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Be Part of an Unforgettable Journey: Volunteer with PADS at Invictus Games 2025

February 9-16th, 2025

The Invictus Games are more than just a sporting eventβ€”they’re a celebration of resilience, courage, and the unbreakable human spirit. Bringing together wounded, injured, and sick service personnel from around the world, the Games provide a life-changing experience rooted in the healing power of sport. The word Invictus means β€œunconquered,” perfectly capturing the determination and triumph of its competitors.

This year, the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) is honoured to be chosen as the local charity partner and to play a vital role in supporting competitors and their service dogs at the Vancouver and Whistler Games. From ensuring the welfare of these incredible canine partners to educating the public about assistance dogs, PADS volunteers will help create a seamless and inspiring experience for all.

Joining the PADS team at the Invictus Games is a rare opportunity to contribute to a global event that changes lives. Whether you’re providing first aid for service dogs, caring for competitors’ trusted companions, or representing PADS in the heart of the action, you’ll be part of something extraordinary. Plus, you’ll gain valuable experience, meet amazing people, and witness firsthand the remarkable bond between service dogs and their handlers.

Ready to make a difference? Explore the volunteer roles and apply today to help us support the Invictus mission of healing through sport. Together, we can change livesβ€”one dog, one competitor, one moment at a time.

Canine First Aid Attendant

Responsibilities

  • Provide medical support for competitors’ service dogs during emergencies.
  • Collaborate with Eukanuba to meet service dogs’ needs.
  • Triage and perform basic first aid on dogs.
  • Help competitors access emergency veterinary care if needed.

Requirements

  • Be trained in Canine First Aid orΒ are trained in a Veterinary program either assistant, technician, veterinary or other similar schooling
  • Skilled in communication and maintaining calm during emergencies.
  • Minimum 2-day commitment (February 8–16, 2025).

Provided by PADS

  • Training, food, branded gear, and support.
Dog Handler

Responsibilities:

  • Care for service dogs when competitors are unavailable.
  • Understand and meet the dog’s needs (feeding, toileting, settling).
  • Return the dog to its owner at agreed times and locations.

Requirements

  • Onboarded PADS volunteer with at least one year of experience handling PADS dogs.
  • Completed Handler Level 1 and signed Volunteer Agreement.
Driver

Responsibilities

  • Transport competitors and support team in PADS wheelchair-accessible vans.
  • May involve traveling to and from Whistler and Vancouver.

Requirements

  • Valid driver’s license
  • Experience working with people with disabilities and on ramp/tie-down systems (preferred – training can be provided if needed)
  • Preference will be given to volunteers available for longer shifts or multiple days.

Provided by PADS

  • Meals and accommodation if staying overnight.
  • Branded clothing
Puppy Puddle Volunteer (With/Without Dog)

Responsibilities

  • Engage with visitors and provide information about PADS and assistance dogs.
  • Monitor dog welfare and ensure positive interactions.
  • Assist with answering questions or directing to PADS staff.
  • Helping to provide crowd control as needed.

Shift Lengths

  • 30 minutes to 4 hours for volunteers with dogs (depending on the dog’s age).
  • 4 hours for volunteers without dogs.
PADS Ambassador Teams

This role is limited to PADS graduate teams and will be welcoming competitors and their service dogs at the Service Dog Rest Stop in the Village.Β 

Responsibilities

  • Engage with competitors and the public and provide information about PADS and assistance dogs.
  • Assist with answering questions or directing to PADS staff.
  • Helping to provide crowd control as needed.

Shift Lengths

  • 4 hoursΒ 

Provided by PADS

  • Branded clothing/gear for human and dog
Invictus Dispatch Team

This role is the hub and monitors the request email that is given to competitors and will have full contact info for all PADS volunteers activated at the games in order to best support competitors. This position can be done remotely and preference will be given to those that can commit to multiple days.Β 

Requirements

  • Access to a computer with reliable internet & phone with SMS capabilityΒ 
  • Comfortable with technology and calm under pressure

Responsibilities

  • Respond to emails received from competitors and connect them to the appropriate supports.Β 
  • Assist with answering questions or directing to PADS staff.

Shift Lengths

  • 4-8 hours
  • Preference given to those who can volunteer more than 3 days

Provided by PADS

  • Office 365 access to the invictus email address
Construction Support

These volunteers are needed in advance of the games to help construct canine relief areas for several areas of the games (hotels, Invictus Village, etc). Supplies will be provided, but we are looking for volunteers that have the tools to complete a simple contruction project (saw, drill, etc).

APPLY NOW