How to Volunteer

Dear Applicant;

Thank you for your interest in PALS. PALS is a non-profit, registered, charitable organization located in Calgary, Alberta dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of individuals through pet therapy. It began under the auspices of the Calgary SPCA in 1982 and became a separate organization in 1985. PALS has two paid employees and is governed by a board of up to 15 directors. PALS is currently funded completely by private and corporate donations and by fundraising events such as raffles, casinos, and other fund raising activities. PALS also receives funds from the United Way Donor's Choice Program. The PALS program is provided free of charge to the clients and facilities we serve.

PALS is the largest organization of its kind in North America. Over 450 volunteers and their four-legged pals (purebreds as well as crossbreeds) form 75 teams of up to 10 people per team. On a pre-set schedule these teams visit nearly 50 facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, group homes, a correctional centre, day programs and other care facilities. Each team is directed by a team leader and a facility staff member. Visits are up to one and a half hours long and can include both group visits and one-on-one visits.

The recipients of our Pet Visitation Therapy Program (PVTP) are primarily persons whose response to other forms of therapy is non-existent, or to whom pet therapy would provide an alternative to other more common forms of therapy. 75% of PALS clients are senior citizens, 5% are adults, and 20% are children and teenagers.

Please be aware that potential PALS volunteers are required to:

Complete and return a two part application form
Attend a personal interview with your pet
Accompany your animal to a pet screening test
Provide proof of current vaccination for your pet
Have your veterinarian complete a Pet Health Assessment
Submit to a Calgary Police Service or RCMP Security Clearance

If accepted, new PALS volunteers are required to:

Make a firm commitment for a minimum of 1 year to visit with a PALS team twice a month

Considerable time and effort are involved in qualifying a volunteer and their pet for PALS
Commitment on the part of volunteers is essential to the success of the PALS program
Clients, facilities and other PALS volunteers depend on your attendance
A volunteer will lose his/her status as a PALS volunteer if more than three consecutive visits are missed

Attend a PALS orientation
Attend a separate facility orientation if required
Purchase an annual PALS membership ($20.00 single, $30.00 family)
Participate in at least one fundraising event per year
Provide annual proof of vaccination and/or Pet Health Assessment as requested.
Attend pet re-screens as required.

If PALS is the organization for you, we are pleased to have you complete the accompanying application form. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the PALS office.