DONATE
Help us build
our new home
Facebook Instagram Tiktok Youtube Linkedin

Compassion for pets and people

Facebook Instagram Tiktok Youtube Linkedin
Help us build
our new home
DONATE

Help Cats

The GTHS houses upwards of 100 cats and kittens at any given time, with many more in foster care due to lack of space or suitable ’round-the-clock care on-site at our Animal Centre.

There are a number of ways you can help cats: from transporting them into our care, to looking after their post-surgical or day-to-day needs (ie. food, environment, health, socialization, etc.), by caring for them in your home until they’re ready for surgery or adoption, or by matching them with someone who can give them a happy ending… their forever home!

Check out the positions below to discover how you can help our furry feline friends.

Cat Care & Centre Volunteer – Urgent

Up to four Cat Care & Centre Volunteers are scheduled each afternoon to ensure that the Animal Centre is stocked, clean and ready for the next day. This role is also integral to the welfare and health of our cats, as this volunteer provides Feline Enrichment* and fundamental cat care. Ultimately, these volunteers will help shorten cats’ length of stay at our Animal Centre by reducing stress and improving the overall health and behaviour of GTHS cats.

*Feline Enrichment is physical and mental stimulation provided to help improve cats’ adoptability (happier cats are more easily adoptable) and health (less susceptible to disease). Enrichment activities allow our cats to continue to express normal feline behaviour despite being in a ‘shelter’ environment.

Our Cat and Dog Care Teams care for 1500 animals annually at our Animal Centre.

Description
Cat Care & Centre Volunteers report to the Cat Care Coordinator (CCC) and liaise with their teammates to share the afternoon routine and duties. Shared responsibilities include ensuring our Animal Centre is clean and tidy, rooms and carts are fully stocked, and feline residents receive mental and physical stimulation in addition to food and clean litter.
Time Commitment
Approximately 3 hours per week. This position starts at 1pm until approximately 4pm. A minimum commitment of 6 months is required.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Coordinate with fellow Cat Care & Centre Volunteers to share the afternoon’s routine and duties, including rotating responsibility for ‘front of house’ and ‘back of house’
  • Cleaning and tidying:
    • Communal areas’ surfaces and floors are cleaned, tidied and disinfected (communal areas = Volunteer Cubby and Desk, Animal Kitchen, Human Kitchen, lunchroom, hallways and washrooms)
    • Medical Intake Room floors are swept and mopped
    • Hallway carts are sanitized
    • Laundry (washing, drying, folding linens)
    • Dishes (wash up dirty animal dishes, load / empty dishwasher)
    • Disinfect any used cat carriers and / or kennels and put them away neatly
    • Scoop litter boxes and, as needed, disinfect litter pans
    • Dispose of garbage and recyclables
  • Hallway carts, Animal Kitchen and all Cat Care Rooms are replenished with food, litter and required supplies
  • Feed wet food to kittens and adult cats (as directed by CCC)
  • Top up water and dry food (if needed)
  • Fill out kennel cards to ensure accurate record keeping
  • Assist with cat kennels, as needed
    • Remove contents of empty kennels for adopted cats and terminal clean
    • Ensure post-surgical cats’ kennels are set back up once each cat has safely recovered from anesthesia
  • Interact with cats for socialization and enrichment* purposes
    • Adapt activities based on cats being interacted with
    • Stimulate and interact with cats (includes grooming, play and snuggles)
    • Provide company for cats that are “social eaters” to help them eat better
    • Reduce cat stress and improve their overall wellness
    • Provide cognitive stimulation and encourage curiosity
    • Provide places for cats to hide and perch, as appropriate
    • Stimulate cats’ hunting instinct
    • Make enrichment items (food puzzles, cat cabins…)
  • Identify and report any behavioural or health concerns to CCC
  • Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
  • Assist CCC (if needed)
  • Use online Contact List & Schedule to reflect any absences and to coordinate shift coverage
Qualifications
  • 16 years of age minimum
  • Demonstrates understanding and passion for animal welfare
  • Experience working with or handling cats and reading cat body language
  • Strong work ethic
  • Dependable, self-motivated and energetic
  • Works well unsupervised, alone and in a team environment
  • Exercises patience
  • Good communication skills
  • Interest in learning about Feline Enrichment (training will be provided)
  • Reads and follows directions, and follows protocol
  • Ability and willingness to use the online Cat Care Contact List & Schedule to reflect any absences and to coordinate shift coverage
WORKING CONDITIONS: Must be physically able to complete the tasks listed above (will involve bending, kneeling, lifting, walking, mopping). Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), i.e. gloves, gowns and booties MUST be worn when volunteering in Room 3 and/or in Room 4. Gloves are always to be worn when cleaning litterboxes, stool or vomit.
Positions currently available

Our ‘Shelter Aide’ position is evolving into this newly created ‘Cat Care & Centre Volunteer’ role. We’re looking for reliable, upbeat and friendly individuals to join our Cat Care Team.

  • We’re seeking one to four new volunteers for every day of the week except Wednesday.

Please apply today to make a difference to our cats and to help ensure everyone has a good experience when visiting our Animal Centre.

All applications are acknowledged, so please check your email inbox (and junk/spam folder) for a response.

Feline Foster Volunteers

Feline Foster Volunteers provide a safe, loving and temporary home for pregnant or nursing cats and kittens (litter sizes can range from 5-9 kittens).  You must be able to separate the foster animals from any pets in your home by keeping them in a separate room.  We will provide training and all the supplies you need.

In 2023, our Animal Care Team looked after more than 1500 animals onsite and, thanks to our Foster Volunteers, 1044 additional cats and dogs were cared for in loving foster homes.

Description
Feline Foster Volunteers are responsible for helping the cat/kittens in their care thrive until they are ready to be adopted.  This will include feeding the animals at least twice a day, possibly more, cleaning litter boxes and socializing the animals.  It may also include bottle feeding and administering oral medications.
Time Commitment
Typically varies from 1 to 4 hours a day depending on the situation.  Foster terms generally last between 2 and 10 weeks, and we ask for an overall, combined commitment of 6 months to fostering.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Maintain clean and tidy environment
  • Provide treats, food and clean water, as required
  • Clean and change kitty litter and bedding, as required
  • Interact with cats to help with socialization and adoptability
  • Assist in the maintenance of cats’ health and welfare
  • Administer medication, as required and as instructed
  • Ensure any veterinary appointments are kept
  • Return cats to GTHS Animal Centre as required (for surgery, treatment, adoption…)
  • Ensure cats are safe and secure
  • Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
Qualifications
  • Be at least 18 (younger members of the household may assist the primary Foster Volunteer and gain volunteer hours – please contact volunteer@gths.ca for details)
  • Everyone in the household must be in agreement
  • A room for fostering
  • Committed to animal welfare
  • Experience fostering cats and kittens is preferred, but not necessary
  • Willing to learn to bottle feed (if fostering pregnant/nursing moms or kittens)
  • Willing to provide medication and/or learn to provide subcutaneous fluids
  • Self motivated
  • Ability to read and follow directions
  • Ability to follow protocol
  • Good communication skills
Positions currently available

We’re always looking for Feline Foster Volunteers to join our Foster Team. Our greatest areas of need are caring for: pregnant moms, moms with their kittens and bottle fed kittens. Please apply today to open your heart and home to animals in need!

All applications are acknowledged, so please check your email inbox (and junk/spam folder) for a response.

Cat Adoption Counselor

The Georgian Triangle Humane Society is a not-for-profit charity that provides abandoned, neglected and abused domestic animals a second chance in life at a forever home. The Adoptions Team facilitates the adoption and subsequent retention of approximately 1300 homeless animals annually, and the Cat Adoption Counselor contributes towards this success by answering questions about cat ownership, the adoption process and the cats and kittens available for adoption. This role is integral to matching the right cat (personality type, energy level, special home requirements, etc.) with the right adopter.

Description
Reporting to the Adoptions Coordinator, the Cat Adoption Counselor prepares adoption kits, answers questions about the cats and kittens we have available for adoption. The Cat Adoption Counselor also assists the public with the identification of cats and kittens in the adoption rooms, provides assistance with the completion of adoption applications and facilitates the adoption. There is also the opportunity to attend off-site adoption events in the community.
Time Commitment
One shift a week, from 11.45am until approximately 4.15pm, (plus attendance at off-site events if desired).  A minimum commitment of six months is required.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Consistent and open communication with Adoptions Coordinator
  • Review information on cats available for adoption (name, age, background, medical / special needs, etc.)
  • Spend time with cats to assist with the perfect match
  • Answer visitors’ and potential adopters’ questions about cats available for adoption
  • Use microchip scanner to identify cats
  • Answer basic questions about the organization
  • Seize opportunities during conversation to transition potential adopters into volunteers or donors
  • Outline ‘Adopters Welcome’ process to potential adopters
  • Assist adopters with completion of adoption applications
  • Ensure any behavioural or health related questions specific to the animal are communicated
  • Diligently and thoroughly address concerns raised by adopters to prevent adoption returns
  • Decide on suitability of potential adopter for cat selected
  • Assist Customer Service Coordinators with adoption processing
  • Assist Dog Adoption Counselor during shift, as needed
  • Prepare adoption kits on an as needed basis
  • Attend ad hoc local off-site adoption events, if desired
Qualifications
  • 18 years of age minimum
  • Demonstrates understanding and passion for animal welfare
  • Experience working with or handling cats
  • Self motivated
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Good communication skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Ability to follow protocol
  • Ability to work alone and in a team environment
  • Knowledge of, or experience with, PetPoint an asset
  • Versed in using a device such as an iPad / tablet
  • Willingness to learn Dog Adoption Counselor role, to support teammates as needed (cross-training will be provided)
Positions currently available

Please consider joining our Adoptions Team as a ‘Float’ for as needed shift coverage; to have the pleasure of seeing happy families heading home with their new feline best friend and knowing that you’re helping a fellow teammate when they’re unable to make their scheduled shift. Please apply if you have pretty fluid availability between the hours of 11.45am and 4.15pm weekdays and/or weekends.

All applications and enquiries are acknowledged, so please check your email inbox (and junk/spam folder) for a response.

Cat Care Team Member – Room 4 / All Areas

The Cat Care Team works to increase the welfare and health of GTHS feline residents. The Cat Care Team works as a group and/or individually to care for our cats and maintains high cleanliness standards in our Adoption Rooms, as well as our Quarantine and Isolation Rooms. This role is integral to maintaining a bright, clean and healthy environment for our cats, kittens, volunteers, visitors and potential adopters. Playing with and cuddling the cats is required!

In 2023, our Cat and Dog Care Teams cared for more than 1500 animals onsite at our Animal Centre.

Description
The GTHS Cat Care Team reports to the Cat Care Coordinator. Whereas Cat Care Team Members are usually assigned a specific room (an Adoptions Room or a Quarantine / Isolation Room), this Cat Care Team Member will provide all-round Cat Care support, based on day-to-day needs. This volunteer will be assigned to Quarantine / Isolation Room 4 (which is used sporadically for cats who are sick and aren’t quite ready for adoption), but may be directed to assist in Room 3 if no cats are in Room 4. When no assistance is required in either Quarantine / Isolation Room, this Team Member will support volunteers in the Adoption Rooms. Responsibilities include providing nutrition, as well as mental and physical stimulation or interaction, to the feline residents in Room 4 and/or other areas they are assisting within.  All Cat Care Team Members are responsible for sweeping and mopping the floor, dishes, laundry, and maintaining clean and organized litter, feeding stations, kitten / cat kennels and communal areas.
Time Commitment
Under 3 hours per week (from 8am until approximately 10.30am). A minimum commitment of 6 months is required (unless approved for student / community hours).
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Maintain clean and organized litter, kennels, counter tops and communal areas (shelving, windows, etc.)
  • Disinfect toys (loose and in kennels), scratching posts, wooden boxes, climbing apparatus, etc.
  • Feed cats / kittens wet food (as appropriate), provide fresh water and maintain feeding stations
  • Wash up any dirty animal dishes
  • Perform laundry tasks (gather dirty laundry and assist with washing, drying and folding linens)
  • Dispose of garbage and recyclables
  • Wipe all surfaces after use
  • When not working out of Room 4:
    • Assist in Room 3, upon assignment by Cat Care Coordinator
    • Liaise with Adoption Room Team Members to assist where needed
  • Assist the Cat Care Coordinator with ad hoc needs
  • As required / upon request:
    • Place cats ready for ‘moving up’ into carriers
    • Carry cats in carriers to the appropriate room / kennel
    • Weigh cats with assistance from the Cat Care Coordinator
    • Clean floors in the Animal Kitchen
  • Interact with cats for socialization and enrichment purposes
    • Stimulate and interact with cats (includes grooming, play and snuggles)
    • Reduce cat stress and improve their overall wellness
    • Provide cognitive stimulation and encourage curiosity
    • Provide places for cats to hide and perch, as appropriate
    • Stimulate cats’ hunting instinct
    • Make enrichment items (food puzzles, cat cabins…)
  • Identify and report any behavioural concerns
  • Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
  • Use online Contact List & Schedule to reflect any absences and to coordinate shift coverage
Qualifications
  • 15 years of age minimum
  • Demonstrates understanding and passion for animal welfare
  • Experience working with or handling cats
  • Strong work ethic
  • Dependable, self-motivated and energetic
  • Works well unsupervised, alone and in a team environment
  • Adaptable and versatile; comfortable not having a set routine for each shift
  • Willing to approach and assist staff / fellow volunteers to complete the morning’s Cat Care activities
  • Exercises patience
  • Good communication skills
  • Reads and follows directions, and follows protocol
Positions currently available

Please apply today, as our cats and volunteers urgently need your help on Wednesday mornings!

All applications are acknowledged, so please check your email inbox (and junk/spam folder) for a response.

Cat Care Team Member – URGENT!

The Cat Care Team works to increase the welfare and health of GTHS feline residents. The Cat Care Team works as a group and/or individually to care for our cats and maintains high cleanliness standards in our Adoption Rooms, as well as our Quarantine and Isolation Rooms. This role is integral to maintaining a bright, clean and healthy environment for our cats, kittens, volunteers, visitors and potential adopters. Playing with and cuddling the cats is required!

In 2023, our Cat and Dog Care Teams cared for more than 1500 animals onsite at our Animal Centre.

Description
The GTHS Cat Care Team reports to the Cat Care Coordinator and Cat Care Team Members are assigned a specific room (an Adoptions Room or a Quarantine / Isolation Room) to provide nutrition, as well as mental and physical stimulation or interaction, to the feline residents in their room. Cat Care Team Members are also responsible for sweeping and mopping the floor, maintaining clean and organized litter, feeding stations, kitten or cat kennels and communal areas. Other duties such as dishes and laundry are also included.
Time Commitment
2-3 hours per week. A minimum commitment of 6 months is required (unless approved for student / community hours). Shift times are: 8-11am
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Maintain clean and organized litter, kennels, counter tops and communal areas (shelving, windows, etc.) in the assigned room(s)
  • Disinfect toys (loose and in kennels), scratching posts, wooden boxes, climbing apparatus, etc. in the assigned room
  • Feed cats / kittens wet food (as appropriate), provide fresh water and maintain feeding stations
  • Wash up any dirty animal dishes
  • Perform laundry tasks (gathering dirty laundry in sacks if assigned to Room 3, and all Team Members assist with washing, drying and folding linens)
  • Dispose of garbage and recyclables
  • Wipe all surfaces after use
  • Tasks specific to the room assigned include:
    • Wiping surfaces and floors in the Animal Kitchen, as necessary
    • Placing cats ready for ‘moving up’ into carriers
    • Carrying cats in carriers to the appropriate Adoptions Room / kennel
    • Weighing cats (if specified on Kennel Cards), with assistance from the Cat Care Coordinator as required
  • Interact with cats for socialization and enrichment purposes
    • Adapt activities based on cats being interacted with
    • Stimulate and interact with cats (includes grooming, play and snuggles)
    • Reduce cat stress and improve their overall wellness
    • Provide cognitive stimulation and encourage curiosity
    • Provide places for cats to hide and perch, as appropriate
    • Stimulate cats’ hunting instinct
    • Make enrichment items (food puzzles, cat cabins…)
  • Identify and report any behavioural concerns
  • Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
  • Use online Contact List & Schedule to reflect any absences and to coordinate shift coverage
Qualifications
  • 15 years of age minimum
  • Demonstrates understanding and passion for animal welfare
  • Experience working with or handling cats
  • Strong work ethic
  • Dependable, self-motivated and energetic
  • Works well unsupervised, alone and in a team environment
  • Exercises patience
  • Good communication skills
  • Reads and follows directions, and follows protocol
Positions currently available

If you love cats and are looking to make a difference to animals in need, look no further – please apply for one of these vacancies today!  We’re looking for help in the following areas:

  • Main Adoptions Room (for teen and adult cats) on Thursdays
  • URGENT! Front Adoptions Room (often referred to as the Kitten Room) on Mondays or Tuesdays.  Ideal if you’re wishing to volunteer with a friend or family member!

All applications are acknowledged, so please check your email inbox (and junk/spam folder) for a response.

Cat Care – Food Fairy – URGENT

The Food Fairy is integral to maintaining the welfare of our cats and kittens. This position starts early in the morning to ensure that all feline residents have finished eating prior to the Cat Care Team coming onsite to prepare the Adoption Rooms for the day and in readiness for any medications to be administered.

In 2023, our Cat and Dog Care Teams cared for more than 1500 animals onsite at our Animal Centre.

Description
The GTHS Food Fairy reports to the Cat Care Coordinator and ensures that all kittens and cats in the building are fed. Other duties include topping up water, washing food dishes, tidying, record keeping as necessary and following the feeding chart accurately.
Time Commitment
1-2 hours per week. This position can start any time from 6am, for duties to be concluded by 8am. A minimum commitment of 6 months is required.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Feed cats and kittens in Adoption Rooms, Lobby and Isolation / Quarantine Rooms appropriate wet food (based on dietary requirements) or remove food, as appropriate
  • Feed kittens / cats / sick felines in appropriate order for infection control purposes
  • Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when present in each Isolation / Quarantine Room
  • Provide fresh drinking water, dry food and wet food in clean bowls and dishes
  • Remove and wash dirty animal dishes
  • Disinfect work surfaces, as necessary
  • Check all kennels and cages are properly locked before leaving each room
  • Dispose of garbage and recyclables, as necessary
  • Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
  • Use online Contact List & Schedule to reflect any absences and to coordinate shift coverage
Qualifications
  • 16 years of age minimum
  • Demonstrates understanding and passion for animal welfare
  • Strong work ethic
  • Dependable and self-motivated
  • Works well unsupervised
  • Ability to read and follow directions
  • Ability to follow protocol
Positions currently available

Our Cat Care Team is urgently in need of a Sunday Food Fairy. If you’re an early riser and love cats, this could be the purr-fect volunteer position for you!  Please apply today!!

All applications and enquiries are acknowledged, so please check your email inbox (and junk/spam folder) for a response.
Our Identity

Our vision: We envision a community that is compassionate and caring towards pets and each other.

Our Mission: We offer innovative programs and compassionate services that support the well-being of pets and people.

Registered Charity Number
868004185 RR0001

Connect with Us

Georgian Triangle Humane Society
549 Tenth Line
Collingwood, Ontario L9Y 0W1

705.445.5204

info@gths.ca

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Sunday
10am – 4pm
Open for Walk-in Adoptions every day
12 – 4pm

Our Services
Get Involved
Follow Us
Facebook Instagram Tiktok Linkedin Youtube

Sign up for email updates

Stay informed on GTHS events, initiatives and programs. Learn how the GTHS team is serving the pets and people of the South Georgian Bay Area. Read heart-warming Happy Tails about GTHS Alumni. See a lot of really cute pictures of dogs and cats!