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NEWS
Meet Dorothy & Kevin
Tune in this Tuesday, May 17 at 1:00 PM PST to hear from our Calgary-based volunteer Breeder Caretakers Dorothy & Kevin! They are currently caring for the Camper Van litter. Come for the tiny puppies, and stay to learn more about the amazing and dedicated volunteers who nurture our puppies from their very first moments!
Special Events Intern | Applications Closed
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 | Applications Closed
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 PST to hear from Puppy-Raiser Emily Nelson! Emily started volunteering with PADS in 2013 to fulfill a middle school Pay-it-Forward project. She continued to help PADS every chance she got until 2018, when she was finally...
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 annouce 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 PST to chat with Alex Hamer- the man behind the event- to learn more about his...
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...
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...
Rachel and Charm
Meet Rachel and Charm! Join us on Tuesday July 27th at 1:00 pm to learn all about how Rachel has balanced raising Charm and teaching all at once! We sure think she's a "charmer" but we can't wait to hear all about how she wiggled her way into the hearts of all she...
Tips & Tricks For Getting Started
Thank you so much for registering for MOVE for PADS! We are so grateful that you have joined us. Not sure where to start?! Check out the tips below. Tell people why you are moving for PADS Cute puppy pictures are wonderful, however, what truly moves people to donate...
2021 Summer 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 Suzanne
Team #TrailsWithTails is back at it again with a goal of raising $3,000 for PADS. Team Captain Suzanne says "I had a great time participating in the MOVE event last year and seeing our team come together virtually to cheer each other on as we were not able to meet in...
Meet Maddy and Mack
Join us July 13th at 1:00 PM pst. as we chat with our new friends Maddy and Mack who were seen around campus in June filming a documentary all about Juliet and PADS Stark! Click the link below to register to learn more about their connection to PADS and the incredible...
Meet Catherine and Boywer
Meet Dr. Catherine McLaughlin and PADS Accredited Facility Dog Bowyer. Catherine is a psychologist and Bowyer works alongside her with his magic blend of love and calm. Catherine is an important member of our applicant services team, supporting both our application...
Meet Michelle
Click the video below to learn about a new Vancouver Police Department (VPD) initiative which includes adding another PADS Dog to their team. This new program focuses on promoting staff wellness by providing support to police officers as they do their important work....
Pride 2021
PADS Pride T-Shirt Design Contest Each year, for many years, PADS has participated in Pride with our wagging, loving, adorable canine companions at our side. During this participation we have worn PADS shirts emblazoned with messages of love with PRIDE! During these...
PADS PTSD Program
June is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) awareness Month. PTSD is a mental health disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. It is estimated that 9.2% of Canadians live with PTSD everyday. The PADS PTSD program trains...
Stormy and Brite 2021
Join us June 8th 1:00 PM PST as we catch up with Client Stormy and her Service Dog Brite! This incredible team has been matched for a little over a year and are very excited to share with us what they have learned about working as a team.
GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN | POSITION FILLED
PADS is seeking an 8 week summer student (37.5 hrs/week) through the Canada Summer Jobs program for the role of Graphic Design Intern. Do you have a great eye for design and an ability to think creatively while working within an established brand? Are you a...
Brad and Sandy
Join us on May 25th at a special time 12:30 PST to meet 3rd time PADS client Brad McCannell! Brad is currently partner to PADS Service Dog Sandy, his third PADS dog, but previously shared life with PADS Chip and PADS Montana. Brad is also the Vice President of Access...
Meet The Cheese Litter!
Join on May 11th at 1 PM PST ( 12 PM PST) to meet the PADS Cheese Litter and their wonderful Breeder Caretakers Robin and Ty. Robin and Ty are long-time breeder caretakers in Calgary who have whelped six litters in their home and puppy-raised nine Puppies for PADS....
Meet Felicity
Tune in on Tuesday May 18th at 1:00 PM PST to meet one of our youngest Breeder Caretakers Felicity Beech. Along with mom Krista and the rest of the Beech Family, Felicity has helped rear a whopping 16 litters of PADS puppies! Join us to hear the unique perspective of...
Meet PADS Dorado
Meet PADS DoradoMeet Accredited Facility Dog (AFD) Dorado and his partner Kathy! Together Kathy—a social worker—and Dorado work with children going through challenging times at the Sea Star Child Advocacy Center. When asked about how Dorado affects the mental health...
The Great PADS Shave Off
What do you get when you combine heart, passion and adorable puppies with over a year of isolation and no hair cuts? One incredible volunteer who is putting his money and hair to good use. Shawn Laari and wife Cathy Beaumont have been PADS volunteers for nearly two...
Hot Peppers Litter
Join us May 4th to meet PADS Posy's Hot Peppers! These pups will be turning 6 weeks and are ready for their close-ups!
English Shires Litter Update
The Shires are back! Click the link below to register to join us this Tuesday, April 27th to see how much the English Shires litter has grown.
Cathy, Shawn & Greco
Cathy and Shawn have been involved with PADS since 2000, raising PADS Riley, Dylan, Gypsy and Breeze in succession. They stepped back from puppy raising when they adopted Dylan however, they came back to puppy raising in 2016 to raise Vader, Iroko and now Greco. In...
PADS Prank Litter.
Tune in to meet Nav's first litter, the PADS Prank Litter. Click the video to watch our conversation with breeder caretaker and PADS Breeding Manager Jackie Clarke to see how these pups are doing!.
Nala’s First Litter
Meet the PADS Horse Colours Litter! Watch the video to learn the names of PADS Nala's first litter!
Gaia at Canuck Place
PADS Gaia: Canuck Place's Newest TEAM MEMBERPADS Gaia started her new job at Canuck Place Children’s Hospice in Vancouver as an Accredited Facility Dog. She will be supporting the care of children with life-threatening illnesses. Gaia works alongside two handlers,...
Meet the Shires Litter
Meet our PADSShiresLitter (AKA Devon's 'Shires') and today's Tune-in-Tuesday Guests. Cheshire (F) York II (M) Dorset (F) Gloucester (pronounced Gloss-ter) (F) Somerset (F) This litter's amazing breeder caretakers even included each shire's official flags...
A collaborative effort towards better working dogs
We are excited to share with you that PADS is participating in a new program to raise selected puppies for possible export as young adults to be breeding dogs in assistance dog programs in Europe and Oceania. Taking collaboration to the next level, Assistance Dogs...
ALLISON & ANGEL
Join us on March 23rd to catch up with second-time puppy raiser Allison. Allison's first puppy was Angel's mom PADS Valentine and now is currently raising PADS Angel! Register using the link below to join us!
Kevin & Spark
Click the video below to hear about Kevin's important roles at PADS as a Puppy-Raiser, Office Volunteer and Pupdate volunteer extraordinaire!
Meredith & Henrik
Click the link below to hear from Puppy Raisers Meredith and Henrik. Together this dynamic duo has raised a total of 9 pups, often welcoming two pups into their home at a time. Tune in to learn more about their PADS Puppy-Raising journey and to find out what it's like...
Tonya and Kylo
Click the link below to watch our interview with Tonya and her Service Dog PADS Kylo. Tune in to hear about the work Kylo does and about their amazing partnership.
LEAH & SMOKEY
Click the Video to meet Leah and her AFD Partner Smokey. Leah is a clinical counsellor as well as a school counsellor. In both her roles Smokey works with her providing love, comfort and support. Leah says that she has noticed that often people will connect first...
Tiff and Mosley
Mosley now lives with her Puppy-Raiser Tiff and released PADS Bonnie. Watch the video below to hear about how PADS Mosley is adjusting to life outside of her whelping home.
George: “Why I give to PADS”
I first became involved with PADS because I wanted to raise a puppy in my classroom (I think there should be a puppy or dog in every classroom!). However, before that could happen, I retired. That was about five years ago now and I’ve been volunteering as a raiser...
Glenora: “Why I give to PADS”
My connection to PADS goes back about 14 years ago when my dog-loving daughter, Tara, heard about PADS and became a volunteer puppy-raiser. She comes from a family of dog-lovers and grew up with one pet dog after another. Since PADS came into her life, I can’t keep...
Assistant Puppy Trainer | Position Filled
THE POSITION The Assistant Puppy Trainer position is a brand new entry-level position in the Puppy-Raising Program (PRP) with planned advancement through to Puppy Raising Instructor (minimum 4 year process). The Assistant Puppy Trainer is part of an...
Leahy: 2020 Legends
Leahy was truly an exceptional PADS Service Dog with a long career helping her partner Anya.
Macbeth: 2020 Legends
Macbeth touched thousands of lives and had the longest working career in the history of PADS.
Caber: 2020 Legends
One could write pages about the impact that Caber has had on those affected by trauma.
Meet the BC Creeks Litter
Meet the BC Creeks LitterClick on the video below to watch the Pawcast from Tuesday, December 15th at 1:00 PM PST featuring the BC Creeks Litter!
Lore | November 2020
My raisers moved to North Vancouver! Settling into a new place comes with lots of new smells, new changes, new stresses, and new opportunities to grow. Plus... North Van has lots of new trails and outdoor spaces to explore! Extra chew time, extra outside walks and...
Norquay | November 2020
It has been a tough month. Everyday I wake up and get busy with my morning to-do list: bathroom and breakfast. Then I have a my first morning nap by the fireplace. If Mom is home she always turns on the fireplace for me. But usually I am at home with Dad because he...