St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program

St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program

Become a part of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program and make a meaningful difference in your community. Join a network of dedicated volunteers and their dogs, providing comfort and connection to those in need across Canada.

Join The Pack Onboarding Video

Could You and Your Dog Be a Good Fit?

Get ready to spread joy with your four-legged friend! 
 

Before You Apply

YOU

✓ 18+ in most regions.

✓ Able to complete the volunteer screening.

✓ Ready for a long-term commitment.

 

YOUR DOG

✓ Meets your local age requirement.

✓ Has lived with you for at least six months.

✓ Healthy, vaccinated, calm, and comfortable around other dogs and people.

 

TOGETHER, you'll complete the Therapy Dog Evaluation. You'll complete visits weekly or bi-weekly, with visits lasting 1-2 hours. 

 

BE THE GOOD.

Turn the bond you already share into comfort and companionship for people in your community.
 

Apply Now  

Take the Therapy Dog Qualification Quiz

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_St John Ambulance

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.

Read More
Meet Joy & Elaine S._Therapy Dog Program_St John Ambulance

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._Therapy Dog Program_St John Ambulance

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._Therapy Dog Program_St John Ambulance

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_Therapy Dog Program_St John Ambulance

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

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
Quick Links
Donate

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

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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.

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