PALS PET ACCESS LEAGUE SOCIETY

PALS is a non-profit, registered, charitable organization located in Calgary, Alberta, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of individuals through pet therapy. It began under the auspices of the Calgary SPCA in 1982 and became a separate organization in 1985. PALS has two paid employees and is governed by a board of up to 15 directors. PALS is currently funded completely by private and corporate donations and by fundraising events such as raffles, casinos, and other fund raising activities. PALS also receives funds from the United Way Donor’s Choice Program. The PALS program is provided free to the clients and facilities we serve.
PALS is the largest organization of its kind in North America. Over 450 volunteers and their four-legged pals form 75 teams of up to 10 people. On a pre-set schedule, these teams visit nearly 50 facilities including hospitals, nursing homes, a correctional centre, day programs, group homes, and other care facilities. Each team is directed by a team leader and a facility staff member. Visits are up to one and a half hours long and can include both group visits and one-on-one visits.
The recipients of our Pet Visitation Therapy Program (PVTP) are primarily persons whose response to other forms of therapy is non-existent, or to whom pet therapy would provide an alternative to other more common forms of therapy. Our clients are 75% senior citizens, 5% adults, and 20% children and teenagers.