Our vision is to transform lives, one moment at a time and advance the Service Dog sector. Our dream is wellness and support for all.
Our mission is to empower individuals through highly trained Service Dogs and a supportive community focused on transformative impact.
WELL-BEING
We are committed to supporting mental, emotional and physical wellness by encouraging balance and boundaries for our staff, dogs, volunteers and clients.
COMPASSION
We are dedicated to approaching all relationships with mindfulness, patience and empathy.
HARMONY
We aspire to have a collaborative community which promotes respect and safety, acknowledging everyone has an important role.
CONNECTION
We believe the foundation of our organization is strong, meaningful relationships that allow everyone to feel seen, heard and valued.
HOPE
We are future-focused with a belief in the possibility of dreams taking flight.
Our History
- Founded in 1996, we registered as a charitable organization.
- In 2003, we added the Service Dog Program.
- In 2007, we expanded to offer Autism Service Dogs for children.
- In 2009, we added the Facility Dog Program
- *In 2025, we discontinued the Autism Service Dog program and added the PTSD/Trauma Service Dog program, Therapy Dog program, and Wellness Dog program. (Applications opening in August/September 2025! Watch our site and social media for more information.)
Organization and Governance
- We place Assistance Dogs across Western Canada.
- We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
- Accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI).
- We are a member of Humane Canada.
Training Philosophy
At Dogs with Wings, our training philosophy is rooted in compassion and partnership, guided by the standards set forth by Assistance Dog International (ADI). Here’s how we approach training:
- Respect for Our Dogs: We recognize that our dogs are deserving of dignity and respect.
- Building Partnership: Our focus is on fostering a strong partnership between the learner and the handler, built on teamwork and trust as the cornerstone.
- Empowerment and Choice: We create an environment where the learner feels empowered to make choices and explore their surroundings freely.
- Positive Reinforcement: Training is based on the principles of positive reinforcement, following the guidelines of LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive), with a commitment to abstain from physical punishment.
- Health and Welfare First: Before any training is implemented, we prioritize addressing the health and welfare needs of the dog, following the Humane Hierarchy principle.
- Individualized Approach: Each learner is treated as a unique individual with specific needs and desires, ensuring personalized attention and care.
- Science-based Methods: We advocate for scientifically proven training methods such as shaping, luring, and capturing, while avoiding techniques like spatial pressure or physical handling.
- Minimal Equipment Use: We aim to minimize the use of additional tools and equipment on the dog, prioritizing their comfort and well-being.
- Avoidance of Aversive Equipment: We refrain from using equipment that applies aversive stimuli, including but not limited to shock collars, prong collars, *slip leads, or *spray devices. *Slip leads or Pet corrector/Citronella spray may be used outside of training in the unlikely event of an emergency transportation device, or to assist in emergency conflict situations.
- Upholding Animal Welfare: As a member of Humane Canada, we adhere to the Five Domains of Animal Welfare.
- Client Task & Well-being Consideration: The tasks trained for the dog’s client are carefully selected to ensure they do not compromise the dog’s well-being.
- Respect for Individual Choice: We continuously assess the dog’s personality and strengths to allow them to choose the program that best suits them. We acknowledge that not all dogs are suitable for every program and prioritize their well-being by releasing them to become pets when it’s in their best interest.