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.
See below for instructions on how you can apply today!
(Please note: applications must be received two weeks prior to orientation date.)
Current Opportunities
Teams are needed to visit Alameda Hospital, Highland Hospital in Oakland, the Livermore VA, San Leandro Hospital, Stanford Children’s Health (Palo Alto), and schools in Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore, Paws to Read (Pleasanton Library 7 pm-8 pm). With the exception of some Paws to Read programs, all visits occur M-F during daytime hours.
Upcoming Orientations (for Confirmed Applicants)
- October 2025: Orientation 10/21 @ 5pm and Evaluation 10/26 (both dates are required) FULL
- February 2026: Orientation 2/9 @ 5pm and Evaluation 2/22 (both dates are required)
Volunteer Application Process
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Valley Humane Society! We welcome applicants that meet the following basic criteria:
- Volunteers must have flexible daytime availability
- Dogs must enjoy petting by strangers
- Dogs must be spayed or neutered
- Teams must meet qualifications (volunteer) and temperament (dog) as laid out in our program policy guidelines.
- Handlers must have access to email, as that is the main method of communication for program volunteers.
If you meet the program criteria, we invite you to submit a Handler application, followed by a Dog application. Applications must be received two weeks prior to orientation date, but space is limited so sign up to reserve your spot now. Once all signed documents are received, we will contact you. Qualified applicants will be scheduled to attend an upcoming orientation (handler only) and behavioral evaluation (dog).
For questions about program criteria or the application process, please submit a Canine Comfort Pet-Assisted Therapy inquiry via our Contact form.
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.