Each year at PADS we gather to celebrate our people and our community. We truly appreciate the sacrifice AND gifts that come from leading a life of service. The sacrifice comes by way of time, energy and resources and generally speaking, it can take you away from things that one sometimes might rather be doing. But our hope for each of our volunteers is that the gifts far outweigh the sacrifice. You tend to say that you love PADS, you love our community, you love the dogs, you love learning and you love being part of such an extraordinary mission.
This page is a collection of the Volunteer Award Winners from 2019 onwards. Please join us in celebrating their accomplishments!
Covid Heroes
The 2020 -2021 year has been an undeniably challenging one – for all of us at PADS. It also has meant that new volunteer roles had to be developed on the fly to support new ways of doing business – many of these individuals took on increased workloads related to COVID-19 and some provided specialized expertise or skills that we’ve never needed before. To each of them we are grateful!
Instructor’s Assistant | Accepting Applications
The Instructor’s Assistant cares for dogs in training and the areas they use at PADS’ facilities.
Meet Team Pinto
CLIENT BLOG: Team Pinto have found a renewed sense of independence after being matched last year.
Meet Team Toast
CLIENT BLOG: Tom describes the impact that PADS AFD Toast has had at Surrey Christian Elementary.
AFD Iris II Retires
After a long career supporting students as an Accredited Facility Dog, PADS AFD Iris II has officially hung up her blue vest.
CBC RADIO: Yukon Morning with Elyn Jones | August 15, 2025
Elyn Jones reports on Ali Harper and her dog Thorin, who are participating in a charity tournament in Whitehorse this weekend to raise funds for support dogs for first responders.
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION: Indy
‘Velcro Dog’ Indy is looking for a soft spot to land – will it be right by your side?
Meet Team DeeDee
CLIENT BLOG: In her own words, hear how PADS DeeDee has become a companion, a guardian, and a bridge to independence for Rhi.
Pickleball, Pints, and Purpose
Pacific Assistance Dogs Society and the qathet Pickleball Association teamed up for a day of fun and fundraising in July at Dinks and Drinks for Dogs 2025.
Burnaby Puppy Days: Learn More About Volunteering
Puppy Days Info Sessions are a chance to learn more about volunteering at PADS. You’ll also get to meet some of our amazing volunteers and dogs in training!
Meet the Class of 2024 VIPs
Meet the Very Important Pets who landed in their furever homes in 2024!
Meet Team Tahsis
CLIENT BLOG: Read how PADS Tahsis has restored Sarah-Kate’s independence.
Volunteers of the year
Instructor’s Assistant | Accepting Applications
The Instructor’s Assistant cares for dogs in training and the areas they use at PADS’ facilities.
Meet Team Pinto
CLIENT BLOG: Team Pinto have found a renewed sense of independence after being matched last year.
Meet Team Toast
CLIENT BLOG: Tom describes the impact that PADS AFD Toast has had at Surrey Christian Elementary.
AFD Iris II Retires
After a long career supporting students as an Accredited Facility Dog, PADS AFD Iris II has officially hung up her blue vest.
CBC RADIO: Yukon Morning with Elyn Jones | August 15, 2025
Elyn Jones reports on Ali Harper and her dog Thorin, who are participating in a charity tournament in Whitehorse this weekend to raise funds for support dogs for first responders.
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION: Indy
‘Velcro Dog’ Indy is looking for a soft spot to land – will it be right by your side?
Meet Team DeeDee
CLIENT BLOG: In her own words, hear how PADS DeeDee has become a companion, a guardian, and a bridge to independence for Rhi.
Pickleball, Pints, and Purpose
Pacific Assistance Dogs Society and the qathet Pickleball Association teamed up for a day of fun and fundraising in July at Dinks and Drinks for Dogs 2025.
Burnaby Puppy Days: Learn More About Volunteering
Puppy Days Info Sessions are a chance to learn more about volunteering at PADS. You’ll also get to meet some of our amazing volunteers and dogs in training!
Meet the Class of 2024 VIPs
Meet the Very Important Pets who landed in their furever homes in 2024!
Meet Team Tahsis
CLIENT BLOG: Read how PADS Tahsis has restored Sarah-Kate’s independence.
Spirit of PADS award
This award is awarded to volunteers that demonstrate extraordinary commitment to PADS and our community in their efforts to support PADS’ mission and vision and is awarded each year to one or more volunteers (or household).
Instructor’s Assistant | Accepting Applications
The Instructor’s Assistant cares for dogs in training and the areas they use at PADS’ facilities.
Meet Team Pinto
CLIENT BLOG: Team Pinto have found a renewed sense of independence after being matched last year.
Meet Team Toast
CLIENT BLOG: Tom describes the impact that PADS AFD Toast has had at Surrey Christian Elementary.
AFD Iris II Retires
After a long career supporting students as an Accredited Facility Dog, PADS AFD Iris II has officially hung up her blue vest.
CBC RADIO: Yukon Morning with Elyn Jones | August 15, 2025
Elyn Jones reports on Ali Harper and her dog Thorin, who are participating in a charity tournament in Whitehorse this weekend to raise funds for support dogs for first responders.
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION: Indy
‘Velcro Dog’ Indy is looking for a soft spot to land – will it be right by your side?
Meet Team DeeDee
CLIENT BLOG: In her own words, hear how PADS DeeDee has become a companion, a guardian, and a bridge to independence for Rhi.
Pickleball, Pints, and Purpose
Pacific Assistance Dogs Society and the qathet Pickleball Association teamed up for a day of fun and fundraising in July at Dinks and Drinks for Dogs 2025.
Burnaby Puppy Days: Learn More About Volunteering
Puppy Days Info Sessions are a chance to learn more about volunteering at PADS. You’ll also get to meet some of our amazing volunteers and dogs in training!
Meet the Class of 2024 VIPs
Meet the Very Important Pets who landed in their furever homes in 2024!
Meet Team Tahsis
CLIENT BLOG: Read how PADS Tahsis has restored Sarah-Kate’s independence.
Verne Trevoy award
Verne Trevoy was a Calgary volunteer, a PADS client, and an extraordinary gentleman. With his partner, PADS Service Dog Charlie, at his side, was the heart and soul of the Calgary program. Verne was single handedly responsible for recruiting countless volunteers, donors and even staff to our cause with his gentle, yet passionate, dedication.
This award is presented to a Calgary volunteer (or household) when there is a recipient who exemplifies Verne’s passion and dedication.
Instructor’s Assistant | Accepting Applications
The Instructor’s Assistant cares for dogs in training and the areas they use at PADS’ facilities.
Meet Team Pinto
CLIENT BLOG: Team Pinto have found a renewed sense of independence after being matched last year.
Meet Team Toast
CLIENT BLOG: Tom describes the impact that PADS AFD Toast has had at Surrey Christian Elementary.
AFD Iris II Retires
After a long career supporting students as an Accredited Facility Dog, PADS AFD Iris II has officially hung up her blue vest.
CBC RADIO: Yukon Morning with Elyn Jones | August 15, 2025
Elyn Jones reports on Ali Harper and her dog Thorin, who are participating in a charity tournament in Whitehorse this weekend to raise funds for support dogs for first responders.
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION: Indy
‘Velcro Dog’ Indy is looking for a soft spot to land – will it be right by your side?
Meet Team DeeDee
CLIENT BLOG: In her own words, hear how PADS DeeDee has become a companion, a guardian, and a bridge to independence for Rhi.
Pickleball, Pints, and Purpose
Pacific Assistance Dogs Society and the qathet Pickleball Association teamed up for a day of fun and fundraising in July at Dinks and Drinks for Dogs 2025.
Burnaby Puppy Days: Learn More About Volunteering
Puppy Days Info Sessions are a chance to learn more about volunteering at PADS. You’ll also get to meet some of our amazing volunteers and dogs in training!
Meet the Class of 2024 VIPs
Meet the Very Important Pets who landed in their furever homes in 2024!
Meet Team Tahsis
CLIENT BLOG: Read how PADS Tahsis has restored Sarah-Kate’s independence.
Juanita Valentine award
The Juanita Valentine Award is named for this fiesty lady that spent a lifetime supporting PADS with ferocious tenacity, perseverance, and love. This award is now presented only when there is a recipient that reflects her remarkable spirit and commitment. May be presented to any volunteer (or household) in British Columbia.
Instructor’s Assistant | Accepting Applications
The Instructor’s Assistant cares for dogs in training and the areas they use at PADS’ facilities.
Meet Team Pinto
CLIENT BLOG: Team Pinto have found a renewed sense of independence after being matched last year.
Meet Team Toast
CLIENT BLOG: Tom describes the impact that PADS AFD Toast has had at Surrey Christian Elementary.
AFD Iris II Retires
After a long career supporting students as an Accredited Facility Dog, PADS AFD Iris II has officially hung up her blue vest.
CBC RADIO: Yukon Morning with Elyn Jones | August 15, 2025
Elyn Jones reports on Ali Harper and her dog Thorin, who are participating in a charity tournament in Whitehorse this weekend to raise funds for support dogs for first responders.
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION: Indy
‘Velcro Dog’ Indy is looking for a soft spot to land – will it be right by your side?
Meet Team DeeDee
CLIENT BLOG: In her own words, hear how PADS DeeDee has become a companion, a guardian, and a bridge to independence for Rhi.
Pickleball, Pints, and Purpose
Pacific Assistance Dogs Society and the qathet Pickleball Association teamed up for a day of fun and fundraising in July at Dinks and Drinks for Dogs 2025.
Burnaby Puppy Days: Learn More About Volunteering
Puppy Days Info Sessions are a chance to learn more about volunteering at PADS. You’ll also get to meet some of our amazing volunteers and dogs in training!
Meet the Class of 2024 VIPs
Meet the Very Important Pets who landed in their furever homes in 2024!
Meet Team Tahsis
CLIENT BLOG: Read how PADS Tahsis has restored Sarah-Kate’s independence.