St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program

Apply

Take the SJA Therapy Dog Qualification Quiz

Ready to make a difference with your dog? Take our quick qualification quiz to see if you’re eligible to join our program.

Take the Quiz

Request a Therapy Dog Visit_St John Ambulance

Request a Visit from an SJA Therapy Dog

Bring the comfort of an SJA Therapy Dog to your facility or event. Our teams are here to brighten lives and provide emotional support.

Request Services

Proudly Sponsored by Subaru

Subaru supports our SJA Therapy Dog Program to help spread compassion and connection. In recognition of this commitment, Subaru Canada offers all St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog volunteers a $750 rebate on the purchase or lease of a new Subaru vehicle.

Learn More

Meet the People Behind the Paws

Discover the heartwarming journeys of our St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog alumni and their handlers. With over 2,500 teams and 275,000+ volunteer hours, they’re making a lasting difference in our communities.

Meet Joy & Elaine S.

"I felt great knowing how much I can do to help someone with something as little as just sharing my dogs during a very stressful time. Makes me feel on top of the world."

Saskatchewan

Meet Nevaeh & Kennedy H.

"I am grateful for the countless opportunities this program has given us. The joy we bring to others is matched only by the joy we receive in return. This journey has enriched our lives in ways I never imagined!"

Winnipeg

Meet Chloe & Allison S.

"Lately Chloe has been supporting victims during court testimony. She is one “busy dog with a job!” We love being partners and it’s a privilege to meet the many people that we cross paths with in our work providing support to others in our community."

Ontario

Meet Roo & Sally R

"Seeing how Roo and I can help people feel less anxious, provide support, brighten their day, or bring joy to people, whether at a school, university or at hospice, makes me feel like each interaction, even if short, is impactful."

Nova Scotia

Volunteer Opportunities

St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog services are provided in a wide range of community settings such as:

Hospitals
Seniors residences and care facilities
Schools, universities, and colleges
Community centres and libraries

Apply Now

The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program provides opportunities for individuals to:

Talk with the volunteer and the SJA Therapy Dog
Feel, touch, pet and cuddle the SJA Therapy Dog
Receive unconditional love from the SJA Therapy Dog
Carry-out or practice an activity in the presence of the SJA Therapy Dog

Donate

St. John Ambulance Canada is one of Canada’s oldest charitable organizations. In most cases, we do not receive any federal government funding...

Medical First Responder

The Medical First Responder is an advanced course targeted to the community responder requiring more than Standard First Aid (CPR-C) training.

Emergency Response Unit

When a natural or human disaster strikes, St. John Ambulance volunteers are there with advanced first aid and life-saving skills, experience and...