In April 1994 a group of individuals met to share a common dream - each held a strong personal and professional belief in the value of the human-animal bond. Some were involved in pet therapy programs as visitors, some coordinated pet therapy programs and some referred people to these programs. They shared a common vision of a Society to promote pet therapy activities and programs relating to the human animal bond within the City of Edmonton and surrounding areas.

They saw themselves becoming a referral agency to help connect volunteers and facilities. They saw a need to help facilities set up and support their own programs and companion animal’s needs. They recognized that there was a need for advocacy on the part of seniors and their companion animals.

Following a year of detailed planning The Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta was incorporated and held its first public meeting. The need and support for the Society was substantiated and important objectives were accomplished during the first year. Training to prepare individual and companion animal teams was identified as a major goal and much of the Society’s energy was directed to designing a 12-hour introductory education program and manual.

In 1996 the Society established collaborative partnerships with other organizations in the community to support the activities of the Society and developed new initiatives and projects. “PAWS For A Visit” became the first program of the Society offering training, referral and support to volunteer and professionals involved in pet therapy programs as well as a coordinated “team visit” program for continuing care facilities and seniors’ programs in the community.

In 1997 the “PAWS For A Visit” program expanded to include mental health programs and other specialized programs benefiting those clients as well as the senior and geriatric population. In response to feedback and numerous requests from facilities both in the area served directly by The Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta and others worldwide, a Facility Manual was produced with guidelines for setting up pet therapy programs in facilities. A highlight of that year was the Society’s participation in hosting a Pet Partners Animal Evaluation Course for the Delta Society and the Human Animal Bond Association of Canada (HABAC). In 1997 the Society also initiated planning for “PAWS In The Classroom” to bring experiential learning to adolescents meeting “at risk” criteria and “PAWS To Remember” to support bereaved pet owners having difficulty coping with loss of a pet.

In 1998 the Pet Therapy Society developed “PAWS In Progress” to identify new and innovative programs addressing societal concerns such as young offender, women in correctional facilities, family violence and illiteracy. In 2000 the Pet Therapy Society identified “PAWS-itive Education” as its newest program. “PAWS-itive Education” includes education seminars and workshops for Pet Therapy Society members and the community at large to enhance their knowledge of companion animals and the human-animal bond.

1995

• Incorporated under The Societies Act in the Province of Alberta as the Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta on April 18, 1995.
• Held its first General Meeting at St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital on April 19, 1995.
• Published first newsletter in June 1995.
• Board member Nancy Kiss awarded Certified Evaluator status by Therapy Dogs International.

1996

• Published training manual, “PAWS For A Visit: An Introduction to Pet Therapy.”
• Board member Darlene McDonnell awarded Certified Evaluator status by Therapy Dogs International.
• Revenue Canada approved Registered Charity for Pet Therapy Society.
• Developed Code of Ethics for volunteers and facilities involved in pet therapy programs.
• Initiated planning for “PAWS In The Classroom” for delivery to at-risk adolescents in the school system.
• Website developed by member Jim Connell linking the Pet Therapy Society with pet therapy individuals and groups world-wide.

1997

• Participated in Research Expo at the University of Alberta; featured doctorate material by Board member Eunice Johannson and Internet resources coordinated by member Jim Connell.
• Began monthly support meetings for bereaved pet owners at the Education Psychology Clinic at the University of Alberta.
• Participated in a trade show and information fair at the International Symposium on Therapeutic Recreation.
• Presented first "PAWS In The Classroom" program to students at Britannia Junior High School.
• Launched "PAWS To Remember" a support program for bereaved pet owners; monthly support meetings began at the University of Alberta.
• Provided site assistance for the HABAC-sponsored Delta Society Pet Partners Animal Evaluator Course.
• Board members Nancy Kiss, Sister George, Deb Northfield, and Marilyn Melnychuk become certified evaluators for the Delta Society.
• Participated in the United Way’s Great Human Race.
• Hosted the Society’s first annual Heroes Dinner and Silent Auction.
• Held first Celebration of Remembrance on December 7th at City Hall for pet owners to honour the memory of a special companion animal.

1998

• Conducted first visit to Edmonton Young Offenders Centre; over 150 young offenders participated in the visit.
• Conducted first Memorial Service at Alberta Pet Memorial Gardens.
• Published first edition of "PAWS To Remember" newsletter for pet loss clients and their friends.
• Invited to be involved in filming for "All About Dogs", a series being considered by the Life network.
• Hosted the first Pet Therapy Society's Fun Match at Susan Perry’s Country Kennels.
• Published first edition of "PAWS in Your Facility" newsletter for healthcare facilities in the Edmonton area.
• Participated in a trade fair display at the IAVE World Volunteer Conference in Edmonton.
• Pet Therapy Society members Nancy Kiss & Cadie and Darlene McDonnell & Sebastian received Certificates for Outstanding Service in the Beyond Limits Awards presented by the Delta Society.

1999

• Published "PAWS In Your Facility: A Guide To Planning Your Pet Therapy Program," a manual to assist facilities.
• Held the first annual "Pets Make A Difference" Essay Contest for Grade 6 students at selected schools.
• Conducted Pets In Need Pilot Project in conjunction with the Edmonton Police Service (Spousal Violence Intervention Team), the Edmonton SPCA and three local women’s shelters to determine need, feasibility of providing a foster care program for companion animals displaced due to domestic violence.
• Commenced pilot project at Alberta Bosco Homes, a residential treatment facility for children and adolescents with emotional and behavioural problems.
• Hosted a Canadian Canine Good Citizen Evaluator Orientation to introduce HABAC’s CCGC Program to Northern Alberta.
• Presented workshop on "Critter Comfort: Pets In Palliative Care" at the Palliative Care Symposium in Edmonton.
• Conducted an in-service for staff & volunteers in Vermilion.
• Participated in Focus Group meetings held to assist in developing a new direction for the Edmonton SPCA in the next five years.
• Participated in a trade fair at the Catholic Health Association of Alberta Conference.
• Entered into partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Edmonton SPCA for the Chimo Project, a pilot project addressing the role of companion animals in the treatment of individuals with mental illness.

2000

• Conducted pilot project PAWS in the Pen at the Edmonton Institution for Women.
• Revised PAWS for a Visit manual to include the new Pet Education Program requirements regarding Canine Good Citizen Test and health screening.
• Celebrated the Society's 5th Birthday with clowns and cake at the AGM.
• Introduced a new logo design
• Provided administrative and site assistance for a seminar on Calming Signals presented by Turid Rugaas of Norway.
• Hosted a T-Touch weekend workshop with Phyllis Bauerlein at Heart's Content.
• Published the first edition of “PAWSitively Speaking....” to Edmonton area Veterinary Health Professionals.
• Conducted first visit to the University of Alberta students living in HUB residence.
• Attended the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association conference in Calgary.

2001

• Participated in a trade show at the Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers Conference.
• Held a group study session for Delta Society's Pet Partner program attended by 17 individuals.
• Pet Therapy Society featured on a one hour show on ACCESS TV.
• CISN Radio named the Pet Therapy Society as its' Charity of the Month.
• PAWS in Need program recognized as a nominee for the 2001 Duncan & Craig Laurel Awards.
• Accepted unanimously as an Affiliate member of the IAHAIO at the annual meeting in Rio de Janeiro and officially endorsed the Rio Declaration.
• Established the John Brown Award in memory of John Brown and his Golden Retriever, longtime visitors at Capital Care Grandview.
• Published the first 'Visitor Bulletin', a bi-monthly publication to keep Pet Therapy Society members aware of current news.
• Presented the 5th annual Dog Gone Good Weekend; this year featured The Cat's Meow with cat behaviourist, Dr. Natalia Krawetz.
• Hosted the 5th annual Hero's Dinner and Silent Auction.
• Held the 5th annual Celebration of Remembrance at City Hall.

2002

• Presented Holistic Health and Nutrition Seminar with Wendy Volhard, author of “Dog Training for Dummies” and “The Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog.”
• Presented “A B C’s of Smartest Dog Training” workshop with author Dr. Bonnie Bergin, founder of Canine Companions for Independence, the Assistance Dog Institute and recipient of an Oprah “Use Your Life Award.”
• Participated in a trade fair at Alberta Lodge Activity Coordinators conference.
• Conducted an in-service in Westlock for Recreation Therapists in Aspen Health Authority.
• Received grant of $24,123 from Wild Rose Foundation to hire a Program Director to do an in-depth review of the society's programs.
• Commenced CCGC information nights for people planning to take the CCGC Test.
• Commenced Pet Loss Support Group meetings in Spruce Grove under the direction of John Rushton and Patti Walker.
• Published 'An Introduction to Planning a Pet Therapy Program: Self Assessment Guide.’
• Presented a session on animal-assisted therapy at the Alberta Association of Animal Health Technologies conference.
• Pet Therapy Society represented by Board Member Michelle Shaw at the annual general meeting of IAHAIO in Seattle, WA.
• Presented the first John Brown Award to Stephanie Bicari & Furbee.
• Board of Directors approved a new governance structure to enhance the effectiveness of the Board.

2003

• Officially began its newest program, “PAWS For A Story”; its goal is to improve literacy and reading skills in young students by having them practice reading to a non-judgmental listener, a therapy animal.
• Revised website launched by website designer Norman Ho providing useful information about Pet Therapy Society programs to visitors.

2004

• Participated in a trade fair at Western Canadian Therapist Assistant Conference.
• PAWS for a Story saw growth with several new schools and library branches in the Edmonton area participating. As well, Pet Therapy Society members introduced the program to schools in Grimshaw and Grande Prairie.
• Conducted "Critter Comforts: Bringing a Pet Therapy Program to Your Community", a two day workshop to assist individuals and organizations who may not be able to participate in the Pet Education Program due to distance.
• Presented "Dances With Dogs" workshop with Carolyn Scott who, with her Golden Retriever - Rookie, has continually set a standard of excellence in the sport of Canine Freestyle.