WESTCOAST ACCESS

Local Contact:

Kathy McCausland - 604 485-6940

Westcoast ACCESS integrates humans and animals for the physical and emotional well-being of people with special needs. Programs include:

• Assist dogs: a companion dog, trained to assist people with various needs. Each assist dog's training is customized to the recipients needs. For example, the assist dog may pick up articles, open doors, pull a wheelchair, stand for support, take messages, and give an alert in response to needs.
• Therapy dog: a friendly dog trained by a member of ACCESS to regularly visit people in private or community residence.
• Dogs for seniors: a trained companion dog is placed in a senior's home as a pet.
• Dog smart: trained dogs and handlers provide public education on how to approach a dog for a positive response.
• Youth groups: a free program for young people that covers dog obedience, training, grooming, anatomy, behaviour and care of dogs. They make regular visits to the mall, Olive Devaud Residence, and the Extended Care Unit, where they learn the social skills of presenting themselves and the dogs in public, and provide enjoyment for others, while raising the profile of ACCESS.

Westcoast ACCESS relies totally on volunteers and private and corporate donations.