Why Volunteer?
By volunteering, you directly support the training of service dog teams and help individuals rebuild confidence, independence, and daily stability. Your involvement helps create safer, calmer, and more connected communities.
Volunteer Opportunities
Comfort Dog Team – Y-Q-Cuties Program
Comox Valley Airport (YQQ)
Bring a smile to someone’s journey.
Freedom Paws Canada is looking for dedicated volunteers and their dogs to join the Y-Q-Cuties Comfort Dog Program at Comox Valley Airport (YQQ). This program brings trained dog-and-handler teams into the terminal to offer calm, friendly companionship to travellers who may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or simply in need of a positive moment.
Air travel can be emotional—whether someone is heading out on vacation, traveling for work, or welcoming a loved one home. As a Comfort Dog volunteer, you and your dog can help create a more welcoming, relaxed airport experience for everyone.
What Volunteers Do
- Visit the airport during scheduled volunteer shifts
- Interact with travellers who choose to engage with your dog
- Provide calm, friendly comfort in a busy public environment
- Represent OFP Canada and the Comfort Dog Program with professionalism and care
Eligibility Requirements – Please read before applying
To ensure the safety and success of the program, volunteers must meet the following requirements:
- Dogs must be at least 2 years old
- Proof of up-to-date vaccinations
- Willingness to complete the Canine Good Neighbour (CGN) Test (no cost)
- Attendance at an interview and dog assessment session
- Ability to make a firm commitment to volunteer at least once per month
Why Volunteer?
- Make a meaningful difference in someone’s day
- Share the joy and comfort your dog brings to others
- Be part of a supportive, community-focused volunteer team
- Help create a calmer, more human airport experience
If you and your dog enjoy meeting people and spreading positivity, we’d love to hear from you.
Event & Fundraising Volunteers
FP is always looking for caring and reliable volunteers to support community events and fundraising activities.
These events raise awareness, build connections, and generate critical funding for our service dog programs.
What You May Help With
- Setting up and taking down event spaces
- Welcoming guests and sharing basic information about OFP
- Assisting with registration tables, merchandise, or donation areas
- Supporting raffles, information booths, or fundraising activities
- Helping keep event spaces clean, safe, and organized
- Representing OFP with kindness, professionalism, and respect
Volunteer Requirements
- Friendly, dependable, and positive attitude
- Comfortable interacting with the public and around service dogs
- Able to stand or move for portions of an event shift
- Willing to follow direction from OFP staff or event leaders
- Respectful of OFP’s trauma-informed and supportive environment
Time Commitment
Volunteer opportunities vary by event and may include weekends, evenings, or special community activities.
You can choose the opportunities that best fit your schedule.
Why Volunteer With FP?
By volunteering, you directly support the training of service dog teams and help individuals rebuild confidence, independence, and daily stability. Your involvement helps create safer, calmer, and more connected communities.
Get Involved
We would love to welcome you to the FP volunteer community. Fill out our application form and email it to [email protected].
Administrative / Office Support Volunteer
Location: Fanny Bay, Vancouver Island, BC
Time Commitment: Flexible (approximately 2–4 hours per week)
Role Overview
Administrative volunteers help keep our day-to-day operations organized and running smoothly.
By supporting office tasks, communication, and record-keeping, you allow our trainers and staff to focus on serving clients and preparing service dog teams for success.
Responsibilities
- Assist with emails, messages, and basic correspondence
- Help with filing, data entry, and document organization
- Prepare forms, training materials, and information packages
- Support scheduling, calendars, and reminders
- Maintain a tidy, organized office space
- Provide occasional help with events or program administration
Skills & Qualities
- Reliable, organized, and detail-oriented
- Comfortable with basic computer tasks (email, Word, simple spreadsheets)
- Respectful of confidentiality and sensitive information
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Passion for supporting mental health and service dog programs
- Must have reliable transportation to Fanny Bay
Why Volunteer With Us?
- Make a real difference in someone’s healing journey
- Support the training of life-changing service dogs
- Gain nonprofit and administrative experience
- Join a compassionate, supportive community
- Flexible scheduling that fits your availability
How to Apply
- 1. Complete the Volunteer Application Form and email it to [email protected]
- 2. Attend a short introductory conversation
- 3. Begin volunteering and become part of the Freedom Paws community
📧 Contact: [email protected]
📍 Location: Fanny Bay, Vancouver Island, BC
Foster Dog Program
The Foster Dog Program at Freedom Paws Canada (FPC) plays a vital role in preparing future service dogs for successful partnerships. Foster families provide a safe, stable, and supportive home environment where dogs can grow, learn, and develop the skills needed for service work.
Fostering is not just temporary care—it is a critical part of a dog’s training journey.
What Foster Families Do
Foster families help dogs build strong foundations by:
- Providing daily care, structure, and consistency
- Supporting socialization in home, community, and public settings
- Practicing basic manners and FPC-approved training routines
- Observing and reporting behaviour, stress signals, and progress
- Attending scheduled training sessions and check-ins as required
All training guidance is provided by FPC. Foster families are never expected to “train a service dog on their own.”
What FPC Provides
FPC supports foster families every step of the way, including:
- Clear training plans and expectations
- Ongoing mentorship and professional guidance
- Veterinary care and preventative health support
- Training equipment and program resources
- Emergency support when needed
The dog remains under the responsibility and ownership of OFPC throughout the foster period.
Who Can Foster
We welcome foster applicants who:
- Can provide a calm, stable, and humane home environment
- Are willing to follow FPC training and welfare standards
- Communicate openly and reliably with program staff
- Understand that not every dog will graduate as a service dog
Prior dog experience is helpful but not required—commitment, consistency, and compassion matter most.
A Commitment to Welfare
FPC places the physical and emotional well-being of each dog first. Foster placements are carefully matched, and dogs are monitored for stress, fatigue, and overall suitability for service work. If a dog’s needs change, FPC will adjust the plan accordingly.
Interested in Fostering?
Becoming a foster family is a meaningful way to support veterans and first responders while making a lasting difference in a dog’s life.
Applying to the Foster Dog Program does not guarantee placement. Applications are reviewed based on program needs, capacity, and suitability.
How to Apply
Fill out our application form and email it to [email protected].
Learn more about our training program.
What kind of tasks can Service Dogs perform?
The list is long. Here are some examples:
Blocking (creating space around an individual), Opening doors, drawers, and refrigerators Retrieving specific objects (videotapes, keys, remotes, etc.) or dropped articles, Getting help, Pulling on command, Turning lights on or off, Barking to alert of danger, doorbell, or telephone, Stopping at certain objects, Finding doors or access/egress, Finding scents, Walking slow to lead, Carrying objects.
Working with Veterans, First Responders and Non-veterans has been the greatest experience of my life. Watching a team bond and save each others lives is phenomenal and an incredible life changing experience.
BARB ASHMEAD | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Working with Veterans, First Responders and Non-veterans has been the greatest experience of my life. Watching a team bond and save each others lives is phenomenal and an incredible life changing experience.
BARB ASHMEAD | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Made for success, Purpose for everyone. Goal for every person. A dog for every person. A dog for every goal. A community for all.
KEN |OFP MEMBER
Life Changing.
STEVE |OFP MEMBER
Such a wonderful program. Gracie and I are so thankful to be in it. The instructors are so amazing.
TIA |OFP MEMBER
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