Accredited facility DOGS

A PADS AFD is a highly trained dog partnered with a professional working in a community, education, healthcare, justice, or wellness setting. These dogs are integrated into service delivery and support client well-being, engagement, and outcomes.

PADS Accredited Facility Dogs (AFDs) are distinct from therapy dogs. While both may provide comfort and emotional support, PADS AFDs are purpose-bred and professionally trained to work alongside their handler as part of an organization’s service delivery team. AFDs receive more than two and a half years of specialized training before placement and are individually matched to their handler and workplace. In addition to providing comfort and connection, they are trained to perform specific tasks that support client wellness, participation, and engagement. 

PADS AFDs are trained to Assistance Dogs International (ADI) standards and successfully complete rigorous public access assessments. This prepares them to work safely and appropriately in professional environments where pets are not typically permitted, including schools, hospitals, courtrooms, counselling settings, and other facilities. 

Accredited Facility Dogs (AFDs) do not have the same public-access rights as personal service dogs under the BC Guide Dog and Service Dog Act or the Alberta Service Dogs Act. PADS AFDs may accompany their designated handler within the handler’s workplace and in other settings directly related to the handler’s professional role, such as a courtroom, but only when the dog is working with its designated handler as part of its approved role. 

Unlike personal service dogs, PADS AFDs are not intended to accompany their handler in all aspects of daily life or into public places unrelated to their work. An AFD’s access is therefore tied to its professional duties, its agency and the designated handler(s), and the workplaces or other environments in which the team has been approved to work. 

Agencies who apply must be a governmental or anon-profit organization and demonstrate how a PADS AFD will directly support the populations that they serve. 

Yes. PADS AFDs should be regularly deployed in work that supports the populations you serve, where they can meaningfully contribute to service delivery and outcomes. 

The agency applying for an Accredited Facility Dog placement and must provide employer support and approval as part of the application process. The applying agency must be prepared to support the placement and the AFD team throughout the dog’s working life. 

The process includes: 

1. Application Form – Please note that both Primary and Secondary Handler must be identified before applying, which must be submitted with complete and accurate information. Once submitted, you will need to pay the $50 non-refundable application fee by clicking this link: https://pads.ca/application-and-team-training-fee-processing-form/
2. Interview – Conducted in person or online (MS Teams) with a member of our Applicant Services Team.
3. Supporting Documents – After your interview we will follow up with additional forms and documentation that we require to further assess your application.
4. Full Application Review – Confirmation that all required documents have been received and meet our criteria. We will then inform you of the outcome once your application has been discussed at our Applicant Committee. If the application is approved by the Committee, you will be added to our waitlist.
5. Waitlist & Updates – PADS will contact you when a potential match is available and will follow up with you periodically to see if there have been any changes to your circumstances. Once a match is confirmed, you will be given information about the next steps associated with being partnered with your PADS AFD. 

Wait times vary based on program capacity, client need, and the availability of a suitable dog. Because each placement is individually matched, timelines cannot be guaranteed.

No, all applications are reviewed for eligibility before being placed on the waitlist.

Agencies are responsible for ongoing costs such as food, equipment, grooming, routine veterinary care, and emergency medical expenses. We would advise that you budget for approximately $4,000-5,000per year.

Team Training prepares the handler(s) and dog to work safely and effectively together, meaning they become a PADS “Team.” Training includes dog handling, workplace integration, public access, welfare, and maintaining training standards. 

PADS provides ongoing support throughout the partnership, including follow-up training, consultation, certification requirements, and guidance to help the agency and the handler(s) succeed. 

Because Accredited Facility Dogs are matched to an agency, any change in employment may affect the placement. PADS will work with all parties to determine the most appropriate next steps, such as finding a different employee within the agency to act as a primary or secondary handler in their place.

PADS works with the handler and organization to develop a retirement plan that ensures the dog’s well-being and recognizes its years of service.

Applications for our Accredited Facility Dogs have reached capacity and are now closed. If you have any questions, please reach out to applicant.services@pads.ca.