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!

We hope you will help us continue to make Burlington a more Humane Society for all Animals!  

**Click here to apply**

***Please note that all volunteers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and that proof of vaccination must be sent to the Executive Director (doug@burlingtonhumane. ca) by email before you are able to volunteer.***

***If you are a current volunteer and are unable to make your shift at the last minute, please call the shelter at (905) 637-7325, extension 228, and let us know.  Thank You!!***

Make a Difference

Join the team of volunteers at Burlington Humane! There is a wide range of volunteer opportunities within our organization. You can make a difference and find this is also a rewarding experience.

The kindness one does for an animal may not change the world.
But, it will change the world for that one animal.

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 to 1 year… become a part of our volunteer team.

*Please note, you will hear from our volunteer coordinator within 3-4 days of filling out an application.*

Join our Team!!

Steps to Becoming a BHS Volunteer:
1. Once we start accepting new volunteer applications, you can fill out an application.
2. You must attend an information session to hear all about us and the volunteer opportunities we have to offer. Parents must accompany volunteers who are under 18 years of age to the session.
3. Complete a training session for the role you’re interested in. This applies to Animal-related roles only.
4. Receive Login Information to start signing up for shifts.

Volunteer Opportunities

Below are the volunteer opportunities at the shelter.

Working with the Public

Reception & Office Work

We do not have any Reception Volunteer Positions available at this time. Be sure to check our page again for updates.

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, have the mobility to be able to show the cats to adopters, and have excellent intercommunication skills.
Volunteers need to complete 2 training sessions with our seasoned reception volunteers, prior to starting the role. Once trained, signing up for one shift every two weeks would be a minimum expectation from the role.

Second Hand Store Staff (The Loft & The Attic)

Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.

Tasks: Assist in sorting through donations, pricing, and displaying merchandise.
Reception shifts are: Monday – Saturday 10 am – 1 pm, 1 pm – 5 pm.
Volunteers must be able to read, write, follow instructions and work independently.

Special Events & Fundraising

These are some of the opportunities that are available for those volunteering to get Community Hours.

Volunteers must be 15 years of age or older.

At times these opportunities take place away from the shelter. Volunteers promote the shelter throughout the community by raising funds to help care for the animals, explain our role and promote our Mission Statement.

There are many events throughout the year. We are always in need of volunteers to help represent BHS in the community!

There are lots of opportunities preparing for events and activities.  These are also available for those needing Community School Service Hours.

Working with our Animals

Cat & Kitten Feed & Clean

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 two feed & clean shifts per day: 8 am & 3 pm – 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Volunteers must be able to read, write, follow instructions and work independently.

Volunteers need to complete a 2.5-hour 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 & Puppy Care & Dog Walking

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.
Volunteers must be able to read, write, follow instructions and work independently. ”
Volunteers need to enroll in our dog and puppy care training program, prior to starting the role. 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

We do not have any Animal Enrichment Volunteer Positions available at this time. Be sure to check our page again for updates.

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.

Helping & Assisting

Maintenance Volunteer

If you’re a good handyman, 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. You’re someone who enjoys this type of work, we can definitely use your help. Another great opportunity if you’re able to only provide a short-term commitment.

Programs

Education

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.
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 that make such a difference in the lives of those in our community.

Foster Care

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.