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Support Our Customers & Our Centre - In-person & Virtually

GTHS provides a wide range of programs and services to support the pets and people in our community and beyond. We strive to provide a quality customer care experience, whether in-person or virtual, so take on volunteers with the appropriate skill set.

We’re always happy to hear from skilled professionals or enthusiasts who’d like to volunteer by offering their services to the GTHS. Please contact with us if you’re a plumber, landscaper, website guru, massage therapist, event coordinator…

Adoption Team Transfer Volunteer

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 1200 homeless animals annually, and the Adoptions Team Transport Volunteer contributes towards this success by travelling to/from GTHS Adoption Partners’ locations in the South Georgian Bay area. The most frequently travelled to locations are based in Barrie, Collingwood, Orillia, Owen Sound, Stayner and Wasaga Beach.

Description
Reporting to the Adoptions Coordinator, the Adoption Team Transport Volunteer is responsible for safely transporting adoptable GTHS cats and kittens to pet stores, to attract adopters in that community. On occasion, any remaining cats or kittens will be collected and returned to the GTHS Animal Centre.
Time Commitment
With the exception of regular trips to Barrie (during a two week period each month), adoptions transportation takes place on an ad hoc, as needed, basis. Volunteers can select which transfers they’d like to assist with and the length of time volunteered will depend on the collection/drop-off point for each journey.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Maintain clean and tidy GTHS van (inside and outside), if used
  • Replenish fuel in GTHS van, if used
  • Ensure any appropriate documentation is available for the Adoption Partner
  • Liaise with staff at the GTHS Animal Centre and at the Adoption Partner’s location upon drop-off/collection
  • Bring completed adoption paperwork and cash, if any, back to the Animal Centre
  • Load/unload animals in carriers
  • Ensure animals are safe and secure
  • Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
  • Ensure photocopy of valid/most recent version of G2 driver’s license is retained by GTHS
Qualifications
  • Valid G2 driver’s license
  • Clean criminal record police check
  • A commitment to animal welfare
  • Self motivated
  • Ability to follow protocol
  • Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of this volunteer role and of the organization
  • Review and sign-off of the Driving Record Certification Form and GTHS Van Use Agreement Form
Note:  Applicants’ driving records and offences will be reviewed to determine GTHS van insurance coverage and premiums, which may impact acceptance to become an Adoptions Team Transport Volunteer.
Positions currently available

Our Adoptions Team is looking for 2-3 new volunteers to join their team to assist with feline transportation.

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

Apply now

Maintenance Volunteer

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 Animal Centre not only houses cats and dogs awaiting adoption, but is also a hub from which education, services and supplies are provided to our local community and beyond.

The Maintenance Volunteer enables the GTHS to reduce its maintenance-related expenditure, therefore, more funds can be allocated towards the programs and services that support pets and people in our community.

Description
Reporting to the Animal Centre & Programs Manager, the Maintenance Volunteer will be responsible for general maintenance at the Animal Centre and will contribute towards making the centre a safe and welcoming environment.
Time Commitment
Approximately 2-4 hours at the Animal Centre once a week to coincide with the incoming Royal Canin delivery. A minimum commitment of 6 months is required.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Changing lightbulbs
  • Cleaning windows and doors (inside and outside)
  • Checking / cleaning air conditioning unit filters
  • Cleaning drains, as necessary
  • Handling the weekly Royal Canin delivery (stocking shelves, putting items away, etc.)
  • Hanging frames and hooks, as necessary
  • Ad hoc maintenance / DIY activities
Qualifications
  • 18 years of age minimum
  • Demonstrates understanding and passion for animal welfare
  • Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of this volunteer role and of the organization
  • Self-motivated and demonstrates attention to detail
  • Able to work independently
  • Comfortable with physical labour and DIY activities
  • Physically fit (able to climb ladder/steps, bend, kneel, stand for periods of time)
  • Able to lift up to 30 lbs
  • Own tools an asset
  • Access to transportation

Dog School Volunteer

GTHS’s animal behavioural services are branded ‘Pawsitivity Pet Training’. We provide these services through our Community Programs, to support pets and people in our community and beyond. The Dog School Volunteer role is ideally suited to someone who loves people and dogs and is passionate about consistently providing a great customer experience.

In 2021 we began offering one-on-one (private) Behaviour Modification Sessions (online and in-person), whilst continuing to offer Puppy and Adult dog school training at our Animal Centre. As a result of these services, we were able to positively impact over 100 dogs and pet owners that year, and we continue to support hundreds of dogs and pet owners in their journeys together.

Description
Reporting directly to the Behaviour Specialist, the Dog School Volunteer provides support to the Trainer and pet owners of dogs of all ages, sizes, breeds, and backgrounds.
Time Commitment
Playgroup sessions will run based on sufficient attendee sign-up. Volunteers should select a minimum of 2 Puppy Manners sessions, or a minimum of 1 session from the Adult Dog Training – Basic or Adult Dog Training – Intermediate options, and must be available to attend every class (and potential rescheduled class) per session. This is an overall commitment of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes per week over an 8-week period (ie. 2 sessions of 4 weeks) or over a 4-week period. Puppy Manners and Adult Dog Training session dates (along with rain dates for class rescheduling) will be provided upon request and/or at time of application.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Help set up area(s) where each training session will be held and tidy up afterwards
  • Ensure pet owners receive exceptional customer service
  • Clarify instructions and guidance provided by Behaviour Specialist to pet owners, as needed
  • Assist pet owners to reinforce positive and wanted dog behaviours
  • Ensure any questions are acknowledged and addressed
  • Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
Qualifications
  • 18 years of age minimum
  • Maintains a professional appearance and attitude
  • Exceptional interpersonal, listening and communication skills
  • Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of this volunteer role and of the organization
    • Able to work one-on-one and in a team environment
  • Good customer service skills
  • Dependable
    • Self-motivated
  • Strong time management skills
  • Genuine interest in the welfare of animals and congruent values with the organization
    • A gentle and kind approach to dog handling
    • Confident with dogs
    • Medium and/or large dog experience is required
  • Dog handling and/or training experience is required
    • Yellow GTHS Dog Handling status is a must (training will be provided)
    • Comfortable learning new dog handling techniques
  • Ability to follow protocol
Working Conditions:
  • Physical demands of the position include standing, walking, bending and kneeling
  • Closed toe shoes must be worn and clothing that has no sentimental value (ie. can get dirty)

Hospital Discharge Volunteer

The GTHS Animal Hospital contains an Operating Room, Treatment Room, Examination Room, Pharmacy, X-Ray Room and a Hospital Intake / Recovery Area.

Having an onsite hospital ensures animals receive timely, thorough and comprehensive care, saves dozens of daily phone calls, reduces trips back and forth to veterinary clinics, dramatically decreases the stress on the GTHS animals, and leads to the additional benefit of earlier adoption availability; so these animals find their forever home quickly. The GTHS Animal Hospital also assists local pet owners in need by providing essential vaccinations and spay/neuter surgeries for their pets.

In 2022, the Hospital Team facilitated 2515 surgeries, of which 1355 were spay/neuter surgeries for locally owned cats and dogs, 127 were for Community (feral) Cats and 99 were for other rescue clients; the remaining surgeries were performed on animals being cared for by the GTHS. Additionally, as part of our Outreach activities, 71 owned animals were microchipped and 202 were immunized against rabies.

Description
Reporting to the Hospital Coordinator (and the Director of Medicine), the Hospital Discharge Volunteer will be responsible for overseeing the cleanliness of the Hospital Intake Room and discharging animals to the public after their Hospital appointment / surgery.
Time Commitment
Weekday shift: 2.30-4pm. A minimum commitment of 6 months is required.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • 18 years of age minimum
  • Punctual and reliable
  • Demonstrates understanding and passion for animal welfare
  • Diligent compliance with guidelines and protocols for personal and animal safety
  • Self-motivated and energetic, with proven ability to complete tasks with competency and accuracy
  • Basic math (for calculating cost of services)
  • Able to work in a very fast paced environment
  • Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills
  • Able to work independently and as part of a team
  • Works cooperatively and effectively with others
  • A criminal record (police) check is required
Working Conditions:
  • Physical demands of the position include bending, kneeling and carrying cats in carriers with a potential maximum weight of 7.6kg / 16.75lb
Qualifications
  • Public hospital discharges
    • Check cats are sufficiently awake and their cones are on
    • Speak to pet owners to relay how the surgery went and if there were any concerns
    • Ensure pet owners understand post-op and medication instructions
    • Review microchip information, as appropriate
    • Return cats to their owners and coordinate with the Hospital RVT to bring dogs out to their owners
    • Accept payment for services, as appropriate
  • Set up the Hospital Intake Room for the following morning’s intakes; including making kennel cards and labels for the next day’s animals
  • Set up dog kennels in the garage/storage area, if additional kennels are required
  • Clean and tidy the Hospital Intake Room once animals have departed; including wiping down kennels, tidying up, sweeping and mopping the floor
  • Assist with minor animal handling; including putting a cat’s cone back on if removed by them, or helping the Hospital RVT dress a dog in a onesie
  • Assist the Hospital Coordinator or hospital staff as required
  • Follow appropriate protocol, legislation and regulations
Positions currently available

This team is URGENTLY in need of a Hospital Discharge Volunteer to join them on Friday afternoons, and is also looking for someone to assist on an occasional as needed basis – please apply today!

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

Apply now

Emergency Boarding Foster Volunteer

Emergency Boarding Foster Volunteers provide a safe, loving and temporary home for pets whose owners cannot currently look after them due to an emergency situation (in hospital, rehabilitation or escaping from domestic violence). Boarding is provided for dogs or cats, based on the species you decide upon, and will range from 1-6 months. You must have the ability to separate the foster animal from any pets in your home by keeping them in a separate room, if necessary.  We will provide training and all the supplies you need.

In 2022, our Animal Care Team looked after 1239 animals onsite and, thanks to our Foster Volunteers, 973 additional cats and dogs were cared for in loving foster homes (including 23 Emergency Boarding cases).

Description
Emergency Boarding Foster Volunteers are responsible for helping the cat/dog in their care thrive until they are ready to be reclaimed by their owner.  This will include feeding the animals at least twice a day, possibly more, cleaning litter boxes (for cats), exercising (for dogs) and socializing the animals.  It may also include administering oral medications.
Time Commitment
Typically varies from 1 to 4 hours a day depending on the situation.  Emergency Boarding Foster terms generally last between 1 and 3 months, but may be up to 6 months. A minimum commitment of 6 months is required.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Maintain clean and tidy environment
  • Provide treats, food, clean water and clean bedding as required
  • Clean and change kitty litter, as required
  • Bathe and groom dog, as necessary and if comfortable doing so
  • Provide a structured and loving environment
  • Assist in the maintenance of the animal’s health and welfare (includes exercise for dogs)
  • Administer medication, as required and as instructed
  • Ensure any veterinary appointments are kept
  • Ensure animal is safe and secure
  • Return animal to GTHS Animal Centre upon request
  • Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
Qualifications
  • Everyone in the household must be in agreement
  • A room for fostering
  • Committed to animal welfare
  • Experience fostering cats / dogs is required
  • Self motivated
  • Ability to read and follow directions
  • Ability to follow protocol
  • Good communication skills
Positions currently available

We are currently looking for Emergency Boarding Foster Volunteers – please apply!

Apply now

Feline Adoption Administrative Volunteer

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 1200 homeless animals annually, and the Feline Adoption Administrative Volunteer contributes towards this success by touching base with all GTHS Cat Adopters.

Description
Reporting to the Adoptions Coordinator, the Feline Adoption Administrative Volunteer is responsible for helping to manage the Cat Adoption Follow-up for the Georgian Triangle Humane Society. The incumbent represents the GTHS in a professional manner and is responsible for touching base with all GTHS Cat Adopters in a timely manner and recording communications with Cat Adopters. Key components of this role will be to prevent adoption returns and transition adopters into donors, utilizing exceptional customer service skills.
Time Commitment
4-6 hours per week, working from home. A minimum commitment of 6 months is required.
Roles and Responsibilities
Complete post-adoption follow-up
  • Adoption Administrative Volunteer will be expected to use a GTHS provided Microsoft Office email address
  • On a weekly basis, send a follow-up email to our recent adopters (list of animals adopted will be provided each week by the Adoptions Coordinator)
  • Enter Adopters’ information into Sumac
  • Research Adopters in Petpoint and Sumac for any staff memos about the adopted animals
  • Contact GTHS Cat Adopters 7-10 days post-adoption, after double-checking Petpoint for any recent communications between Adopters and GTHS staff members
  • Follow the GTHS script for all post-adoption emails and phone calls
  • Record details of all post-adoption Adopter communications in the Sumac database
  • Relay any concerns requiring attention or action to the Adoptions Coordinator
  • Write and mail a hand-written ‘thank you’ card to GTHS Adopters within a few weeks post-adoption (cards and stamps are collected from the Animal Centre, as needed)
  • Consistent and open communication with the Adoptions Coordinator
Respond to enquiries
  • Provide responses to any general questions raised about the GTHS
  • Must be familiar with GTHS adoption process and able to answer basic questions about the organization
  • Ensure any behavioural or health related questions specific to the Adopter’s animal immediately get directed to the Adoptions Coordinator
  • Ensure any important information is captured in the appropriate database(s)
  • Direct additional Adopter information requests or follow-up calls to the appropriate GTHS staff member by email
Optimize contact with Adopters
  • Seize opportunities during communications with Adopters to transition them into Donors for the organization
  • Diligently and thoroughly address concerns raised by Adopters to prevent adoption returns
  • As required, request support from the Development Manager for Donor transition or from the Adoptions Coordinator for adoption return prevention and post-adoption concerns
Qualifications
  • 18 years of age minimum
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Speak, listen and write in clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate communication tools and techniques
  • Self-motivated and demonstrates attention to detail
  • Knowledge of, or experience with, Sumac and Petpoint an asset
  • Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of this volunteer role and of the organization
  • Experience in animal care, health and/or behaviour beneficial
  • Demonstrates understanding and passion for animal welfare
  • Willing to learn about GTHS donor and adoption programs
  • Own computer/tablet, telephone and internet access

Dog 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 1200 homeless animals annually, and the Dog Adoption Counselor contributes towards this success by answering any questions about dog ownership, the adoption process and the dogs and puppies available for adoption. This role is integral to matching the right dog (personality type, energy level, special home requirements, etc.) with the right adopter.

Description
Reporting to the Adoptions Coordinator, the Dog Adoption Counselor prepares adoption kits, answers questions about the dogs and puppies we have available for adoption and conducts ‘Meet & Greets’ with our dogs and potential adopters. The Dog Adoption Counselor also assists with the completion of adoption applications and facilitates the adoption.
Time Commitment
From 11.45am until approximately 4pm.  A minimum commitment of six months is required.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Consistent and open communication with Adoptions Coordinator
  • Review information on dogs available for adoption prior to Adoption Hours (name, age, size, background, medical / special needs, etc.)
  • Spend time with dogs to assist with the perfect match
  • Answer visitors’ and potential adopters’ questions about dogs available for adoption
  • 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
  • Liaise with Dog Care staff to arrange dog leash up for ‘Meet & Greets’ and upon successful adoption
  • Decide on suitability of potential adopter for dog selected
  • Assist Customer Service Coordinators with adoption processing
  • Assist Cat Adoption Counselor during shift, as needed
  • Create dog name tags
  • Prepare adoption kits on an as needed basis
Qualifications
  • 18 years of age minimum
  • Demonstrates understanding and passion for animal welfare
  • Experience working with or handling dogs
  • GTHS Dog Care training is required
  • 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 at using a device such as an iPad / tablet
  • Willingness to learn Cat Adoption Counselor role, to support teammates as needed (cross-training will be provided)

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 1200 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 4pm, (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)

Canine Adoption Administrative Volunteer

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 1200 homeless animals annually, and the Canine Adoption Administrative Volunteer contributes towards this success by touching base with all GTHS Dog Adopters.

Description
Reporting to the Adoptions Coordinator, the Canine Adoption Administrative Volunteer is responsible for helping to manage the Dog Adoption Follow-up for the Georgian Triangle Humane Society. The incumbent represents the GTHS in a professional manner and is responsible for touching base with all GTHS Dog Adopters in a timely manner and recording communications with Dog Adopters. Key components of this role will be to prevent adoption returns and transition adopters into donors, utilizing exceptional customer service skills.
Time Commitment
Approximately 4 hours per week, working from home. A minimum commitment of 6 months is required.
Roles and Responsibilities
Complete post-adoption follow-up
  • Adoption Administrative Volunteer will be expected to use a GTHS provided Microsoft Office email address
  • On a weekly basis, send a follow-up email to our recent adopters (list of animals adopted will be provided each week by the Adoptions Coordinator)
  • Enter Adopters’ information into Sumac
  • Research Adopters in Petpoint and Sumac for any staff memos about the adopted animals
  • Contact GTHS Dog Adopters 7-10 days post-adoption, after double-checking Petpoint for any recent communications between Adopters and GTHS staff members
  • Follow the GTHS script for all post-adoption emails and phone calls
  • Record details of all post-adoption Adopter communications in the Sumac database
  • Relay any concerns requiring attention or action to the Adoptions Coordinator
  • Write and mail a hand-written ‘thank you’ card to GTHS Adopters within a few weeks post-adoption (cards and stamps are collected from the Animal Centre, as needed)
  • Consistent and open communication with the Adoptions Coordinator
Respond to enquiries
  • Provide responses to any general questions raised about the GTHS
  • Must be familiar with GTHS adoption process and able to answer basic questions about the organization
  • Ensure any behavioural or health related questions specific to the Adopter’s animal immediately get directed to the Adoptions Coordinator
  • Ensure any important information is captured in the appropriate database(s)
  • Direct additional Adopter information requests or follow-up calls to the appropriate GTHS staff member by email
 Optimize contact with Adopters
  • Seize opportunities during communications with Adopters to transition them into Donors for the organization
  • Diligently and thoroughly address concerns raised by Adopters to prevent adoption returns
  • As required, request support from the Development Manager for Donor transition or from the Adoptions Coordinator for adoption return prevention and post-adoption concerns
Qualifications
  • 18 years of age minimum
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Speak, listen and write in clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate communication tools and techniques
  • Self-motivated and demonstrates attention to detail
  • Knowledge of, or experience with, Sumac and Petpoint an asset
  • Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of this volunteer role and of the organization
  • Experience in animal care, health and/or behaviour beneficial
  • Demonstrates understanding and passion for animal welfare
  • Willing to learn about GTHS donor and adoption programs
  • Own computer/tablet, telephone and internet access
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 R0001

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

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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!