Humane Education School Program Volunteering
Is the Humane Education School Program for YOU?
- Do you enjoy spending time with children and animals?
- Are you comfortable speaking in front of kids?
- Are you available for three hours every second week during the school year (October-June)?
- Can you commit to the School Program for one year?
- Do you have a car or access to a vehicle?
If you answered YES to the above questions, you may enjoy volunteering with the humane education department!
What is the Humane Education School Program?
The School Program (JK-8) has been visiting schools in the Ottawa area since 1990. This program teaches children about responsible pet ownership, dog-bite prevention and the role of the Ottawa Humane Society in the community. Animal welfare topics are presented Monday to Friday from October to June. Volunteers train to become presenters by first acting as animal handlers. A two-member team of humane education volunteers delivers a one-hour, scripted presentation that includes a short video. In addition, a temperament-tested dog is introduced in a supervised session with the children.
What is the typical profile of a humane education volunteer?
Humane education volunteers have diverse backgrounds. We have had students, retirees, homemakers, former and aspiring teachers, and individuals who enjoy working with kids and animals.
What animals are brought into the schools?
School Program dogs belong to OHS staff and approved volunteers. All of the dogs have passed an OHS temperament test. Cats do not participate in this program.
May I use my pet in this program?
If you think your dog (no cats, please!) is suitable for a presentation, talk to the Humane Education Coordinator or the Manager of Volunteers. Your companion animal must pass the OHS temperament assessment before he/she is allowed out on presentations.
Steps to Becoming a Humane Education Volunteer
- Download a copy of the OHS Volunteer Application Package
PDF Format
- Complete the Application Package and return to the OHS Volunteer Department at volunteer@ottawahumane.ca
- Volunteers whose skills and availability match the Humane Education program will be contacted for an interview. If we do not have a volunteer opportunity immediately, your application will be kept on file for two months.
- Following the interview, all volunteers will be asked to complete a criminal record and scheduled for an orientation.
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