Together we make a difference. Volunteer.
The work of our dedicated volunteers contributes to our goals in making every day special for the deserving pets who are waiting to find loving homes and so much more! Join the hundreds of people just like you who dedicate their time and efforts to helping animals in need.
What are the requirements to volunteer at GHS?
Volunteers are so important in order for us to save as many animals as we do every year! From high school students to senior citizens, the Guelph Humane Society welcomes community members who are dependable and have a sincere desire to share their time. In addition to our volunteer roles listed below, there are also volunteer opportunities for:
- High School Students
- One Day Groups
- Corporate Team Day
We do have a few requirements for you to volunteer with us:
1) Must be 18+ or 16 years of age with a parent (Grade 9 or above for Youth Leader Volunteers).
2) Must be able to volunteer for six consecutive months minimum.
3) Must be able to commit to the role’s required time commitment.
4) Must not miss more than three consecutive shifts or six shifts total in the first six months of volunteering.
5) For in-person roles, must purchase GHS’ volunteer package ($25), including volunteer t-shirt, nametag, and lanyard which must be worn at all times when performing in-person volunteer duties.
6) For in-person roles, must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or approved medical exemption.
7) For certain roles, we may require you to submit a criminal record check at your own expense.
We are currently recruiting for the following volunteer roles:
Apply today! Please note our volunteer dog, cat and small animal socializer and cleaning roles are currently full and we do not have a waiting list. Please check back regularly for those roles as they become available.
Board of Directors
Are you looking for a way to give back to animals in our community? We are now recruiting community members to join our board of directors.
The Guelph Humane Society is currently now recruiting members for our Board of Directors. If you are interested in learning about how to become a board member in the future and our recruitment cycle, please email jointheboard@guelphhumane.ca to request information. Send your cover letter and CV by 12 pm on February 24, 2025.
Community Crew
Description:
Community Crew volunteers assist The Guelph Humane Society by attending local community events, block parties, festivals, and community-based activities by acting as a GHS event ambassador. Volunteers will promote GHS at community events by educating and encouraging people to access our services and programs, adopt, donate, participate or volunteer.
Requirements:
Volunteers best suited for this role must be 18 years or older, have a high level of customer service/communication skills and do well working in a team. Can physically lift and carry up to 50lbs, have a valid G Class drivers and access to a vehicle
Commitment:
This role does not have a scheduled shift, volunteers are asked to attend events on an as needed basis. Volunteers will need to be available on evenings and weekends.
Event Volunteer
Description:
Event volunteers assist the Guelph Humane Society by attending GHS events in various different roles. These volunteers are key in creating a welcoming, organized, and enjoyable environment for all attendees and community members. Your role will involve assisting with various event tasks such as set up and tear down, operations, supporting guests, and contributing to a positive event experience.
Requirements:
Volunteers best suited for this role must be 18 years or older, have a high level of customer service/communication skills and do well working in a team and individually. Can physically lift and carry up to 40lbs and stand for long periods of time.
Commitment:
This role does not have a scheduled shift, volunteers are asked to attend events on an as needed basis. Volunteers will need to be available on evenings and weekends. Please note we ask all volunteers who are applying to be available for our next event which will be held Sunday, June 8th.
Wildlife Driver
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:
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.
Corporate Volunteer Experience
Interested in having your corporate group volunteer?
Is your team looking for a meaningful teambuilding experience that positively impacts the animals in your community?
Here at GHS we offer a group volunteer experience for corporate groups looking to help improve the lives of the animals living in their community! Please fill out the Corporate Volunteer Form linked below and we’ll start building your experience!
Have any questions? Email volunteer@guelphhumane.ca.
Volunteer Login and Help
Current Guelph Humane Society Volunteers can login to update their information, sign up for new opportunities and log volunteer hours.
Volunteer FAQ
How do I become a volunteer?
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.
How often do you train and bring on new volunteers?
Do I need previous experience working with animals to volunteer at Guelph Humane Society?
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.
What commitment do I have to make to be a volunteer?
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.
Can I complete my high school community service hours with GHS?
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.
Does GHS require volunteers to be vaccinated against COVID-19?
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.
Does GHS require volunteers to get a record check?
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.
What happens if I miss a shift?
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.
I need a reference letter. Can the Guelph Humane Society provide me with one?
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.
Contact Us
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you require further information about our Volunteer Program
volunteer@guelphhumane.ca