Canine Comfort Pet-Assisted Therapy Volunteers
Sign up with your dog to make a difference in the lives of others as a Canine Comfort Pet-Assisted Therapy volunteer team member. You’ll comfort those in our community who need it most by sharing your dog’s unconditional love and friendship. Spread joy at hospitals, nursing homes, schools, rehabilitation centers, libraries, and more during pet-assisted therapy visits, Paws to Read sessions, and other community opportunities.
Please see below for instructions on how you can apply today!
Current Opportunities
Teams are needed to visit the Livermore VA, Kaiser East Bay, Kaiser Hospital in Fremont, and schools in Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore. All visits occur M-F during daytime hours.
August Orientation and Evaluations are Full; Please feel free to apply for the upcoming sessions in October or January.
Upcoming Orientations (for Confirmed Applicants)
October 21, 2024
January 13, 2025
Upcoming Evaluations
October 27, 2024
January 26, 2025
Volunteer Process: 5 Steps
After review of your application, you will be notified if you are pre-approved. Then you can attend the orientation; please submit your application via mail or email, and have access to email, as that is the main method of communication after approval.
- Review our complete list of program policies.
- Print and fill out both Handler and Dog applications and include a copy of your vaccination card.
- Return documents together to the email address on the handler form,
OR by mail to: Valley Humane Society
ATTN: Canine Comfort Pet-Assisted Therapy
3670 Nevada Street
Pleasanton, CA 94566 - Contact: A representative from Valley Humane Society will contact you to confirm receipt of your completed applications, and to schedule your participation in a Canine Comfort Orientation. This is a meeting to introduce the policies and procedures you will need to understand as both a Canine Comfort Pet-Assisted Therapy handler and Valley Humane Society volunteer. Dogs should not be brought to this meeting.
- Schedule: Once you have attended a Canine Comfort Orientation, you will be scheduled with your dog for evaluations.
There are many ways to help!
Shop our wish list, purchase a memorial wall tile, or sponsor an event...there are many other ways to support Valley Humane Society's programs and services.
Ready to Adopt?
If you've already perused our adoptable cat and dog listings, reviewed what to expect from the adoption process, and understand the applicable fees and requirements, let's get started! Here's a link to our online adoption application.