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 GTHS!
Click for current volunteer openings
Click to learn about our volunteer roles & responsibilities
Click to answer Volunteer FAQ
How Do I Get Started?
Check out our current volunteer openings for details of our current and upcoming volunteer vacancies.
- Volunteer vacancies are posted as positions become available and are removed when filled
- Shift times, commitment, minimum age, required experience, etc. are stated
- Interested candidates are invited submit a Volunteer Application Form to volunteer@gths.ca with their position(s) of interest identified
- Candidates interested in fostering are asked to submit a Foster Application Form to volunteer@gths.ca
- Candidates may be interviewed by our Volunteer Coordinator or by a staff member of the team they’ve asked to join
- Successful candidates are required to complete our onboarding process, which includes a virtual Orientation (or an onsite Orientation)
- Some positions may require the submission of additional documentation* before volunteering
- Once the onboarding process is complete, successful candidates will receive any appropriate training resources and their first volunteer shift / training session will be coordinated
- New Dog Care volunteers are required to complete an online dog body language training module prior to coming onsite for the first time
- New Foster Volunteers will be assigned their first foster case when a suitable foster scenario arises
Don’t see a vacancy you’re interested in or that matches your skills and availability? We can add you to our waitlist!
Learn about our volunteer roles & responsibilities and submit your Volunteer Application Form, asking to join our waitlist. We’ll acknowledge your request and will contact you again when a suitable vacancy becomes available.
*Additional documentation required
A current Criminal Record Police Check is required for:
- Front Desk Volunteers
- Hospital Discharge Volunteers
- Humane Education Volunteers
- Treasure Tails Volunteers
A current Vulnerable Sector Police Check is required for:
- Humane Education Volunteers
Transfer Volunteers and Outreach Transport Volunteers must complete driving related documentation and provide a copy of their driver’s license.
Am I Qualified to Become a GTHS Volunteer?
- a parent or guardian has agreed to support your Foster activities as you’re under 18
- 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
- you are 18 years of age and over to volunteer elsewhere within our organization
- you are friendly, polite and reliable
- you are willing to contribute towards a team-oriented, non-judgmental and welcoming ‘work’ environment
- you have the stated pre-requisites for the position(s) applied for
- as appropriate, 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
Download the Volunteer Application Form – PDF
Download the Foster Application Form – PDF
* Too young to become a GTHS Volunteer and not interested in fostering? Check out details of our Humane Education Program for a range of youth-targeted online courses, as well as after-school and summer programs.
What is my Commitment as a GTHS Volunteer?
- Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 6 months, (except for students completing volunteer hours for school, Co-op placements or individuals completing community service)
- The number of hours’ commitment per week varies according to the position applied for, ranging from 1 to 4 hours (see Current volunteer openings for details)
- Most positions require a once a week commitment
- Volunteers with a scheduled position (set day & time) are expected to coordinate coverage for planned absences
- All volunteers agree to notify their Team Lead (supervisor) of any last minute or planned absences
- Volunteers agree to provide as much advance notice as possible before resigning from a GTHS volunteer position
Commitments for specific volunteer positions:
- Transfer Volunteers and Outreach Transport Volunteers commit to providing a copy of their driver’s license whenever it’s renewed and to advising their Team Lead of any driving record or license changes
- Volunteers required to provide a criminal record police check will advise their Team Lead of any future changes to their criminal record
- Humane Education Volunteers will advise their Team Lead of any future changes to their vulnerable sector police check
- After an extended absence, volunteers within the Dog Care Team agree to have their walker/handler status reviewed and, if necessary, to receive retraining before interacting with any GTHS dogs
Open Information Sessions
Open Information Sessions are held at the GTHS to provide the opportunity for prospective volunteers to learn about our organization and our Volunteer Program.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we are restricting the number of people onsite at any given time, so our Open Information sessions are regrettably currently suspended. Please reach out to volunteer@gths.caif you are thinking about volunteering and would like to receive a tour and/or additional information about our Volunteer Program.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the GTHS!
Volunteer Stories
Landon started volunteering at the GTHS as a Cat Care Technician due to her love for animals and because she aspires to become a veterinarian. “I have grown up rescuing feral cats and I love that GTHS gives me the opportunity to develop special connections with some many amazing animals. Being able to see the transformation from when the animals come into our devoted team members’ care and when they are adopted into their forever homes is something that leaves a lasting impression. I have made exceptional connections with not only the cats, but also with the incredible like-minded volunteers and staff members.” – Landon, Cat Care Technician Volunteer
In May 2018, Mathieu’s dog passed away, and he lost his job shortly afterwards. Finding himself in an empty house he was depressed, needed to appease his heartbreak and a reason to get up. As a Shelter Aide, he says he has no pressure, satisfaction in his role, and knows he’s making a difference, whilst interacting with good people and animals. “I enjoy coming in. We have a great team! It doesn’t feel like work. I think I needed something like this.” – Mathieu, Shelter Aide Volunteer
“Had the great opportunity to volunteer with the GTHS yesterday at kittypalooza…what an incredibly well organized, beautiful facility they have and their staff and volunteers are just so wonderful. I highly recommend them if you are looking for your new little buddy.” – Keith
Anne decided to join the GTHS as a Dog Care Team Member in August 2018 as she missed her dog, after separating from her husband and having to leave her pup behind. Being used to always having animals in her life, Anne felt that volunteering around dogs would help with this loss and would be a good fit for her extensive dog experience. Anne has subsequently become a feline and canine Foster Volunteer and enjoys temporarily sharing her home with animals in need, saying “I have too much love to give to just one animal.” – Anne, Dog Care Team Member and Foster Volunteer
