Volunteer
Volunteers are the heart of Burlington Humane. Donating their time & love in various areas of the organization. Volunteers are a valued resource making a difference in the lives of so many animals.
We are very fortunate to have a strong group of over 300 volunteers who dedicate their time and talent to help us continue to improve animal care at our shelter. That said we don’t always have openings available. We thank you for your patience and interest to Volunteer with us!
* CLICK: Volunteer Application Form*
Current Volunteers LOGIN Portal:
Volunteer Qualifications
If you love animals, are reliable, are 15 years of age or older, have an up-to-date tetanus vaccination & can make a minimum commitment of 6 months, read on!
Steps to Becoming a BHS Volunteer:
1. Fill out an application.
2. You must attend an Orientation session to learn about us and the volunteer opportunities we have to offer. Parents must accompany volunteers who are under 18 years of age to the session. Orientation sessions occur monthly.3. Attend in-person, role-specific information sessions.
4. Complete the required training sessions.
5. Receive Login information to start signing up for shifts.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Volunteer positions that are currently OPEN are:
RECEPTION
DOG WALKING
MORNING FEED AND CLEAN (shifts ranging from 8:00 AM-11 AM)
LOFT & ATTIC (our second hand stores) ATTENDANT
EVENT VOLUNTEER
PET THERAPY
CLEANING AND SANITATION
TRANSPORTATION
BUILDING/GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
Positions at a Glance
Reception:
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
They are greeting the public coming into the adoption centre and answer our phone lines. Volunteers are also to assist in paperwork, filing, stuffing envelopes, and office administration tasks.
Reception shifts are:
Tuesday through Saturday 9:45 am – 1 pm, 12:45 pm – 3 pm, or 2:45 pm – 5 pm.
Volunteers must be able to read, write, follow instructions and work independently, and have the mobility to show potential adopters to the different cats. Volunteers must complete 3 training sessions with our seasoned reception volunteers prior to starting the role.
The Loft & The Attic (Second Hand Store)
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
Tasks: Assist in sorting through donations, pricing, working with the public and displaying merchandise.
Volunteer shifts are: Monday – Saturday 10 am – 1 pm & 1pm – 4 pm.
Events & Fundraising
Although anyone can volunteer for this role, this opportunity is great for those wishing to get Community Hours. Volunteers must be 15 years of age or older.
Events occur both at the shelter and away from the shelter. Volunteers promote the shelter throughout the community by raising funds to help care for the animals, explaining our role and promoting our mission statement.
There are many events throughout the year. We are always in need of volunteers to help represent BHS in the community!
Feed & Clean (Cat & Kitten)
This role is vital to the running of the shelter. Volunteers must be at least 15 years of age and be comfortable working with and handling cats and kittens.
There are various Feed and Clean shifts for the AM and PM- 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Volunteers must be able to read, write, follow instructions and work independently.
Volunteers must complete a 3-4hr training session, prior to starting the role. Once trained, signing up for one shift every two weeks would be a minimum expectation from the role.
Dog Walking (Dog & Puppy Care)
Volunteers for this program must be 18 years of age or older and must be comfortable working with all breeds and sizes of dogs. Volunteers must also be willing to walk in all different weather conditions.
Volunteers are required each morning to clean & sanitize each kennel.
They are to provide dogs with exercise through walking, mental stimulation, provide basic key commands, leash training, play & positive physical contact. Experience with dogs is an asset.
Dog walking shifts are 8:30 am, 11:30 am, 4:00 pm & 9:00 pm – 7 days a week – 365 days a year.
Once trained, signing up for one shift every two weeks would be a minimum expectation from the role.
Transporting Animals
This is a critical role as volunteers transport our animals to and from our shelter to local veterinary clinics for their appointments.
Animal Enrichment/Cat & Dog Socialization
These volunteers work with our cats & dogs while they are waiting to be adopted. In order to make their stay at BHS as enjoyable as possible, we rely on volunteers to provide them with the necessary enrichment. This can include socialization, playtime, and brushing. Volunteers need to complete a 2.5-3 hour training session, prior to starting the role and signing up for socialization shifts.
Maintenance Volunteer
If you’re a good handyman and enjoy gardening and lawn care; we would love for you to volunteer at BHS. We have a huge property that needs constant caring, especially lawn care and gardening. This is a great opportunity for students looking for a short-term commitment to complete their hours.
Cleaning & Sanitization
We at BHS maintain a very high standard of cleanliness and sanitization, especially with so many animals in one place. Tasks include cleaning our litter boxes, helping with laundry, sweeping and mopping the floors, and many other tasks. If you’re someone who enjoys this type of work, we can definitely use your help.
Education
This involves school classroom visits & shelter tours. Teaching children about the care and treatment of our animal friends is vital in helping children develop a humane consciousness.
Pet Therapy
Volunteers with their furry family members visit retirement & nursing homes and other facilities within the community. You will be part of a team. There are many different facilities, days, and times to fit your schedule.
Volunteers must provide a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search.
Dogs must have up-to-date vaccinations & pass a screening test. Pet Therapy Animals make a huge difference in the lives of those they visit. Meet some of the Pet Therapy animals. Click here to meet the animals!
Foster Care
Fostering is providing our animals with a temporary home while we search for their forever family. We are always in desperate need of foster homes! You are a guardian angel for a stray, abandoned, pregnant, sick, or injured animal in your own home. This may include giving medications, providing enrichment, socialization, or hand-feeding kittens or puppies who do not have their moms.
