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Help Dogs

Hundreds of dogs and puppies come through our doors on an annual basis; some as strays, some as surrendered pets, and others who are transported into our care from rescue organizations or communities outside our own. Become a GTHS volunteer to give these deserving dogs a second chance in life.

As a dog lover you could help our adoptable dogs find their forever home, assist post-surgery, foster dogs who won’t fare well in a ‘shelter’ environment, or as a dog-savvy volunteer you could help with an array of onsite activities and needs.

Check out the positions below to discover how you can help man’s best friend.

Library Ambassador – Dog Care Team

Members of the GTHS Dog Care Team work with puppies and dogs of all sizes, shapes and backgrounds (stray, surrendered, neglected, abused, healthy, recovering from surgery, may be easy to handle or may require training for behavioural issues…).

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

Description
Reporting to the Dog Care Coordinator, the Library Ambassador participates in our Canine Enrichment Program to provide mental and physical stimuli to the dogs in our care by visiting our local library. The Library Ambassador is capable of handling yellow status dogs and interacts with members of the public to promote our adoptable dogs, volunteering, and GTHS events, programs and services.
Time Commitment
Friday mornings for 1.5-2 hours (including dog pick-up and drop-off). To be at the Collingwood Public Library from 9.30am until 10-10.30am. An overall minimum commitment of 6 months is required.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Connect with the Friday Dog Care Coordinator before coming onsite
  • Assist with loading / unloading the selected dog
  • Assist in the maintenance of dogs’ physical and mental well-being
  • Interact with dogs for walks, training and socialization
  • Reinforce behaviours that make dogs more adoptable
  • Ensure dogs are safe and secure
  • Ensure members of the public interact appropriately and safely with the selected dog
  • Provide accurate information about the selected dog
  • Promote adoption, volunteering, and GTHS events, programs and services
  • Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
  • Ensure photocopy of valid / most recent version of G2 driver’s license is retained by GTHS
Qualifications
  • 21 years of age minimum
  • A gentle and kind approach to dog handling
  • Confident with dogs
  • A commitment to animal welfare
  • Current dog handling and/or training experience is required
  • Medium and large dog experience is required
  • Willingness and ability to complete the GTHS Dog Care Program training from Green to Yellow Dog Walker status is a must upon joining the Dog Care Team, and a desire to progress through additional status levels of the Dog Care Program is ideal
  • Self motivated
  • Ability to work alone and in a team environment
  • Willingness to remain informed about GTHS events, programs and services
  • Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of this volunteer role and of the organization
  • Ability to follow protocol
  • Valid G2 driver’s license
  • Own vehicle and/or ability to drive GTHS van
Working Conditions:  
  • Gas and mileage are not reimbursable
  • Review and sign-off of the Animal Transport Guidelines / GTHS Van Use Agreement is required
  • GTHS dog handling skills to yellow status is a must before taking any dogs offsite
Positions currently available

Join our Dog Care Team today and bring enjoyment to staff and visitors at the Collingwood Library, and to one of our adoptable dogs, every Friday morning.

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

Apply now

PM Dog Care Team Member

Members of the Dog Care Team work with puppies and dogs of all sizes, shapes and backgrounds (stray, surrendered, neglected, abused, healthy, recovering from surgery, may be easy to handle or may require training for behavioural issues…).

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

Description
PM Dog Care Team Members report to the Dog Care Coordinator and help to maintain the general health and welfare of the dogs in our care at the Animal Centre. In part this is achieved by participating in our Canine Enrichment Program to provide mental and physical stimuli to these dogs. To support the wide range of dog behaviours and needs we encounter at the GTHS, PM Dog Care Team Members complete a Dog Care Program*; quickly progressing from Green dogs (ie. puppies and seniors who are easy to walk and handle) to Yellow dogs (ie. young, rambunctious, pullers who can be slightly difficult to walk and handle), then work through the Orange and Purple levels at their own pace, with the ultimate goal of working with Red dogs (ie. strong, reactive dogs that are difficult to walk and handle, and that may have other behavioural issues). *Training is required upon joining the Dog Care Team and will be required intermittently to progress through the Dog Care Program.
Time Commitment
2 hours once a week. PM Dog Care Team Member shifts take place Monday through Sunday at a mutually agreed upon time between the hours of 1-4pm. An overall minimum commitment of 6 months is required.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Assist in the maintenance of dogs’ health and welfare
    • Prepare and provide medication, supper and clean water as required or instructed
    • Maintain clean and organized kennels (inside and outside)
    • Sweep and mop dog kennels’ and Animal Equipment Room’s floors
    • Deep clean kennels inside and outside for dogs that leave the Animal Centre (adopted, foster care, etc.)
    • Clean up after dogs (stoop and scoop) in the kennel area and outdoors, as appropriate
    • Oversee any cleaning and tidying resulting from own interactions with dogs
    • Dispose of garbage and recyclables
  •  Assist in the maintenance of dogs’ physical and mental well-being
    • Interact with dogs for walks, training and socialization
    • Bathe / groom dogs
    • Reinforce behaviours that make dogs more adoptable
    • Disinfect any dog toys used for Enrichment
    • Create treats / food puzzles
    • Wash up dirty dog dishes and assist with laundry (washing, drying and folding linens), based on Enrichment activities undertaken
    • Ensure dogs are safe and secure
  • Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
  • Use online Contact List & Schedule to reflect any absences and to coordinate shift coverage
Qualifications
  • 18 years of age minimum
  • A commitment to animal welfare
  • A gentle and kind approach to dog handling
  • Confident with dogs
  • Current dog handling and/or training experience is required
  • Medium and/or large dog experience is required
  • Willingness and ability to complete multiple levels of the Dog Care Program is expected. Quick progression from Green to Yellow Dog Walker status will occur upon joining the Dog Care Team, followed by progression through the additional status levels to provide the necessary support for a wide range of dog behaviours and needs
  • Self motivated
  • Ability to work alone and in a team environment
  • Ability to follow protocol
Positions currently available

Use your love of dogs and experience to make a difference! Apply today to join our Tuesday or Saturday afternoon team – you’ll be involved in all aspects of dog care: from hands-on interactions, to mental stimuli, to providing a safe and healthy environment for dogs in need.

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

Apply now

Animal Transfer Volunteer

The Animal Transfer Volunteer supports our Outreach Programs by transporting cats or dogs to our Animal Centre from outside the Georgian Triangle Area. This volunteer may occasionally be asked to support our Cat and Dog Care Teams by driving animals to and from local veterinary clinics for surgical and healthcare appointments.

266 animals were transported to our Animal Centre in 2022, to receive care onsite or with GTHS Foster families before finding their forever homes in our community.

Description
The GTHS Animal Transfer Volunteer coordinates with the Transfer Coordinator and/or Animal Health Technician (or designate) relating to the collection or drop-off of animals, and uses a GTHS vehicle or their own vehicle for transportation. The Animal Transfer Volunteer accompanies the animal to its destination (in a carrier or kennel), with corresponding documentation and/or medication. GTHS Yellow Dog Walker/Handler status is required in order to assist with dog transportation.
Time Commitment
Animal transportation takes place on an ad hoc, as needed, basis. The length of time volunteered will depend on the collection/drop-off point for each transfer.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Maintain clean and tidy GTHS van (inside and outside)
  • Stock vehicle with appropriate items required for each transport (gas, kennels, bowls, food, water…)
  • Ensure appropriate documentation and/or medication is available for each transfer
  • Liaise with rescue group/veterinary staff/airport personnel, etc. at the collection/drop-off point
  • Load/unload animals in carriers or kennels
  • 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
  • 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 Animal Transport Guidelines / GTHS Van Use Agreement
  • For volunteers assisting with canine transportation:
    • GTHS Yellow Dog Walker / Handler status will need to be gained to assist with dog transportation. Training will be coordinated upon request.
    • Review and sign-off of the GTHS Canine Domestic Transport & Intake Process

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 Recovery 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 is one of the only accessible spay/neuter hospitals serving Bruce, Grey and part of Simcoe County that performs 3,000 surgeries annually (an average of 50 surgeries per week), and subsidizing ~$770K in veterinary costs each year.

To promote pet wellness and safety, 1,858 rabies vaccinations and 1,767 microchips are administered to GTHS animal residents and community clients on an annual basis.

Description
Reporting to the Director of Medicine and Hospital Registered Veterinary Technician, the Hospital Recovery Volunteer will be responsible for maintaining an orderly Recovery Room, assisting with recovering patients and the movement of animals.
Time Commitment
Mondays shifts: 9am-2pm, 10am-3pm or 10.45am-3pm. Other weekday shifts:  9.30am-1.30pm, 10.30am-2.30pm or 11.30am-3pm.  Available shifts are posted or will be discussed at time of application. A minimum commitment of 6 months is required.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Set up the Recovery Room for the day
    • This includes making sure kennels have towels and a floor recovery space is set up for large dogs
  • Assist with transporting animals into and out of the hospital, as needed
  • Assist post-surgery
    • Handle, restrain and care for animals
    • Monitor animals’ recovery post-surgery (vital signs)
    • Report any abnormalities in recovery to the Veterinary Technician
    • Help administer vaccines / medications / microchips, under direction
    • Help ensure all animals treated in the hospital have records that are maintained accurately
  • Assist post-recovery
    • Return recovered GTHS animals to the appropriate location onsite at the Animal Centre
    • Place recovered pets into the appropriate cat carrier or dog crate
  • Maintain an orderly Recovery Room
    • Store vaccines / medications / microchips appropriately
    • Disinfect / sanitize monitoring equipment
    • Clean and disinfect cages, floors, surfaces and surrounding areas
    • Dispose of garbage and recyclables
    • Wash any dishes used
    • Top up or record supplies needed
  • Assist Hospital staff as required
  • Follow appropriate protocol, legislation and regulations
Qualifications
  • 18 years of age minimum
  • Punctual and reliable
  • Demonstrates understanding and passion for animal welfare
  • Experience with cats and dogs of all sizes, breeds and temperaments
  • Diligent compliance with guidelines and protocols for personal and animal safety
  • Basic math skills and able to use a watch to record recovery times
  • Self-motivated and energetic, with proven ability to complete tasks with competency and accuracy
  • Able to work in a very fast paced environment
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills
  • Able to work independently and as part of a team
  • Works cooperatively and effectively with others
  • Willing to administer medications and provide injections (training will be provided)
Working Conditions:
  • Physical demands of the position include bending, kneeling, carrying and lifting up to 18kg
  • We recommend that closed toe shoes and clothing that has no sentimental value (ie. can get dirty and/or stained) are worn.

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 is one of the only accessible spay/neuter hospitals serving Bruce, Grey and part of Simcoe County that performs 3,000 surgeries annually (an average of 50 surgeries per week), and subsidizing ~$770K in veterinary costs each year.

To promote pet wellness and safety, 1,858 rabies vaccinations and 1,767 microchips are administered to GTHS animal residents and community clients on an annual basis.

Description
Reporting to the Community Programs Coordinator (and the Director of Medicine), the Hospital Discharge Volunteer will be responsible for discharging animals to the public after their Hospital appointment / surgery, as well as overseeing the cleanliness of the Hospital Intake Room.
Time Commitment
Weekday shift: 2.30-4pm A minimum commitment of 6 months is required.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • 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
    • Ensure onesie or cone is supplied, if appropriate
    • Return cats to their owners and coordinate with the Hospital RVT to bring dogs out to their owners
    • Accept payment for add-on 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 the Community Programs Coordinator or Hospital staff as required
  • Follow appropriate protocol, legislation and regulations
Qualifications
    • 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 occasional add-on services)
    • Able to work in a fast paced environment
    • Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
    • Excellent time management and organizational skills
    • Able to work independently and as part of a small 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

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 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
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.
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
  • 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 or caring for cats / dogs is required
  • Self motivated
  • Ability to read and follow directions
  • Ability to follow protocol
  • Good communication skills
Positions currently available

Want to help keep people and pets together? Not ready to take on an animal of your own, but would like feline or canine company?  We are looking for Emergency Boarding Foster Volunteers to join our team – please apply today!

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

Apply now

Canine Foster Volunteer

Canine Foster Volunteers provide a safe, loving and temporary home for puppies, senior dogs and adult dogs with specific needs.  You must have the ability to separate the foster animals 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 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
Canine Foster Volunteers are responsible for helping puppies (litter sizes can range from 4-6 puppies), seniors and / or adult dogs in their care thrive until they are ready to be adopted.  This will include feeding the animals at least twice a day, possibly more, potty training (for puppies), and exercising 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, clean water and clean bedding as required
  • Provide puppy pee-pad training, if necessary
  • Bathe and groom dogs, as necessary and if comfortable doing so
  • Interact with dogs for walks, training and socialization
  • Provide a structured environment and reinforce behaviours that make dogs more adoptable
  • Assist in the maintenance of dogs’ health and welfare
  • Administer medication, as required and as instructed
  • Ensure any veterinary appointments are kept
  • Return dogs to GTHS Animal Centre as required (for surgery, treatment, adoption…)
  • Ensure dogs 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 puppies and/or dogs is preferred, but not necessary
  • Dog handling experience is required
  • Experience interacting with dogs with behavioural concerns is essential (if accepting foster cases of this nature)
  • Willing to learn to bottle feed (if fostering pregnant/nursing moms or puppies)
  • Willing to provide medication
  • Self motivated
  • Ability to read and follow directions
  • Ability to follow protocol
  • Good communication skills
Positions currently available

We’re always looking for Canine Foster Volunteers to join our Foster Team. Our greatest areas of need are caring for: pregnant moms, moms with their puppies and puppy litters. 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.

Apply now

Dog Care – Evening Let-out Volunteer

Dog Care Volunteers work with puppies and dogs of all sizes, shapes and backgrounds (stray, surrendered, neglected, abused, healthy, recovering from surgery…). The Evening Dog Let-Out role is integral to caring for our canine residents, to ensure they are safe for the night.

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

Description
Reporting to the Dog Care Coordinator, Evening Let-Out Volunteers come onsite at 8pm to let each dog into their outside pen for an evening bathroom break and ensure they have fresh water and an evening treat. They are also responsible for closing down the kennels properly and ensuring all dogs are safe and settled.
Time Commitment
Approximately 1 hour per week from 8pm to 9pm. A minimum commitment of 6 months is required.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Let dogs into outside kennel and close door to inside
  • Tidy or change bedding, as needed
  • Top up or change water, as needed
  • Provide evening treat
  • Let dogs back into indoor kennel and close door to outside
  • No hands-on interaction with any of the dogs
  • Report any behaviour or health concerns
  • Ensure dogs are safe, secure and settled
  • Keep pinpad code to enter premises confidential and ensure premises is secure upon leaving
  • Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
  • Use online Contact List & Schedule to reflect any absences and to coordinate shift coverage
Qualifications
  • 18 years of age minimum
  • A commitment to animal welfare
  • Confident, gentle and kind with dogs
  • Dog experience is required
  • Self motivated
  • Reliable and responsible
  • Ability to follow protocol
Positions currently available

Please join our Dog Care Team today, to provide our dogs with a much needed evening ‘comfort break’ on Sundays.

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

Apply now

AM Dog Care Volunteer

Members of the GTHS Dog Care Team work with puppies and dogs of all sizes, shapes and backgrounds (stray, surrendered, neglected, abused, healthy, recovering from surgery, may be easy to handle or may require training for behavioural issues…).

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

Description
Reporting to the Dog Care Coordinator, AM Dog Care Volunteers help to maintain the health and welfare of GTHS dogs. This role entails taking care of our dogs’ environment by cleaning their kennels and outdoor runs, and being responsible for food preparation and feeding our dogs their breakfast. If interested and when time permits, AM Dog Care Volunteers interact with our dogs by assisting with our Canine Enrichment Program.
Time Commitment
A minimum commitment of one shift per week is required. AM Dog Care shifts are Monday through Sunday, 7.30am-9am. An overall minimum commitment of 6 months is required.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Assist in the maintenance of dogs’ health and welfare
    • Maintain clean and organized kennels (inside and outside)
    • Disinfect kennels and toys
    • Prepare and provide treats, breakfast and clean water as required or instructed
    • Wash up any dirty animal dishes (in Animal Equipment Room)
    • Assist with Animal Centre laundry (washing, drying and folding linens)
    • Dispose of garbage and recyclables
    • Ensure dogs are safe and secure
  • If interested and time permits:
    • Dog bathing, grooming, Room 5 petting, time in Dog Yard or X-Pen
    • Interact with dogs for walks, training and socialization
    • Reinforce behaviours that make dogs more adoptable
  • 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
  • A commitment to animal welfare
  • A gentle and kind approach to dog handling
  • Self motivated
  • Ability to work alone and in a team environment
  • Ability to follow protocol
  • Must by physically capable of sweeping, mopping, hosing and scrubbing
To interact with GTHS dogs:
  • Must be confident with dogs
  • Current dog handling and/or training experience is required
  • Medium and/or large dog experience is required
  • Willingness and ability to complete the GTHS Dog Care Program (training from Green to Yellow Dog Walker status) is a must upon joining the Dog Care Team, as is the completion of any future intermittent training
Positions currently available

Our dogs URGENTLY need you to care for them on Wednesday or Thursday mornings from 7.30-9am and look forward to giving you slobbery kisses as thanks for joining our Dog Care Team. A Monday opportunity will be available from mid October 2024.

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

Apply now

Dog Enrichment Volunteer

Members of the Dog Care Team work with puppies and dogs of all sizes, shapes and backgrounds (stray, surrendered, neglected, abused, healthy, recovering from surgery, may be easy to handle or may require training for behavioural issues…).

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

Description
Dog Enrichment Volunteers report to the Dog Care Coordinator and participate in our Canine Enrichment Program to provide mental and physical stimuli to the dogs in our care at the Animal Centre. To support the wide range of dog behaviours and needs we encounter at the GTHS, Dog Enrichment Volunteers complete a Dog Care Program*; quickly progressing from Green dogs (ie. puppies and seniors who are easy to walk and handle) and Yellow dogs (ie. young, rambunctious, pullers who can be slightly difficult to walk and handle), then work through the Orange and Purple levels at their own pace, with the ultimate goal of working with Red dogs (ie. strong, reactive dogs that are difficult to walk and handle, and that may have other behavioural issues). *Training is required upon joining the Dog Care Team and will be required intermittently to progress through the Dog Care Program.
Time Commitment
2 hours once a week. Enrichment shifts take place Monday through Sunday at a mutually agreed upon time between the hours of 9am-12noon. An overall minimum commitment of 6 months is required.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Create treats / food puzzles
  • Provide food and clean water as required or instructed
  • Assist in the maintenance of dogs’ physical and mental well-being
  • Interact with dogs for walks, training and socialization
  • Bathe / groom dogs
  • Reinforce behaviours that make dogs more adoptable
  • Ensure dogs are safe and secure
  • Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
  • Wash up dirty dog dishes and assist with laundry (washing, drying and folding linens), based on Enrichment activities undertaken
  • Disinfect any dog toys used for Enrichment
  • Clean up after dogs (stoop and scoop) in the kennel area and outdoors, as appropriate
  • Oversee any cleaning and tidying resulting from own interactions with dogs
  • Use online Contact List & Schedule to reflect any absences and to coordinate shift coverage
Qualifications
  • 18 years of age minimum
  • A commitment to animal welfare
  • A gentle and kind approach to dog handling
  • Confident with dogs
  • Current dog handling and/or training experience is required
  • Medium and/or large dog experience is required
  • Willingness and ability to complete the GTHS Dog Care Program training from Green to Yellow Dog Walker status is a must upon joining the Dog Care Team, and a desire to progress through additional status levels of the Dog Care Program is expected
  • Self motivated
  • Ability to work alone and in a team environment
  • Ability to follow protocol
Positions currently available

Dog savvy, with large dog experience? Please apply today to join our Dog Care Team on Friday mornings for a 2 hour shift of your choosing between 9am-12noon.

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

Apply now
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

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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!