OUR
NEWS
Celebrating Community in the Okanagan: A Heartfelt Journey of Gratitude
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 | Accepting Applications
We are seeking someone to fill the role of IT Support Analyst.
Client Care Manager | Accepting Applications
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.
Applications Closed: Tetley
Tetley is a very sweet and loving dog wrapped up in the cutest little compact package of happiness, in search of her forever home.
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.
Salesforce Administrator | Applications Closed
We’re currently seeking a passionate and skilled individual to join us as aSalesforce Administrator, helping us fulfill our mission of providing assistance dogs to our waiting clients.
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.
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 to help us fulfill our mission of providing life-changing assistance dogs.
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...
Meet The Mario Kart Litter
Join us on Tuesday, June 6 at 1:00 PM PDT for Tune-In-Tuesday featuring one of our newest litter of puppies, the Mario Kart Litter!
THANK YOU COQUITLAM LEGION #263
We would like to thank the Coquitlam Royal Canadian Legion Branch #263 for their generous donation of $20,000 from their 2022 fall Poppy Campaign. Our Executive Director Laura Watamanuk, with PADS Mudge, visited the Coquitlam Legion Headquarters on Friday, May 26,...
Communications 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.
Thank you Dogtopia Foundation of Canada
A big thank you to The Dogtopia Foundation of Canada for sponsoring 6 PADS Puppies-In-Training!
Meet The BC Bird Litter
Join us on Tuesday, May 16th at 1:00 PM PDT for Tune-In-Tuesday featuring one of our newest litter of puppies, the BC Bird Litter!
Meet Alex
Join us Tuesday, May 2nd at 1:00 PM PDT for Tune-In-Tuesday to chat with Alex Hamer-the man behind the BC Distilled event!
Kennel Coordinator | Position Filled
PADS is seeking a Kennel Coordinator, a full-time position, based in Burnaby, British Columbia.
Development Coordinator | Position Filled
PADS is hiring for a newly created position of Fundraising Coordinator. This is a full-time position, based in Calgary, Alberta.
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.
Field Representative | Position Filled
PADS is seeking a Field Representative to fill an independent contractor position with our organization.
PADS AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 2022
PADS 2022 Financial Statements were audited by Crowe Mackay LLP
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.
IT & Systems Coordinator | Position Filled
PADS is hiring for a brand new position – IT & Systems Coordinator. This is a full-time position, based in Burnaby, British Columbia.
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!
Service Dog & Hearing Dog Program Manager | Posting Closed
PADS is seeking a qualified Service and Hearing Dog Program Manager to fill a permanent, full-time position, based in Burnaby, British Columbia.
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.
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
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!