Every skill has a place here
Everyone comes to volunteering with different skills, experiences and availability. Some roles involve working directly with animals, while others support transportation, youth programs, events and other areas of our work. Many roles do not require previous animal experience, and volunteers receive the orientation and training they need for their role.
Our Volunteer team is here to help you understand the opportunities available and consider which role may be right for you. Explore our current volunteer opportunities to get started.
Thank you for considering sharing your time, talents and passion with the Guelph Humane Society (GHS). Volunteers are valued members of our community, and their contributions help us bring hope, care and compassion to animals and people throughout Guelph and Wellington County.
Find a Volunteer Opportunity
Our volunteer needs change throughout the year. Below, you will find the roles currently accepting applications. Each listing includes information about the responsibilities, schedule, experience requirements and how to apply.
If the role you are interested in is not listed, we are not currently recruiting for it. We do not maintain waitlists for volunteer roles. Please check back regularly, as new opportunities are posted when they become available.
The Events Team is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make this special night a huge success!
We’re looking for volunteers to support event set-up and/or the live event, with multiple shifts available. Whether you’re behind the scenes getting everything ready or helping bring the evening to life, there’s a role for you!
We’re looking for volunteers who:
- Are 18+
- Are positive, friendly and excited to engage with our guests
- Are ready to be part of a team and help create a memorable experience for our attendees
Every role helps make the night happen! From set-up to guest support and everything in between, the Events Team needs volunteers in every role.
Apply now (opens in a new tab)What to Know Before You Apply
We want volunteering to be a positive experience for you, the animals and our team. Each role has different responsibilities and requirements, so please review the complete role description before applying.
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Age
Volunteers in animal-care roles must be at least 18 years old. Applicants who are 16 or 17 may volunteer in these roles alongside a parent or guardian. Students aged 14 and older may apply for Youth Leader roles without a parent or guardian and can earn high school community involvement hours.
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Time commitment
Animal-care and driver roles require a commitment of at least six consecutive months. Event and Youth Leader opportunities have different time commitments, which will be included in the role description.
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Schedule and attendance
Before applying, please make sure the role’s schedule and time commitment work for you. Reliable attendance and communication help us provide consistent care and support.
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Volunteer package
Volunteers in in-person roles are required to purchase a $25 volunteer package. It includes a GHS T-shirt and lanyard to wear during volunteer shifts.
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Screening
Some roles require volunteers aged 18 and older to obtain a criminal record check at their own expense. We will let you know during the application process if this applies to the role.
How to Become a GHS Volunteer
Applying gives you and our team an opportunity to learn more about one another and consider whether a role is right for you.
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Explore current opportunities.
Review the available roles and their schedules, responsibilities, experience requirements and time commitments.
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Submit an application.
If you find a role that interests you and is currently recruiting, complete the online application linked in the role description.
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Hear from our Volunteer team.
During active recruitment, our team typically reviews applications once a week, although timing may vary depending on the recruitment schedule. If we would like to move forward with your application, we will contact you to arrange a phone conversation. If we do not have a suitable role available for you at that time, we will let you know by email. Our needs change throughout the year, and we welcome you to apply again when another opportunity interests you.
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Complete any required screening.
Depending on the role, you may need to provide additional information or obtain a criminal record check.
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Attend orientation and training.
If you move forward, you will complete an in-person orientation and role-specific training before beginning. Volunteers in in-person roles will also purchase their GHS volunteer package.
Other ways to get involved
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Foster an Animal
Foster volunteers provide temporary care in their homes for animals who may need time outside the shelter to rest, grow or prepare for adoption. Visit our fostering page to learn what is involved and how to apply.
Learn About Fostering -
Corporate Volunteer Experiences
Bring your team together through a meaningful experience that supports GHS and the animals in our care. Visit our Corporate Volunteer Experiences page to learn about available opportunities for workplace groups.
Explore Corporate Volunteer Experiences
Volunteer FAQs
Experience requirements vary by role. Some opportunities do not require previous experience, while others require specific skills or experience working with animals, children or members of the community.
Relevant experience may come from employment, education, previous volunteer work or personal experience, including caring for animals in your own home. Each opportunity will clearly explain what is required.
All volunteers receive orientation and role-specific training. This training supports volunteers in their roles but does not replace any experience requirements included in the opportunity.
Some volunteer roles involve direct interaction with animals, while others support GHS through transportation, youth programs, events and other activities.
Animal-care roles also involve essential tasks beyond spending time with animals. Depending on the role, you may help with cleaning, laundry, preparing food, enrichment and other activities that support animal health and well-being.
Each opportunity will explain the expected level of animal contact and the responsibilities involved. Whatever role you take on, your contribution will support the care GHS provides.
Animal-care and driver roles require a commitment of at least six consecutive months. Event and Youth Leader opportunities may offer shorter-term ways to help when available.
One-time volunteer experiences may also be available for established community organizations and workplace teams, depending on our current needs and capacity. A donation of $150 is recommended for each group experience.
If you represent a community organization, email volunteer@guelphhumane.ca to discuss an opportunity. Workplace teams can learn more on our Corporate Volunteer Experiences page.
Yes. Students aged 14 and older can earn high school community involvement hours through a Youth Leader role when opportunities are available. A parent or guardian does not need to volunteer alongside them.
If you are interested in another role, please review the age and experience requirements included in the opportunity.
We want our volunteer program to be as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you need an accommodation during the application process, orientation, training or your volunteer role, please email volunteer@guelphhumane.ca.
Our team will work with you to understand your needs, discuss the responsibilities of the role and explore available accommodations.
We can provide a reference letter after you have completed at least six months of volunteer service with GHS. Please request your letter while you are actively volunteering or within one year of leaving GHS.
To request a letter, email our Volunteer team at volunteer@guelphhumane.ca.
Already a GHS Volunteer?
If you currently volunteer with GHS, you can use the volunteer portal to update your information, sign up for opportunities and record your volunteer hours. If you need help accessing the portal, please email volunteer@guelphhumane.ca.
Have Questions About Volunteering?
If you have questions about our current opportunities, role requirements or application process, our Volunteer team is here to help.