Pet Pantry Volunteer

Our Outreach Program consists of a variety of Pet Support Services available to pet owners within our community and beyond: low cost spay/neuter and wellness clinics (microchipping and rabies vaccination) for pet owners on a limited income, population control for feral cats, emergency boarding, emergency medical assistance, as well as the provision of food and pet supplies for pet owners in need.

Our range of Pet Support Services was accessed by a total of 3,980 people in 2022 and 790 pets received free meals and/or litter, distributed through our Pet Panty services; a massive jump from 96 pets in 2021!

Description
Reporting to the Outreach Coordinator, the Pet Pantry Volunteer is responsible for collecting food and pet supplies from the Animal Centre for delivery to local pet owners who are temporarily unable to provide the day-to-day necessities for their pets. Pet Pantry deliveries take place on Tuesdays and Fridays on an ‘as needed’ basis.
Time Commitment
One shift a week on an ‘as needed’ basis*. The length of time volunteered will depend on the distance of the collection/drop-off point from the volunteer’s residence and the number of deliveries required, but loading and delivery time is approximated at 2 hours. A minimum commitment of 6 months is required. * Volunteers are able to choose a fixed morning or afternoon schedule for their assigned Tuesday / Friday shift.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Liaise with Customer Service Coordinator and Outreach Coordinator for supplies required and delivery locations
  • Maintain tidy and organized Pet Pantry shelves
    • Restock shelves from supplies in garage and/or container, as appropriate
  • Source supplies and load vehicle at Animal Centre
    • Exercise judgement and accurately select supplies requested
    • Ensure items are properly stored/secured during transportation
  • Deliver supplies to pet owner
    • Meet pet owners at street level
    • Ensure contactless delivery during pandemic
  • Provide friendly, non-judgemental, quality customer service
  • Promote additional Outreach programs and services, as appropriate
  • Ensure any appropriate documentation is available and/or signed
  • Maintain clean and tidy GTHS van (inside and outside), if used
  • 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
  • 18 years of age minimum
  • A commitment to animal welfare and an understanding of the human-animal bond
  • Punctual and reliable
  • Self motivated
  • Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
  • Diligent compliance with guidelines and protocols for personal safety
  • Able to work independently and as part of a team
  • Works cooperatively and effectively with others
  • 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
Working Conditions:
  •  Physical demands of the position include lifting and carrying food with a potential maximum weight of 30lb / 13.6kg
  • We recommend wearing closed toe shoes and clothing that has no sentimental value (ie. can get dirty)

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!