Volunteer

Description:  

Cat Room Cleaning involves cleaning and maintaining the cat condos and rooms. Changing out bedding, refreshing their litter, and providing new food and water. This role also involves washing and sanitizing floors and assisting in the general upkeep to keep rooms clean and comfortable for the day/night. Volunteers would need to be comfortable working directly around cats. 

Requirements: 

Volunteers best suited for this role will be efficient workers and work well independently. Able to physically lift and carry up to 50lbs and wear close toed/non-slip shoes.  

Commitment: 

This role requires a commitment to a weekly shift. Shifts are 8am-11am and 4pm-6pm, Monday through Sunday. 

To Apply:

Complete the volunteer application here!

Description:  

Dog Room Cleaning involves cleaning and maintaining our dog kennels, washing and sanitizing floors and assisting in the general upkeep to keep rooms clean and comfortable for the day/night. This role also involves working in a loud area, volunteers will be provided with hearing protection, volunteers would need to be comfortable working indirectly around dogs.  

Requirements: 

Volunteers best suited for this role will be efficient workers that do well working as a team and independently. Able to physically lift and carry up to 50lbs and wear close toed/non-slip shoes.  

Commitment:  

This role requires a commitment to a weekly shift. Shifts are 8am-11am and 4-6pm, Monday through Sunday. 

To Apply:

Complete the volunteer application here!

Description:

The Events role holds a variety of different opportunities to accommodate many different duties and interests. This Role can involve community engagement, education, adoption and fundraising initiatives.  Tasks may include planning and advertising events beforehand, setting up and taring down an event, helping during the event, joining a planning committee for large events. The duties during the event can range anywhere from educating members of the public about the Guelph Humane Society to caring for and managing animals during an adoption event.

Requirements:

This volunteer role can suit almost anyone depending on what interests you most!

Commitment:

This role does not have a scheduled shift. Volunteer hours will depend on available tasks and will be on an as-needed basis.

To Apply:

Complete the volunteer application here!

Description:  

Housekeeping volunteers play a vital role in assisting our Animal Care Team with their daily cleaning duties so that we can optimize the care that we provide to the many animals at the shelter and in foster. Animal Cleaning volunteers assist with laundry and cleaning dishes throughout the day. 

Requirements: 

Volunteers best suited for this role will be able to follow instructions closely and work independently. 

Commitment:  

This role requires a commitment to a weekly 2-hour shift. Shifts are 9am-11am and 3pm-5pm, Monday through Sunday. 

To Apply:

Complete the volunteer application here!

Description:  

Small Animal Room Cleaning involves cleaning out the small animal cages including rabbits and guinea pigs but could also include birds, rats, hamsters, etc. Volunteers would also have to replace hay, water, bedding, etc. This role also involves washing and sanitizing floors and assisting in the general upkeep to keep rooms clean and comfortable for the day/night. and volunteers would need to be comfortable working directly around various small animals. 

Requirements: 

Volunteers best suited for this role will be efficient workers and work well independently. Able to physically lift and carry up to 50lbs and wear close toed/non-slip shoes. 

Commitment: 

This role requires a commitment to a weekly shift. Shifts are 8am-11am and 4pm-6pm, Monday through Sunday. 

To Apply:

Complete the volunteer application here!

Description: 

Small Animal Socializers come into the shelter to socialize with the small animals. This can include spending time with a rabbit in a small playpen while they stretch their legs or handling a hamster in one of our small pens. Volunteers would also assist the public and answer questions about our facility and the adoption process. 

Requirements: 

Volunteers best suited for this role will be calm, gentle, are comfortable around small animals and work well independently.  

Commitment: 

This role requires a commitment to a weekly 2-hour shift. Shifts are every 2 hours from 10am-4pm, Monday through Sunday. 

To Apply:

Complete the volunteer application here!

Description:

Wildlife Drivers transport wild animals to rehabilitation centres 1 to 3 hours away from our 190 Hanlon Creek Boulevard Location. Wildlife remain contained in a secure box and require a calm, stress-free ride with no handling at all.

Requirements: 

Volunteers best suited for this role will have their own vehicle and a valid driver’s license.

Commitment: 

Mid-April to September, volunteers are required to sign-up for a weekly/bi-weekly driving shift. Shifts will be scheduled in either the morning or afternoon and volunteers should generally expect drives ~2-4 hours in length (round-trip). From October-March, there is no required weekly commitment for this role; volunteers will receive an email when a driver is needed.

Apply online.

Description:

The Guelph Humane Society needs Youth Leader volunteers for our upcoming Summer Critter Camp! Critter Camp runs weekly from July 4th to September 1st from 9:00am until 4:00pm.

Youth Leader volunteers help facilitate our many education programs here at GHS alongside our team of Humane Educators. From Summer Camp to March Break camp, PA Day Camps, Junior Humane Club, and more, this is an exciting opportunity for high school students to enhance their resume, build leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, and get hands-on animal and youth program experience! Hours can also be put towards community service.

Requirements:

This role is best suited to high school students (Grade 9 or above). Volunteers should be positive, enthusiastic, hard-working, and responsible. Experience working with children and/or animals preferred, but not required.

Apply Online!

Description: 

Canine Companions come into the shelter to walk dogs and play with them in the playpen, so they can get some nice outdoor time! 

Requirements: 

Volunteers best suited for this role will have experience with different dog personalities and have a general understanding of canine body language. 

Commitment: 

This role requires a commitment to a weekly 2-hour shift. Shifts are every two hours from 9am-5pm, Monday through Sunday. 

To Apply:

Complete the volunteer application here!

Description: 

Feline Friends come into the shelter to socialize with the cats! Some cats like gentle pets in their cage, while others might like to snuggle on a lap in one of our cozy chairs or have some play time out on the Catio. Volunteers provide cats with reassurance, affection, and comfort during their time at GHS, and they would also assist the public and answer questions about our facility and the adoption process. 

Requirements: 

Volunteers best suited for this role will have experience with cats and a general understanding of feline body language. 

Commitment: 

This role does require a commitment to a weekly 2-hour shift. Shifts are every two hours from 11am-5pm, Monday through Sunday.  

To Apply:

Complete the volunteer application here!

Description:   

The Administrative Assistance role includes a wide range of duties that can include helping with filing, preparing adoption folders, mailing letters – the list goes on and on!

Requirements:  

Volunteers best suited for this role will be organized, have clean penmanship and work well independently.

Commitment:

This role does not currently have a scheduled shift. Volunteer hours will depend on available tasks and will be on an as-needed basis.

Description:   

Adoptions Assistants support the Adoptions Department in facilitating animal adoptions. Volunteers in this role help GHS’ adoptions process run smoothly by providing exceptional customer service, answering questions about animals and the adoption process, preparing adoption folders, and for experienced volunteers, facilitating the re-homing of animals from start to finish.

Requirements:  

Volunteers best suited for this role will have experience with customer service, be proficient in Microsoft Office programs (e.g. Outlook, Teams), be familiar with GHS’ mission and values, have strong knowledge of dog, cat and/or small animal care, be able to communicate effectively and professionally both verbally and in writing, and be able to work independently.

Commitment:

This role requires a minimum commitment to a weekly 2-hour shift. Shifts are 1:00 pm -3:00 pm, Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays. Occasional weekend or extend hours for adoption event support may also be required.

Description:

Companion Animal Chauffeurs transport companion animals to local vet clinics and satellite adoption locations within Guelph. Cats and small animals will be transported in carriers, as will small dogs. Large dogs will be transported safely secured with an appropriate canine seat belt or within a large dog crate if space permits.

Requirements: 

Volunteers best suited for this role will have their own vehicle and a valid driver’s license.

Commitment: 

This role does not have a scheduled shift. Volunteer hours will depend on available drives and will be on an as-needed basis. Volunteers will receive an email when a driver is needed.

Description:

Working alongside the Client Services Department, GHS Ambassadors play an integral role in welcoming our community as they arrive at our facility. Ambassador volunteers greet visiting members of the public, help answer questions, and provide tours for first-time visitors. GHS Ambassadors will also assist the Client Services Team with managing incoming physical donations and moving them to the storage room in the back of the building to keep the main lobby clear and clutter-free!

Requirements:

Volunteers best suited for this role will have experience with customer service, work independently, and be friendly and approachable.

Commitment:

This role requires a commitment to a weekly 2-hour shift. Shifts are every two hours from 11am-close, Monday through Sunday (for closing hours, please see “Hours of Operation”).

Description:   

Are you or someone you know passionate about education and animal welfare?

Alongside our team of Humane Educators, Humane Education Assistants help facilitate our many education programs here at GHS. Educations Assistants help run camps and after school programs, birthday parties, shelter tours and community visits, and/or in-school programming.

Requirements:  

This role is best suited for individuals 18 years and older with a background in education and/or youth programming and a passion for animal welfare!

Due to the nature of this role, volunteers will be required to submit a vulnerable sector police check.

Commitment:

We are currently looking for volunteers with availability on Thursday evenings from 4:30pm and 8:30pm between Thursday, April 28th and Thursday, June 16th.

All interested applicants are encouraged to send their resume and a cover letter outlining their interest in this position via email to Jenelle White, Volunteer & Education Coordinator, jwhite@guelphhumane.ca.

Description:

PetSmart Helpers will travel to PetSmart on Silvercreek Parkway N, in Guelph, to socialize the cats there, tidy up and do light cleaning. PetSmart Helpers may also be asked to transport cats to or from the shelter, as needed, during their volunteer shift.

Requirements:

Volunteers best suited for this role will have experience with cats, work well independently and be able to talk with potential adopters about the cats, when necessary.

Commitment: 

This role requires a commitment to a weekly 2-hour shift. Shifts are available mid-day (between the hours of 12pm-4pm) Monday through Sunday.

We ask interested applicants to review the volunteer requirements and available roles here at GHS listed above first to ensure they are a good fit for our volunteer program. If the role you are interested in is actively recruiting, follow the application instructions listed under the role’s description. All volunteer candidates are asked to complete the online application form and volunteers matching GHS’ requirements and needs will be contacted. Successful applicants will be required to attend an orientation, purchase GHS’ volunteer package (in-person roles), provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination status (in-person roles), and for certain roles, we may require you to submit a criminal record check at your own expense.

GHS recruits new volunteers as positions open up. How soon a volunteer is recruited will depend on the role(s) of interest and the flexibility in schedule. Please keep an eye on our website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for announcements regarding volunteer recruitment.

Previous experience is not necessary for all volunteer roles but will be beneficial especially for roles working with animals. Experience does not need to come from working with animals through a job but can also come from having pets.

GHS relies very heavily on volunteers to help care for the animals. For this reason, some roles (such as Animal Cleaning, Canine Companion, Canine Cleaner, Feline Friend, Feline Cleaner, GHS Ambassador, PetSmart Helper, Small Animal Socializer) require volunteers to commit to a weekly, 2-hour shift for a minimum of six months. All other roles require volunteers to commit to six consecutive months but are on an as-needed basis.

For high school students (Grade 9 or above), high school community service hours can be completed through our youth leader role, working with our camp programs. Outside of this role, we do not offer any other opportunities for students under 16 years of age to complete their community service hours. Once students are 16 years of age, they are able to apply for our  general, in-shelter volunteer roles depending on availability.

For in-person roles, volunteers must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or approved medical exemption. An individual is defined as fully immunized ≥14 days after receiving their second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series or their first dose of a one-dose COVID-19 vaccine series that is approved by Health Canada. The only acceptable proof of vaccination is the receipt provided by the Ministry of Health/Public Health, or equivalent out-of-province health body to the person who was vaccinated. Once vaccination status has been verified and documented, the record will be destroyed.

For certain roles, we may require volunteers 18 years and older to submit a criminal record check at their own expense as part of our screening process. Criminal Record Checks completed within the past 12 months are acceptable. We will inform you if your assigned role requires a criminal record check to be completed if your application is successful.

More information on obtaining a Record Check from Guelph Police Services, can be found HERE.

As GHS and the animals rely so heavily on volunteers, we cannot have volunteers missing their shifts. If three consecutive shifts or six shifts overall are missed within the first six months of being a volunteer with GHS, the Volunteer Coordinator will ask you to come in for an in-person meeting to discuss the absences. If you continue to miss shifts, you will be asked to leave the volunteer program.

GHS is happy to provide reference letters for volunteers who have been volunteering with GHS for longer than six months. We will only be able to offer a reference letter within one year of a volunteer leaving GHS. Volunteers asking for a reference letter after being absent for one year will, unfortunately, not be able to obtain a reference letter from GHS.