer (Parental Leave – 6 months) | POSITION FILLED
PADS is seeking an Advanced Dog Trainer to fill a 6 month parental leave, full-time position, based in Burnaby, British Columbia.
Meet Lisa and Emma
Join us on May 31st at 2:00 pm PDT as we chat with our Advanced Trainers, Emma and Lisa to talk about adventures in their world at PADS!
Meet Dorothy & Kevin
Tune in this Tuesday, May 17 at 1:00 PM PDT to hear from our Calgary-based volunteer Breeder Caretakers Dorothy & Kevin currently caring for the Camper Van litter!
Special Events Intern | POSITION FILLED
The Special Events Intern organises and coordinates several major events that happen over the summer, with special emphasis on our MOVE Fundraising campaign in July.
Kennel Assistant | POSITION FILLED
The Kennel Assistant cares for dogs in training and the areas they use at PADS’ facilities.
National Therapy Dog Day
April 30th is National Therapy Dog Day, and one of the questions our staff, trainers and volunteers often get asked is this: What is the difference between an Accredited Facility Dog (AFD) and a Therapy Dog? The analogy we like to use is that a Therapy Dog is to an...
Shred Event
Our Shred Event is back! Safely dispose of confidential documents, by donation! All proceeds support PADS’ life-changing dogs.
Hanging Baskets
Support beautiful life-changing dogs by ordering beautiful spring hanging baskets!
Meet Emily
Tune in this Tuesday April 19 at 1:00 PM PDT to hear from Puppy-Raiser Emily Nelson! Emily started volunteering with PADS in 2013 to fulfill a middle school Pay-it-Forward project.
Public Statement: COVID-19
PUBLIC STATEMENT: COVID-19Last Updated: March 28, 2022 It’s with a sense of excitement, relief and trepidation that we take what may be one of our last pivots in regards to Covid-19. In light of both the gov’t of BC and AB changes to mandates and requirements, here...
Medical Coordinator (Okanagan) | Position Filled
PADS is seeking a qualified Medical Coordinator to fill a permanent, part-time position, based in the Okanagan.
PADS AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 2021
PADS 2021 Financial Statements were audited by Crowe Mackay LLP
Meet Alex
We are so pleased to announce that BC Distilled is back after a long 2 years and it seems only fitting that it is one of our very first events back in person. Join us April 5th at 1:00 PM PDT to chat with Alex Hamer- the man behind the event!
Laurie & Lennon
Lennon and Laurie have been on a wonderful journey for the past 5 years as an Acreddited Facility Dog Team. Lennon has worked at two middle schools and continues to put his cape on every morning with a spring in his step. Laurie and Lennon both enjoy hiking on their...
Digital Engagement & Accessibility Coordinator | Position Filled
Puppy cuddles are one of the job perks. You may not believe us now, but it gets even better. “What is better than puppy cuddles?” you ask?! Changing lives! PADS’ Communications Team is at its core about Community Engagement – we have the privilege of connecting...
2022 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.
Murray and Tony
Join us January 25th as we catch up with Murray and Tony! Tony works at the Customized Learning Centre, a small high school alternate program in Coquitlam School District. Tony spends his day with Murray (handler) or Dannielle, Youth Worker (trained co-handler),...
Celebrating 35 Years
Tune in on February 22nd at 1:00 PM PST to hear how PADS has grown over the past 35 years and hear where we're headed! We'll be joined by two very special guests: PADS Executive Director Laura Watamanuk and Past Board Chair Marga Vogel. We look forward to hearing...
Meet Campus Canines
Join us as we chat with Alina, PADS Puppy-Raiser and the president of Campus Canines! Alina is a 4th-year student at UBC studying Biology and Puppy-Raiser to 10-month-old PADS Fleetwood. "I've had a passion for dogs for as long as I can remember, as well as a...
Lindsey & Iroko
Join us on January 11th at 1:00 pm PST as we catch up with Lindsey and her Service Dog Iroko Lindsey describes Iroko as loyal attentive and strong. "He is a high energy dog who pushes me to bring my level to his. He helps me pick up everything I drop and I drop lots!...
Advanced Trainer Miranda
Our Advanced Trainer Miranda is back by popular demand to talk about her work with the Advanced Dogs in Calgary!
Kaden & Cana
Meet Kaden and his new best friend Cana. This amazing pair were matched as part of the PADS VIP program in 2021. Kaden calls Cana his "new best friend forever" and is overjoyed about the new addition to their family. When asked to share about how Cana has affected...
Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator | Position Filled
Puppy cuddles are one of the job perks. You may not believe us now, but it gets even better. “What is better than puppy cuddles?” you ask?! Changing lives! PADS’ Communications Team is at its core about Community Engagement – we have the privilege of connecting...
Marketing & Media Coordinator | Position Filled
Puppy cuddles are one of the job perks. You may not believe us now, but it gets even better. “What is better than puppy cuddles?” you ask?! Changing lives! PADS’ Communications Team is at its core about Community Engagement – we have the privilege of connecting...
Fern and Bellatrix
Meet Fern and Bellatrix Fern and Bella have been a service dog team for 8 years. Fern often tells people about the amazing impact of Bella on her quality of life. Read on to learn more about their remakable partnership and Join us tuesday Dec. 14th at 1:00 PM...
Holiday Giving | Meet Sgt Tia Froh & Merlot
Give a Gift that Makes a Difference Your gift ensures... ...children that have been victims of crime or trauma have a friend like Merlot when they need it most; ...veterans and first responders have a highly trained dog to help them battle PTSD; ...people with...
Cindy & Mallee
Meet Mallee and Cindy Cindy and Mallee are one of our graduate Teams of 2021! This dynamic duo will be joining us on December 21st to share about how their partnership is growing every day. “ My life has changed in more ways than I ever could have expected by...
Meet our Newest Staff!
Assistant Trainer | Puppy-Raising Department West Coast Region Chelsea joins our puppy-raising team with a diverse background in animal and human behaviour - she is passionate about learning and in helping people learn and grow. If you were a PADS Dog, what kind of...
Meet the Avengers Litter
Join us Tuesday December 7th at 1:00 PM to meet this litter of sweet and playful pups.
Aries’ Journey
Meet PADS Aries and his new partner Emily! Emily and Aries are an amazing pair who are taking on new adventures in the world side-by-side. Aries came to PADS through the Assistance Dogs International Breeding Cooperative from Dogs with Wings in Edmonton, AB. He...
Darlene’s Journey
Meet Darlene and her partner Hélène. Darlene is always enthusiastic to help Hélène with anything she needs. Darlene was whelped by Lori Gunson and family, where she learned that while the world may always be changing, she is always safe and cared for. Darlene's whole...
Sandy III’s Journey
Meet Sandy III and his new partner Brad! Brad is a third time PADS Client and has welcomed Sandy to his side earlier this year. Sandy has been quite the traveling pup throughout his time in training. Sandy came to PADS through our participation in the Assistance Dog...
Queenie’s Journey
Meet Queenie, an Accredited Facility Dog (AFD) who uses her natural cuddling talents—and love of bringing people new toys—to spread joy to those who need it most. Queenie came to PADS from Eyes Ears Nose and Paws through our partnership with the Assistance Dogs...
Gatsby’s Journey
Meet Gatsby, a lovely, caring dog who loves to meet new people and greet them with one of his favourite toys. Gatsby's journey brings our expression "It takes a village" to life. Gatsby came to PADS from Southeastern Guide Dogs and landed in our Okanagan Puppy-Raising...
Sadie II’s Journey
Meet Sadie II and her team Christian, Emily and Kathleen. Sadie works to support the Internet Child Exploitation Unit at the Vancouver Police Department and is doing a fantastic job in her role so far. Sadie II came to PADS through our Partnership with the Assistance...
Mudge’s Journey
Meet Mudge, a fun-loving, slightly sassy girl who loves to help her client in any way that they need. Mudge was whelped, raised and trained all in the Lower-Mainland and was even whelped and raised by the same people: Teri & Rory Banks! Throughout Puppy-Raising,...
Swell’s Journey
Meet Swell. Earlier this year Swell earned his blue vest in his role as an Accredited Facility Dog. Swell was whelped in the Lower Mainland by the Doherty-Dong family where he and his siblings were already being set upon a path to be resilient dogs with a love of...
Meeka’s Journey
Meet Meeka and her client Miles. This dynamic duo are now able to confidently navigate family outings and especially enjoy walking Miles' children to school. Meeka was born at Can Do Canines and came to PADS through our Partnership with ADI Breeding Cooperative (ABC)....
Paxton’s Journey
Meet Paxton and his new partner Nicole. Paxton is the product of the Calgary community! Whelped by long term Breeder-Caretakers Robin and Ty, who gave him and his littermates the best start in life possible. Paxton's Puppy-Raisers Chris & Tracy and Madeline &...
Daegan’s Journey
Meet Daegan and his partner Anya. Together, they completed team training in December of 2020 and are excited to celebrate their accomplishments at our 2021 Graduation ceremony. Daegan came to PADS through our partnership with the Assistance Dog International Breeding...
Vimy’s Journey
Meet Vimy and his partner Anne. Together they completed team training earlier this year and are now a fully certified Service Dog Team. Vimy was whelped in the Lower Mainland by Rory & Teri Banks and stayed in the West Coast region while he completed his...
Mallee’s Journey
Meet Mallee and her client Cindy. Together they take on the world side by side. Mallee was whelped in the Lower Mainland by the Madeo family and then moved Calgary to start her journey with her Puppy-Raiser Ross. Together with the Calgary Puppy-Raising team, Ross...
Tommy’s Journey
Meet Tommy and his partner Darren. Together they work to make the school day better for everyone they meet. Tommy was whelped in the Lower Mainland by Lori Gunson and family and then traveled to the Okanagan to start his puppy-raising journey with raiser Benoit....
Cadence’s Journey
Meet Cadence and her partner Tara. Tara and Cadence successfully passed team training together in December of 2020 and are now taking on the world as a fully certified Service Dog Team. Cadence came to PADS through our partnership in the Assistance Dogs International...
Iroko’s Journey
Meet Iroko and his new partner Lindsey. Iroko is Lindsey's 2nd PADS Dog, after the amazing Silky retired, and he's confidently navigating the world with his new partner. Iroko was whelped in the Lower Mainland by the Madeo Family and was then raised by Cathy and...
Gaia’s Journey
Meet Gaia, a sweet, loving Acreddited Facility Dog working at the Canuck Place. Gaia was whelped in the Lower Mainland by Lori & the Gunson family, she then headed to the home of Catherine & Ian where she started her Puppy-Raising journey. When she got a...
Dodger’s Journey
Meet Dodger, a PADS 2021 Graduate. Dodger spends his days helping his new partner with whatever they need. Dodger was whelped in the Lower Mainland by Marie and Jocelyn and puppy started by Nicole. When he got a little older he headed up to the Okangan to continue his...
Groovy’s Journey
Meet Groovy and his partner Rhonda. Rhonda and Groovy have completed team training earlier this year and are off to a great start in their partnership. Groovy was whelped in our West Coast Region by Marie and Jocelyn and then traveled to Calgary to be raised by...
Tony’s Journey
Meet PADS Tony and his handlers Dannielle and Murray. Together they work in a the Customized Learning Centre in Coquitlam School District. Tony's clients speak very highly of the impact that Tony has on the class saying: "A number of students seek him out when they...
Woodstock’s Journey
Meet Ken and his new partner Woodstock. Together they take on the world one step at a time. Woodstock was whelped in the Lower Mainland by Marie & Jocelyn, and stayed there to be raised by his puppy-raisers Rachel & Mark. Woodstock was known throughout...
Linen’s Journey
Meet Linen and her new partner Carlin. Together they recently passed team training and are busy getting to know each other and laying the ground work for what is sure to be an amazing partnership. Linen was whelped in Calgary by Breeder Caretakers Dorothy & Kevin...
Drift’s Journey
Meet Drift and his partner Corrie. Together they do amazing work with youth and families effected by substance use. Drift was whelped, raised and attended advanced training all in the West Coast region. His village includes his whelping home, the Doherty-Dong family,...
Zen’s Journey
Meet Zen and his partner Cst. Michele McKnight. Together they work at VPD Employee Wellness Unit, supporting the Vancouver Police Department. We are so proud of this placement as we know that police officers are at a higher risk of stress, anxiety and depression due...
Chantilly’s Journey
Meet Chantilly and her partner Ms.Karen. Together they spread Chantilly's magic at an elementary school helping spread calm, love and understanding where ever they go. Chantilly was whelped in the Westcoast Region by Ronnie and Rob and was then raised by a community...
Instructor’s Assistant | POSITION FILLED
Overview Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) is a registered charity that provides professionally trained assistance dogs to persons with physical disabilities or hearing loss who reside in the western provinces of Canada. We also place service dogs with veterans...
Kennel Coordinator | POSITION FILLED
POSITION OVERVIEW The Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) is changing lives, one dog at a time. We are dedicated to breeding, raising, training and placing assistance dogs for persons with a physical disability or who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, and to supporting...
PADS AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 2020
PADS 2020 Financial Statements were audited by Crowe Mackay LLP
Thank you Movers
We are so grateful to our entire community for your amazing commitment and dedication to PADS throughout our 2021 MOVE for PADS Campaign. To thank you all we had a fabulous panel of clients joining us on the last day of MOVE August 31, to share about just how...
Valentine and Pups
Join Us Tuesday July 24th at 1:00 PM to meet Valentine and her #Tokyo2020CanadianOlympicMedallistsLitter! Important Contest Announcement: Video chat is wonderful but did you know you could win some real life, actual puppy breathe, puppy cuddles? Want to meet these...
Evacuation Kit for Dogs
Having to evacuate unexpectedly isn't something that anyone expects to happen to them, however, with the increasing fires in BC we wanted to put together a list of items to help our community members prepare for a possible evacuation, but thought it might help others...
Justice Facility Dogs Canada
Click the video below to listen to our conversation with Kim Gramlich, partner to legendary (now retired) PADS Caber and now PADS Puma. Kim is one of the founders of Justice Facility Dogs Canada and is joining us to share about the role that Accredited Facility Dogs...
Emily
Meet Emily Emily is known to many in the PADS community as Breeder Caretaker to retired PADS Chai, "Pupdate" Volunteer Extraordinaire, and as an amazingly supportive and kind young woman who is constantly looking for ways to support her fellow volunteers. Recently,...
ASSISTANT PUPPY TRAINER | POSITION FILLED
PADS is on the lookout for an additional on the ground Trainer’s Assistant to join our super star training team to help run classes, one-on-one training and assessments and assist with volunteer on-boarding and support. This is a full-time position including two...
Rose and Elphie
Meet Rose and Hearing Dog Elphie Why I chose to apply for a dog from an ADI Accredited Program My first dog came to live with me in 1989. My hearing loss occurred in 1981 because of a fifteen-and-a-half-hour surgery to remove a brain tumour. My life changed...