Therapy Dog & Handler Team

CARE PACK Inc. - Volunteer Therapy Dog & Handler Teams

CARE PACK Inc. is a Manitoba-based nonprofit organization dedicated to developing specialized, operationally trained therapy dog and handler teams to provide compassionate emotional support to first responders, emergency services personnel, patients, families, bystanders, and individuals affected by emergencies, traumatic events, and stressful situations.

We are seeking compassionate, dedicated individuals and their dogs who are interested in becoming part of a unique volunteer organization focused on supporting emergency services and communities throughout Manitoba.

CARE PACK welcomes existing certified therapy dog teams, as well as individuals with suitable dogs who are willing to complete the required training, evaluations, and certification process.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

• Participate in approved CARE PACK activities and assignments alongside their therapy dog.


• Provide comfort, emotional support, and positive interactions to first responders, patients, families, bystanders, and individuals experiencing stressful situations.


• Work collaboratively with emergency services personnel while respecting operational procedures, boundaries, and safety requirements.


• Complete CARE PACK's six required handler education courses, along with the specialized operational canine training program being developed in collaboration with Christie at Training Loyal Companions Academy. All required assessments, training, and certifications must be successfully completed before teams are approved for operational assignments.


• Maintain their dog's health, welfare, training, and readiness.


• Attend team meetings, training sessions, and ongoing professional development opportunities.


• Represent CARE PACK with professionalism, compassion, and respect for confidentiality.


• Follow CARE PACK's policies, safety protocols, and direction from authorized personnel.

Who We're Looking For:

Individuals who are compassionate, reliable, comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds, and interested in supporting those affected by emergencies and traumatic events.

Dogs should demonstrate a calm, friendly temperament and the potential to adapt confidently to unfamiliar people, environments, sounds, and situations.

All prospective dog and handler teams will undergo suitability assessments and must successfully complete CARE PACK's requirements before being approved for operational activities.

How to Apply:

Visit www.carepackbuddies.ca to learn more about CARE PACK and apply to become a volunteer therapy dog and handler team.

Ongoing Recruitment: Applications are welcomed throughout the year, with onboarding and training opportunities arranged as they become availab

• Friendly, gentle, and comfortable interacting with unfamiliar people


• Calm, confident temperament with the potential to adapt to challenging environments


• Comfortable being handled and approached by different individuals


• Good basic obedience, appropriate leash manners, and responsiveness to their handler. Additional training and skill development will be incorporated into CARE PACK's specialized operational training program through Training Loyal Companions Academy.


• Physically healthy and appropriately vaccinated, liscensed in accordance with applicable Municipal requirements


• Willingness to participate in specialized operational training and suitability assessments

Previous therapy dog certification is an asset but not required. All applicants and their dogs will be evaluated for suitability.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to develop specialized canine handling skills, emergency services awareness, crisis communication, stress recognition, and trauma-informed approaches to providing emotional support.

Through CARE PACK's required handler education and planned specialized training program with Training Loyal Companions Academy, teams will work toward developing the skills needed to operate safely and professionally in emergency services environments.

Related fields include emergency services, mental health and wellness, crisis intervention, community support, animal-assisted services, and volunteer emergency response.

Flexible scheduling based on volunteer availability, training requirements, and operational needs. Some handler education may be completed online, while canine training, assessments, and operational activities require in-person participation.

• Online Application Form Below
• Email: info@carepackbuddies.ca (Include Opportunity ID)
• Online: www.carepackbuddies.ca