Become A Volunteer

Volunteers Make the Magic Happen!

We're so excited that you want to volunteer at OMHS! Our amazing crew of 300+ volunteers help to keep things running smoothly every day — whether they’re caring for animals at the shelter, working at our thrift store, fostering pets, or supporting our fundraising events. Thanks to their kindness and commitment, we’re able to support not just pets, but their people too.

Want to be part of the magic? We’d love to have you on the team!

Before you get started

We have a few important notes to share before you apply to volunteer with OMHS:

  • The majority of our volunteer roles are for individuals who are 18+ years of age.
  • Youth volunteer opportunities are available through our Leader-In-Training program, supporting our summer camp, as well as through our Humane Heroes program for teens. If you are interested in future youth opportunities, please follow us on social media for updates.
  • The majority of our animal facing roles, and some shelter roles,  require a weekly commitment of one scheduled shift per week.  A shift could be between 2-3 hours in length.
  • We do have a variety of unscheduled roles that are fulfilled based on call outs (ie. call out for special events volunteers, wildlife drivers etc).
  • For all volunteer roles, we ask for a minimum 6 month commitment.
Youth Applicants

For information on other volunteer opportunities for youth please visit our Kids & Teens page. 

Requirements for volunteering

All volunteers must be:

  • 18 years of age.
  • Willing to make a minimum 6 month commitment, unless the posting is for a summer opportunity.
  • Able and willing to complete a background check.

All volunteers interested in working with animals must be:

  • Able to work safely around animals.
  • Able to volunteer on a once a week basis at the same day and time each week, working with the same animal group.

If you are under 18, please visit our Kids & Teens page for information on our youth volunteering programs.

 

Process to become a volunteer
  • Identify which posted volunteer position(s) you are interested in.
  • Complete the appropriate application for the desired role(s).
  • It is important that you fill in the application completely and provide details about your experience and availability. This will determine whether you will receive an interview.

Please be aware that only applications for available volunteer positions will be reviewed.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding the volunteer process or positions, please check out the Volunteer FAQ page, or contact us by email at volunteer@omhs.ca