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!
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 live updates and details of our vacancies, (including shift times, level of commitment, minimum age, experience required, etc.).
- To volunteer or to be waitlisted please submit a Volunteer Application Form to volunteer@gths.ca with your position(s) of interest identified
- To foster please submit a Foster Application Form to volunteer@gths.ca
- 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
Don’t see a vacancy matching your availability or area of interest?
Learn about our volunteer roles & responsibilities
and submit your Volunteer Application Form to be waitlisted.
We’ll acknowledge your request and will contact you again when a suitable vacancy becomes available.
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?
- you are willing to contribute towards a team-oriented, non-judgmental and welcoming ‘work’ environment
- you are friendly, polite and reliable
- you have the stated pre-requisites for the position(s) applied for
- 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
- a parent or guardian has agreed to support your Foster activities as you’re under 18
- you are 18 years of age and over to volunteer elsewhere within our organization
- 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 not interested in fostering?
Go to the Lifelong Learning 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 Coordinator 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
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 Team Member
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
“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 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, Foster Volunteer
