Pet Pantry Volunteer

The GTHS believes that pets deserve to stay with their families regardless of logistical or financial challenges faced by their parents.

Access to Care programs support pets and their families through programs that work to make veterinary care more accessible, help battle food insecurity and provide temporary housing during crisis.

The GTHS Pet Pantry Program, established in 2020, is a donation-based program aimed to ensure that pet food is more accessible for individuals and families who are in need. In 2023, the GTHS supported approximately 1,000 pets through the Pet Pantry Program and distributed 28,000 meals in the community.

Last year, the Pet Pantry Program expanded to include 9 Community Depots in various locations: in Collingwood, The Town of the Blue Mountains, Wasaga Beach and Clearview Township. The service is strictly confidential.

Description

Reporting to the Community Programs Supervisor, the Pet Pantry Volunteer is responsible for repackaging and/or collecting pet food and supplies from the Animal Centre for delivery to local Pet Pantry depots or pet owners’ homes, to assist members of our community who are temporarily unable to provide the day-to-day necessities for their pets. Pet Pantry bagging takes place on an as needed basis, and deliveries take place on Tuesdays and on Fridays.

Time Commitment

A minimum commitment of 6 months is required. Volunteers are assigned one shift a week (Tuesday or Friday) and have a fixed morning or afternoon schedule. The length of time volunteered will depend on the volume of pet food to be repackaged, the distance of the collection/drop-off point and the number of deliveries required, but bagging is approximated at 1.5 hours, and loading and delivery time is approximated at 2 hours. Vacancy information is posted at the bottom of this window.

Roles and Responsibilities

Liaise with Customer Service Coordinator and Community Program Supervisor for inbound pet food deliveries, Pet Pantry supplies required and delivery locations
Maintain tidy and organized Pet Pantry shelves
- Restock shelves from supplies in garage and/or container, as appropriate
Repackage pet food into 1kg Zip Lock bags
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 Pantry depots and/or pet owners
- 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
Own transportation

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)
Gas and mileage is not reimbursable

Positions currently available

Due to demand, we are in need of occasional assistance to support our Tuesday and/or Friday Pet Pantry volunteers. Please submit your application today if you’re in a position to help us assist pet owners in need within our surrounding communities.

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

Pet Pantry Volunteer

Description

Time Commitment

Roles and Responsibilities

Qualifications

Positions currently available

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