PALS #pettherapy

Ever wonder how a pet becomes a PAL? 🐾

Each PAL goes through a multi-stage application and evaluation process designed to ensure visits are safe, positive, and enjoyable for everyone involved. Pets are assessed for temperament, behaviour, and comfort around new people and environments, while their handlers learn the policies and procedures that help make visits successful.

Once approved, teams are matched with facilities throughout Calgary where they can share the comfort, connection, and joy of the human-animal bond. 🐶✨

From hospitals and schools to care facilities and community programs, every PAL has the opportunity to make a difference.

We are so proud of and grateful for every pet and human that has applied to be a PAL. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. 💙

Interested in becoming a volunteer?! ➡️ Learn more at palspets.com

Meet your PAL, StanLee 🐾

Big, lovable, and impossible to miss, StanLee isn't exactly known for being sneaky. This stocky guy prefers making an entrance—and winning hearts wherever he goes.

When he's not out on visits with PALS, you'll find him hiking trails, running with his family, or curled up at the foot of the bed after a long day. His favourite treats? Frozen pumpkin and watermelon. 🍉

StanLee loves all dogs, but he has a special bond with his brother, Marvel. Together, they've been foster brothers to more than 30 rescue dogs, helping them learn the ropes and prepare for their forever families! 😮

That gentle, patient nature is exactly what makes StanLee such a wonderful PAL. Through animal-assisted visits, PALS teams help bring comfort, connection, and moments of joy to people in hospitals, schools, care facilities, and communities across Alberta.

Whether he's making a new friend or brightening someone's day, StanLee is always happy to answer the call. 💙

You can help StanLee and his PALS on their mission by donating on our website or sharing our page with a friend!

palspets.com

Here are some snaps of our PALS celebrating Pride Month 🌈💙🐾

Our teams love getting out into the community and showing their support in every way they can!

We’re proud to stand with and support the 2SLGBTQ+ community, this month and always. 🐶🐱✨

Learn more about your PALS and donate to help our mission ➡️ palspets.com

Another week of connection, comfort, and community is ahead for our PALS teams! 🐾💙

This week, our therapy pets and volunteers will be visiting with healthcare workers, adults living with mental health challenges, police officers and support staff, individuals receiving hospice care, and youth in our community.

From supporting nurses who care for others every day to bringing moments of comfort to those facing difficult circumstances, each visit is a reminder of the powerful impact the human-animal bond can have. Our PALS teams help create meaningful connections wherever they go!

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteers and therapy pets who continue to share their time, compassion, and unconditional love with those who need it most. 🐶🐱

Together, we're making a difference. 💙

If you'd like to help make a difference, you can make a donation on our website, or simply share our organization with a friend!
palspets.com

We asked our volunteers why they became part of PALS, and their answers reminded us exactly why our organization is so special. 💙

Over the next little while, we'll be sharing some of their stories. First up is Susan and our PAL, Millie! 🐾

"I hoped one day to be part of the PALS program when I had the time and the right partner (my retirement project). I had no idea how impactful the PALS program could be on the people we visit—or the impact it would have on Millie and me. 🤗 We look forward to our visits with the little humans at Luna and all the travellers through YYC PreBoard PALS. 🛬"

With Stampede just around the corner, Susan shared this sweet throwback photo of Millie and Rupert at a Stampede breakfast in 2024. 🤠🐾

Keep an eye out for your PALS this Stampede season—you never know where you might spot a wagging tail!

Interested in becoming a PALS volunteer? Learn more about joining our community at palspets.com 💙

You don't need to donate to support your PALS. Share this post, share our profile to your story, tag a friend in the comments, or tell someone about PALS. The more people who know about our mission, the more people and communities we can reach! 🐾💙

Our programs are built around one simple idea: the healing power of the human-animal bond.

Through our core programs, PALS teams bring comfort, connection, and support to people of all ages and walks of life. You can find our volunteers and therapy pets visiting hospitals, seniors' residences, schools, mental health programs, hospices, workplaces, community organizations, and special events throughout Calgary and beyond.

Whether it's helping a student feel more confident while reading, bringing a smile to someone in hospital, providing comfort during a difficult time, or simply creating a moment of connection, our therapy pets have a remarkable way of making a difference.

Every visit is unique, but the goal is always the same: to improve well-being, reduce feelings of isolation, and create meaningful moments between people and animals.

🐶 Have you experienced one of our programs? 🐱

MEET PRUDENCE! 😊 11 years ago, yes *ELEVEN* Prudence joined PALS… and she’s been showing up for us ever since.

Still excited. Still friendly. Still absolutely ready to accept all the attention.

A big thanks to Prudence and Marie for all of the love and time you've given to our community.

Drop a 💙 in the comments to celebrate Prudence and her incredible PALS career!