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 7-8 pm). With the exception of some Paws to Read programs, all visits occur M-F during daytime hours.
Next Orientation: October 19, 2026
Applications Due: October 5, 2026
Evaluations will take place October 25 & 26, 2026
Upcoming Orientation: February 2027 (specific dates TBD)
Does Your Dog Have What it Takes to be a Therapy Dog?
We are looking for dogs who:
- Love strangers and enjoy being petted by new people
- Are calm, with no jumping or barking
- Are well-trained and under their handler’s control
- Are clean and well-groomed
- Are comfortable and calm around distractions, including sounds, smells, new environments, and other dogs
Does this sound like your dog? Submit the application linked below to join our team!
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
- Volunteers and dogs must meet the qualifications and temperament requirements outlined in our program policy guidelines.
- Handlers must have access to email, our primary method of program communication.
Ready to Apply?
If you meet the criteria, submit a Handler application, followed by a Dog application.
Applications must be received at least two weeks before orientation. Space is limited, so early applications are encouraged. Once all required documents are received, qualified applicants will be invited to a handler-only orientation and a behavioral evaluation with their dog.
Questions about eligibility or the application process? Submit a Canine Comfort Pet-Assisted Therapy inquiry through 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.