Volunteer with WAGS
Share the calm, friendly presence of your dog and help create supportive spaces for students.
If your dog enjoys meeting people, WAGS offers a purposeful way to support student mental health and wellness. Volunteers and their wellness dogs create calm, welcoming moments for students across campus.
Who can volunteer with WAGS
WAGS volunteers bring their wellness dog to scheduled sessions and campus events. This is what we’re looking for in our WAGS volunteers.
You are a current staff or faculty member.
You have a dog that enjoys calm, friendly interactions with new people.
You feel comfortable guiding respectful student–dog interactions.
You can participate in occasional WAGS sessions or campus events.
Volunteers remain with their dog at all times to ensure each interaction is safe, respectful and positive for students and the dog.
Meet Jamie and Bella
Jamie, a MacEwan staff member, volunteers with her dog Bella, a German shepherd–collie mix. Bella is playful, affectionate, energetic and gentle. She loves to fetch and get cuddles. She is known for greeting students with a wagging tail and for playing Frisbee, catch and soccer. When she’s tired, she enjoys hanging out and relaxing with others.
Watch for Bella at a campus event near you!
Requirements for WAGS dogs
To support a positive experience for students, volunteers and dogs, all participating dogs must meet program requirements.
WAGS dogs should have the following traits:
- calm and friendly around unfamiliar people
- patient with gentle interactions from multiple students
- comfortable in busy environments such as hallways or student spaces
- able to behave reliably and remain relaxed when approached and petted
Dogs must also meet these criteria:
- at least one year old
- live with the handler
- healthy
- well-groomed
- up to date on vaccinations
- a successful WAGS dog assessment
The assessment helps ensure that each dog is comfortable and confident in the campus environment.
How the volunteer process works
Complete the application form
Tell us about yourself and your dog and let us know why you want to volunteer with us.
Program review
The WAGS coordinator reviews your application to determine whether your handler team (you and your dog) are a good fit for the program. In some circumstances, this may include an in-person interview on the MacEwan University campus with you and your dog present.
Dog evaluation
Selected applicants participate in an in-person assessment to ensure the dog is comfortable interacting with students in a campus setting. Not every dog is suitable for the WAGS program. The assessment helps ensure a positive and safe experience for students, volunteers and dogs.
Documentation
If your dog passes the evaluation, we request an updated criminal record and vulnerable sector check and your dog’s health and vaccination records. Volunteers must also sign a volunteer partnership agreement that outlines program guidelines.
Volunteer orientation and training
New volunteers receive support and mentorship during their initial visits. In addition, in-person and virtual training sessions equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for the role.
Join the WAGS volunteer team
Once approved, volunteers are offered opportunities to participate in WAGS sessions and campus events that align with their dog’s temperament and comfort level.