Why Volunteer at the GTHS?

 

Being a volunteer is rewarding, educational, exciting and fun!

The GTHS is always looking for dedicated volunteers in a variety of areas. You can have a huge impact on the lives of the animals that enter our Animal Centre and the people who receive our services every day. It is a gratifying experience to know that YOU can make a difference.

We cannot provide for animals in need, or do the amazing work we do to support people and their pets, without volunteers and their gifts of time, talent, commitment and hard work. Volunteers are essential to giving animals a second chance and, in so many ways, are the face of animal welfare in our community.

THANK YOU for choosing the GTHS!

How Do I Get Started?

Check out our current volunteer openings for live updates and details of our vacancies, (including shift times, level of commitment, minimum age, experience required, etc.).

  • To volunteer:  Please submit your application by clicking on the ‘Volunteer Application’ button below, then follow the prompts to create a profile for ‘MyImpactPage’ (if you don’t already have one) and submit the online application with your position(s) of interest identified
  • To foster:  Please submit your application by clicking on the Foster Application button below, then follow the prompts to create a profile for ‘MyImpactPage’ (if you don’t already have one) and submit the online Foster application

** ALL applications and enquiries are acknowledged. Please check your email junk/spam folder if you don’t receive a response within 24 business hours.**

 

  • Successful candidates are required to complete our onboarding process
    • Some positions require submission of additional documentation before volunteering (such as a criminal record check, vulnerable sector police check or driving agreement) – this will be specified within the posted vacancy and discussed as part of the application process
  • After onboarding:
    • Available resources will be provided
    • Some positions may require completion of online training for role familiarization
    • In-person training and/or first shifts will be coordinated
    • New Foster Volunteers will be assigned their first foster case when a suitable foster scenario arises

Still unsure about volunteering at the GTHS?

  • Email volunteer@gths.ca to request additional information about our Volunteer Program or a tour of our Animal Centre.

Am I Qualified?

  1. you are willing to contribute towards a team-oriented, non-judgmental and welcoming ‘work’ environment
  2. you are friendly, polite and reliable
  3. you have the stated pre-requisites for the position(s) applied for
  4. you are at least 15* years of age to join our Cat Care Team or are 16 years of age and over to join our Dog Care Team or Fundraising & Events Team
  5. you are 18 years of age and over to volunteer elsewhere within our organization (including fostering)
  6. if under 18, you have obtained school approval for the completion of your volunteer hours by supporting your parent / guardian with their Foster activities*
  7. based on the position applied for, you have a a clean driving record, a clean criminal record police check or a clean vulnerable sector police check

 

* Too young to volunteer and unable to support Foster activities?
Go to the Youth Programs tab on our website for details of youth-targeted online courses,
as well as after-school and summer programs

What is my Commitment?

  • We ask for an overall minimum commitment of 6 months, except for volunteer ‘placements’
    (e.g. hours for school, Co-op or community service)
  • Most positions require a once a week commitment and have shifts ranging from 1 to 4 hours
    (see Current volunteer openings for details)
  • Volunteers agree to provide as much advance notice as possible before resigning from a GTHS volunteer position
  • Scheduled volunteers (with a set shift day and time) are expected to coordinate coverage with teammates for planned absences
  • Volunteers agree to notify their Team Lead (supervisor) about any lack of availability, including last-minute or planned absences
  • Volunteers agree to notify the Volunteer Program Supervisor of changes to their personal and emergency contact information and, as appropriate, to their driving record, driving license, criminal record or vulnerable sector police check
  • For safety reasons, Dog Care Team volunteers agree to have their walker/handler status reviewed and to receive retraining (if necessary) after an extended absence or as deemed fit by their Team Lead

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the GTHS!

VOLUNTEER STORIES

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!