Become a Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to become involved with Pets Niagara and the work we do aid and assist homeless and in-need companion animals. We rely on our volunteers to help with a large number of important tasks, including animal care, animal maintenance, manning fundraising and adoption events, office support, and even sanctuary construction and grounds maintenance. So, we are constantly seeking generous community members who are interested in helping us achieve our mission by using their established skill set to complete assigned work in an independent manner. Each volunteer's experience is unique and dependent on the amount of time they wish to contribute and the skills they offer. So, please put some thought into how you would contribute to Pets Niagara's programs as you complete your Volunteer Application.

Training for our various volunteer positions will be provided by way of an orientation session, printed materials, and by way of "hands-on" experience.

Our Volunteers and Their Responsibilities

Volunteers come to us with various skills to offer and we strive to match them with duties that are fulfilling and manageable. Some people prefer to contribute by doing routine duties like cleaning or mowing the lawn on-site while others are project-based volunteers who may work from home creating publications or managing web analytics. Regardless of the task, each volunteer must commit a minimum of 2 hours per week and is responsible for maintaining their volunteer schedule, tracking their hours, and submitting or completing their work on time and within the agreed upon direction. The right volunteer is someone who understands this commitment, is dedicated to completing the task at hand, and believes strongly in our mission.

All volunteers go through a thorough application process that includes application submission, reference checking, application review by staff, an interview and attendance at an orientation session. We reserve the right to reject applicants that are not a good fit for our needs or our philosophy. There are no contracts between Pets Niagara and its volunteers. All volunteers are considered "at will," which means they could be terminated at any time with or without cause without subjecting the organization to a claim for breach of any type of contract. All volunteers must be at least 12* years of age or older. All on-site volunteers must have valid health insurance with OHIP.

How to Apply as a Volunteer

Please fill out the online application or download the PDF file, complete it and mail it to us either by email or via Canada Post.

After reviewing your application we will notify you within 7 business days via email if your application is successful and if we have an open volunteer position which matches your interests, skills, and availability. If we do, the email will include information for a phone interview and the time with the next scheduled orientation session for your volunteer position. If you do not hear back from us within the 7-day period, please telephone or email us as it may simply be that your Volunteer Application did not reach us. We would not like to lose a valuable volunteer because of a technological hiccup or a Canada Post failure.

If we do not have an immediate opening we will still keep your application on file and notify you when and if a position becomes available. If you do not hear from us within six months, please re-apply.

Please note: There is a $25 non-refundable fee for all new volunteers. This fee covers your orientation materials and t-shirt, apron, lab coat and/or cash apron, volunteer name tab with lanyard, as applicable. It is non-refundable and can be paid in cash or by cheque. The fee is to be paid at the time you attend a volunteer orientation.

Current Open Volunteer Positions

Volunteer Coordinator

Fundraising Coordinator and Volunteers

Events Coordinator and Volunteers

Animal Care Volunteers

Companion Animal Socializing Volunteers

Program Placement Coordinator

Adoption Screeners

Spay/Neuter Coordinator

Marketing Volunteers

Public Relations Volunteers

Administrative Volunteers

Group Volunteering

Additional Qualifications

Please note that allergic or other medical conditions which would be aggravated when working around animals or while performing volunteer duties may be a disqualification.

Additional qualifications for all of our volunteer positions include:

Affection for animals, concern for their welfare and a willingness to accommodate animals in the work place.
Must be at least 12* years of age
Must be fluent in the English language (verbal and written communication)
Must provide your own health insurance
Must be in good physical condition
Must be able to kneel, stoop, bend, twist, lift, reach, push, pull, as well as walk on uneven terrain
Must be able to consistently lift 30 pounds
Must be comfortable on ladders
Must provide their own mode of transportation to fundraising and adoption events where they have signed on to participate
Must be able to work weekends, holidays and evenings and if signed-on to participate in fundraising and adoption events must also be able to work at least a one 2-hour shift per event

* Successful volunteer applicants who are under the age of 16 years will be assigned light duties only commensurate with their physical and mental ability and skills. Volunteers under the age of 16 must have an adult attend their volunteer sessions with them and remain throughout the whole course of the volunteer's shift. The parents and/or guardians of volunteers under the age of 18 years will be required to sign any medical liability waiver and release forms as well as the Confidentiality Agreement on behalf of the volunteer and themselves. The provisions for and requirements of volunteers under the age of 18 years may be amended from time-to-time without notice.

Requirements

All volunteers report to the Executive Director and, from time-to-time, to the Assistant Manager.
All volunteers are required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement* prior to engaging in any volunteer activities.
All volunteers are required to sign a Medical and Liability Waiver* prior to engaging in any volunteer activities.
All volunteers are required to represents Pets Niagara in a professional manner at all times: in appearance, demeanor and following the behavior expectations set by Pets Niagara.
All volunteers must obtain and provide proof of tetanus vaccination prior to participating in any of our volunteer programs.
Teasing, neglect or any instances of animal cruelty will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal from your volunteer position.

It is expected that every volunteer of Pets Niagara supports its mission and values. Pets Niagara reserves the right to modify, change or add to the duties of these volunteer descriptions at any time. You, the volunteer understands and acknowledges that this position is terminable at will at any time by Pets Niagara. All donors names and contact information remain the property of Pets Niagara and cannot be taken or used. All graphics and proprietary information remains the property of Pets Niagara and cannot be used for any other purposes.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BECOMING A VOLUNTEER FOR PETS NIAGARA! YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO OUR ORGANIZATION IS VERY IMPORTANT.