Foster/SAFE Sign Up

Currently, we are specifically seeking foster homes who are able and willing to take on larger dog placements. Preferably with no other dogs in the home as many shelter dogs have dog reactivity.

Many animals do much better in a home than in the shelter, and animals with medical and behavioural needs rely on the care that only a foster volunteer can give.

You won’t be alone in caring for your foster animal, we provide all the food, supplies and medical care the animal needs. The only cost to you is your time and sharing your home with an animal who needs your help.

Steps to Becoming a Foster Volunteer

1. Read the Foster Program Volunteer Agreement to make sure the program is the right fit for you.
2. Complete the foster volunteer sign up form.
3. Our volunteer department will contact you to discuss your foster application.
4. Foster Volunteers must pass a phone interview, submit a criminal records check, and attend a foster orientation session before beginning their volunteer duties.
5. Get ready to bring home your first foster animal!

For more information, please contact our coordinator: volunteers at volunteering@ottawahumane.ca or call 613-725-3166 ext. 264.

Not Currently Recruiting

Canine Enrichment Volunteer

Volunteers at the Ottawa Humane Society can give abused and neglected animals the best possible chance for a happy new life with the love and care they deserve. The OHS Volunteer department is seeking reliable, patient, and knowledgeable people with experience handling large, energetic canines to walk dogs, offer basic enrichment, encourage basic obedience (“sit”, “down”, and loose-leash walking), and follow behaviour modification plan instructions for dogs in the shelter.

These dogs can be more challenging to handle, as many of these dogs may be new to the shelter (and therefore more stressed) and will have had less time with Canine Intervention and/or Enrichment Volunteers to practice good behaviours.

Canine Enrichment Volunteer Requirements:

• Volunteers must be over 18 years of age.
• Volunteers must be able to handle large dogs and lift 40 pounds.
• Volunteers must be able to work alone with minimum supervision once trained
• Volunteers must be familiar with large breed dogs.
• Volunteers must have experience with handling high-energy dogs, who may be challenging to work with.
• Volunteers must commit to a weekly shift of three hours per week for a minimum of one year.

Not Currently Recruiting

Canine Behaviour Intervention Volunteer

Put your dog training skills to work helping OHS dogs become better canine citizens!

Some dogs need a little help adjusting to the shelter environment before finding their forever home or they need some basic training to help them get adopted more quickly.

Canine Behaviour Intervention volunteers provide training and behaviour modification to dogs through positive reinforcement training methods, including counter-conditioning and desensitization to improve the dog’s negative response to certain stimuli.

Intervention volunteers must have professional background/certification in dog training.

Volunteers are required to make a weekly commitment, over a period of at least one-year.

Canine Behaviour Intervention Volunteer Requirements:

• Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
• Volunteers must have professional experience working as a dog trainer and/or conducting canine obedience classes.
• Volunteers must have experience with and understanding of positive reinforcement training techniques
• Volunteers must be able to handle large dogs and lift at least 40 lbs.
• Volunteers must be comfortable handling large breed, high-spirited dogs that demonstrate few manners.
• Volunteers must be able to follow step-by-step instructions explaining how to modify a dog’s behaviour.
• Volunteers must be able to work alone, with minimal supervision, once trained.
• Volunteers must commit to a weekly shift of two hours per week for a minimum of one year.

Not Currently Recruiting

Feline Enrichment Volunteer (Advanced In-Kennel Enrichment)

The Ottawa Humane Society’s Volunteer Department is looking for volunteers who are interested in working closely with our animal care team! With this program, volunteers are responsible for providing enrichment to felines in the form of socialization, play, exercise, visual stimulation and mild grooming. Volunteers in this role will be responsible for:

• Socializing cats;
• Providing play and/or exercise;
• Providing visual stimulation;
• Performing mild grooming;
• Documenting enrichment and cat behaviours.

Feline Enrichment Volunteer - Advanced In-Kennel Enrichment Requirements:

• Volunteers must be familiar with cat behaviour;
• Volunteers must be comfortable and have experience handling cats;
• Volunteers must be able to follow and adhere to strict instructions;

• Volunteers must be comfortable with socializing, playing and grooming felines of all ages and breeds;
• Volunteers must be able to document their enrichment as directed;
• Volunteers must be able to work alone, with minimum supervision, once trained;
• Volunteers must be able to work around various animal species;
• Volunteers must be able to stand on their feet or kneel for the duration of their shift;
• Volunteers must commit to a weekly shift for a minimum of one year;
• Volunteers must be able to commit to a three hour weekly shift.

Not Currently Recruiting

Feline Enrichment Volunteer - Four-on-the-floor Program

The Ottawa Humane Society’s Volunteer Department is looking for volunteers who are interested in working closely with our animal care team! This new OHS program will provide out-of-cage time to cats in need in order to maximize their daily physical and psychological wellbeing, prevent stress-related illness, and increase adoptability. Volunteers in this role will be responsible for:

• Transporting cats to and from a designated room as per directions;
• Providing play time, exercise, and social contact;
• Documenting enrichment and cat behaviours.

Feline Enrichment Volunteer - Four on-the-floor Requirements:

• Volunteers must be familiar with cat behaviour;
• Volunteers must be comfortable and have experience handling cats;
• Volunteers must be able to follow and adhere to strict instructions;
• Volunteers must be able to lift and carry 10-15lbs;
• Volunteers must be comfortable with socializing, playing and grooming felines of all ages and breeds;
• Volunteers must be able to document their enrichment as directed;
• Volunteers must be able to work alone, with minimum supervision, once trained;
• Volunteers must be able to work around various animal species;
• Volunteers must be able to stand on their feet or kneel for the duration of their shift;
• Volunteers must commit to a weekly shift for a minimum of one year;
• Volunteers must be able to commit to a three hour weekly shift.

Not Currently Recruiting

Small Animal Enrichment Volunteer (Rabbit and Guinea Pig)

Brighten the lives of rabbits and Guinea pigs staying at the OHS!

Volunteers provide enrichment and socialization to rabbits and guinea pigs through activities that promote their well-being including: foraging, playing, exercising, digging, problem solving and one-on-one quality time, such as petting, feeding and grooming.

Through the small animal enrichment volunteer program, we:

• Provide enrichment and socialization once a day;
• Improve the quality of life for the rabbits and guinea pigs in our care by providing mental stimulation through time outside of their cage and enrichment activities;
• Provide the opportunity for socialization through human interaction.

Small Animal Enrichment Volunteer Requirements:

• Volunteers must be over 18 years of age
• Familiarity with rabbits and guinea pigs
• Experience handling small animals
• Ability to carry up to 20 lbs
• Ability to follow strict instruction
• Ability to adhere to all sanitation practices to safeguard animal health
• Ability to work with minimal supervision once trained
• Volunteers are required to make at least a three-hour, weekly commitment over a period of at least one year.

Not Currently Recruiting

Kitchen/Laundry Support Volunteer 

The Ottawa Humane Society’s Volunteer Department is looking for volunteers to help support the health and wellbeing of animals in our care by keeping our kitchen and laundry areas clean, organized, and well-stocked. Volunteers in this role assist with washing and folding laundry, sanitizing dishes and supplies, and maintaining a tidy workspace. If you’re detail-oriented, comfortable working around animals, and enjoy hands-on tasks, this could be a great fit for you!

Kitchen/Laundry Support Volunteer Requirements:

• Comfortable working around animals of all sizes and temperaments
• Able to lift up to 20 pounds
• Comfortable working with cleaning agents and in a physically active role
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision once trained
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to follow safety protocols

Primary Responsibilities and Tasks:

• Wash, dry, and fold laundry including bedding, towels, and uniforms
• Wash and sanitize dishes, bowls, litter boxes, and other feeding or enrichment items
• Restock cleaning supplies and ensure laundry and kitchen areas are organized
• Follow all cleaning protocols to reduce the risk of cross-contamination

Not Currently Recruiting

Administration Office Volunteer

Work closely with our administrative team to support the animals through various office and administrative tasks!

Tasks may include:

• Data entry;
• Label printing;
• Photo-copying and laminating;
• Document editing and collation;
• Mail outs;
• Moving file boxes;
• Other clerical duties as assigned.

Office Volunteer Requirements:

• Volunteers must have strong computer skills, preferred experience includes:
  • Microsoft Office Excel (formulas, charts, macros);
  • Adobe Acrobat Professional (creating and manipulating PDFs);
  • Creating fillable forms;
  • Microsoft Office Word (mail merges, document editing);
• Experience with data entry or in a administrative role is preferred;
• Volunteers must have excellent customer service skills;
• Volunteers must be highly organized and have high attention to detail;
• Volunteers must be comfortable taking direction;
• Volunteers must be consistent and reliable;
• Must be able to lift boxes of approximately 30lbs;
• Volunteers must be able to make a minimum 1-year commitment;
• Volunteers must be able to commit to a two hour weekly shift;
• Volunteers must wear business casual attire.

Not Currently Recruiting

Finance Office Volunteer

Work closely with our finance team to support the animals through office/administration projects!

Office Volunteer Requirements:

• Experience with data entry or in an administrative role is preferred;
• Volunteers must be highly organized and have high attention to detail;
• Volunteers must be comfortable taking direction;
• Volunteers must have the ability to accurately count money;
• Volunteers must be consistent and reliable;
• Volunteers must be able to make a minimum 1-year commitment;
• Volunteers must be able to commit to a two-three hour weekly shift;
• Volunteers must wear business casual attire.

Not Currently Recruiting

Foster Office Volunteer

Do you have a passion for fostering? Do you love organizing and helping people? We may have the purrrfect volunteer opportunity for you! The OHS Foster Department is seeking Foster Program Assistant Volunteers to assist with various tasks including but not limited to: prepping and packaging foster supplies, sorting and putting away foster supplies, and some general tidying around the foster office.

Tasks may include:

• Preparing food packages and supplies to be sent out to foster animals
• Stocking foster office supplies
• General tidy/organization of the foster office

Office Volunteer Requirements:

• Be comfortable with some heavy lifting and be able to lift 40 pounds.
• Must be comfortable standing and walking for two hours.
• Though volunteers will not be working directly with the animals, volunteers must be able to work safely around all species of animals.
• Volunteers must be comfortable taking directions from OHS Staff.
• Be consistent and reliable.
• Be willing to commit to one weekly 2-hour shift for a minimum of one year.

Not Currently Recruiting

Donations Office Volunteer

Help support the animals by volunteering in our fundraising  office! Volunteers will help with administration, phone calls and data entry in our Development office (9 Capella Court). 

Volunteers are responsible for a variety of tasks within the Raiser’s Edge database. Depending on priority, tasks include donation processing, database clean up, returned mail, phone calls, scanning and filing. 

Office Volunteer Requirements:

• Volunteers must have strong computer skills and experience with data entry;
• Volunteers must have strong communication skills;
• Volunteers must have strong organizational skills;
• Volunteers must be comfortable taking direction and doing similar activities from week to week;
• Volunteers must be able to make a minimum one-year commitment;
• Volunteers must be able to commit to a three hour weekly shift;
• Volunteers must be able to work with minimal supervision, once trained.

Not Currently Recruiting

PAW Stewardship Volunteer

We are looking for positive and enthusiastic volunteers to join our team. Come help us call donors to thank them for supporting the animals, share the heartwarming animal stories we experience at the OHS, and ensure donors know the value in the difference they make each and every day!

Volunteers will be responsible for various tasks that may range from phone calls, handwritten letters, handling mail/paperwork, and working in the Raiser’s Edge database. This volunteer position is located in our Development office (9 Capella Court). 

PAW Stewardship Volunteer Requirements:

• Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
• Volunteers must have strong communication skills and be able to make calls quickly and efficiently.
• Volunteers must be comfortable initiating and engaging in conversation with donors.
• Volunteers must be detail oriented.
• Volunteers must have strong computer skills and experience with data entry.
• Volunteers must be able to enter call records and notes in our database.
• Volunteers must have good customer service skills.
• Volunteers must be comfortable bringing any issues or complaints during calls immediately to Manager: Donor Relations to triage.
• Volunteers must be able to work with minimal supervision, once trained.
• Volunteers must commit to the same weekly shift of 3-4 hours per week, for a minimum of one year.

Not Currently Recruiting

Electronic Giving Volunteer

Work with our fundraising team to help Ottawa's animals! 

The Electronic Giving volunteer will perform administrative tasks supporting the electronic giving program in our Development office (9 Capella Court). Administrative tasks may include:

• Data entry;
• Label printing;
• Document editing and collation;
• Mail outs;
• Other clerical duties as assigned.

Office Volunteer Requirements:

• Volunteers must have strong computer skills (Microsoft Office);
• Experience working with databases or in a administrative role is preferred;
• Volunteers must have excellent customer service skills;
• Volunteers must be highly organized and have high attention to detail;
• Volunteers must be comfortable taking direction;
• Volunteers must be consistent and reliable;
• Volunteers must be comfortable working in a team setting;
• Volunteers must be able to make a minimum 1-year commitment;
• Volunteers must be able to commit to a two or three hour weekly shift;
• Volunteers must wear business casual attire.

Not Currently Recruiting

Translation Program Volunteer

Experienced volunteers are needed to help the OHS translate documents from English to French, to help us achieve our goal of providing OHS materials in both official languages. Volunteers are able to work from home, at their leisure, consistent with pre-established deadlines.

Volunteers are required to make a bi-weekly commitment of 2-6 hours per shift, for a minimum of one year.

 Volunteer translator requirements:

• Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
• Volunteers must have excellent reading and writing skills.
• Volunteers must be fully fluent in both official languages (French and English).
• Volunteers must have access to a computer, Internet and an email address from which to receive documents from the OHS.
• Volunteers must be able to adhere to deadlines established in agreement with the OHS.
• Volunteers must commit to a bi-weekly shift of 2-6 hours, for a minimum of one year.

Please note: experience in translation is an asset

Not Currently Recruiting

Office Volunteer: Event Support

Work closely with our events team on select office/administration projects and donor stewardship initiatives in our Development office (9 Capella Court). All tasks will support OHS signature events, community events and other fundraising initiatives.

Administrative tasks may include:

• Data entry;
• Telephone calling to thank donors;
• Photo-copying and laminating;
• Document collation;
• Mail outs;
• Other clerical duties as assigned.

Office Volunteer Requirements:

• Volunteers must have strong computer skills (Microsoft Office);
• Experience with data entry or in a administrative role is preferred;
• Volunteers must have excellent customer service skills;
• Volunteers must be highly organized and have high attention to detail;
• Volunteers must be comfortable taking direction;
• Volunteers must work comfortably in a team setting;
• Volunteers must be consistent and reliable;
• Volunteers must be able to make a minimum 1-year commitment;
• Volunteers must be able to commit to a three hour weekly shift;
• Volunteers must wear business casual attire.

Not Currently Recruiting

Community Services Volunteer

Do you have a passion for helping animals and people? Support out Community Services team to provide services for families in the community facing financial hardship. 

Volunteers are responsible for a range of tasks related to the Community Services Department. They can include but are not limited to assisting with the daily/weekly duties for the Emergency Pet Food Bank, data entry and clinic preparation for Microchip Clinics, data entry and clinic preparation for the Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic.

Community Services Volunteer Requirements:

• Volunteers must have strong computer skills and experience with data entry;
• Volunteers must have strong communication skills;
• Volunteers must have strong organizational skills;
• Volunteers must be comfortable taking direction and performing similar activities week to week;
• Volunteers must be able to make a minimum one-year commitment;
• Volunteers must be able to commit to a three hour weekly shift;
• Volunteers must be able to lift up to 50 lbs;
• Volunteers must be able to work with minimal supervision, once trained.

Not Currently Recruiting

Buddy & Belle Boutique Volunteer

Volunteer to support our retail store—the Buddy & Belle Boutique!

If you enjoy meeting new people and helping them with their shopping experience, this is the opportunity for you! Volunteers must have customer service experience, have an empathetic and compassionate approach and be comfortable working around a variety of animals.

Buddy & Belle Boutique Volunteer Requirements:

• Volunteers must have customer service experience
• Volunteers must be comfortable greeting and interacting with clients
• Volunteers must be able to assist clients in selecting purchases
• Volunteers must be able to process purchases and payments
• Volunteers must have experience working with POS (point-of-sale) machines
• Volunteers must be able to work around various animal species
• Volunteers must be able to work alone, with minimum supervision, once trained
• Volunteers must commit to a weekly shift for a minimum of one year
• Other administrative tasks as required

Not Currently Recruiting

OHS Pet Adoption Location (PAL) Volunteer Delivery Driver

Help animals find their forever homes by supporting our Pet Adoption Location (PAL) program as a volunteer driver!

Volunteers will assist our PAL team with delivering animals to PAL partner locations (pet stores) throughout the city of Ottawa. 

Tasks may include:

• Loading animal carriers (with cats and small animals) into the PAL van;
• Assisting with packaging and labeling delivery supplies;
• Unloading animal carriers and supplies into stores;
• Unloading empty carriers at the OHS;
• Assisting with setting up cat cages (in store);
• Preparing cat cages;
• Preparing adoption packets;
• Delivering/picking up OHS animals from partner locations;
• Other clerical/administrative duties as assigned.

PAL Driver/Delivery Volunteer Requirements:

• Volunteers must have a valid Ontario driver’s licence with a clean driving record;
• Volunteers must have experience working with and handling cats;
• Volunteers must be able to lift and carry a weight of 20lbs (cats in carriers);
• Volunteers must be able to get in and out of a van, making multiple trips to and from the vehicle during a shift;
• Volunteers must be comfortable taking direction from OHS staff;
• Volunteers must be consistent and reliable;
• Volunteers must be able to make a 1-year commitment;
• Volunteers must be able to commit to a three hour weekly shift.

Not Currently Recruiting

Program Animal Handler Volunteer

Do you and your companion animal enjoy visiting new places and meeting new people? If so, the Program Animal Handler volunteer role might be the right fit for you!

The OHS runs several programs that promote the human-animal bond and encourage participants to interact with animals. In this position, volunteers bring their own, behaviour-assessed companion animals to participate in various OHS programs and events. Volunteers provide OHS program participants with hands-on animal interaction, demonstrate their animal’s unique talents or skills, and deliver short presentations related to their animal or an animal welfare topic.

Volunteers are required to make a minimum bi-weekly commitment, over a period of at least one year.

Program animal handler volunteer requirements:

• Volunteers must have a companion animal suitable for visits;
• Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older;
• Volunteers must have a valid driver’s licence;
• All companion animals must pass an OHS behaviour assessment;
• Have access to a vehicle to transport their animal;
• Be friendly and enjoy working with the public, including children, youth, adults and seniors;
• Be compassionate and sensitive to vulnerable populations, such as at-risk youth, individuals experiencing homelessness, diverse groups, newcomers to Canada and seniors;
• Be comfortable delivering short presentations to various age groups and populations;
• Be comfortable discussing issues related to animal care and welfare (after being provided with training);
• Have availability for regular weekday daytime, evening or weekend shifts;
• Following an interview, all volunteers will be asked to complete a criminal record check and be scheduled for orientation.

Program animal requirements

• Be at least two years old and sterilized;
• Be up-to-date on vaccinations: DA2PP or DHPP/DA2PPV (for dogs) and FVRCP (for cats) and rabies;
• Not have consumed a raw food diet within the last 90 days;
• Not be on antibiotics or any immunosuppressive medication;
• Successfully pass all required Program Animal Behaviour Assessment before participating in programs or events;

Not Currently Recruiting

OHS Volunteer Driver

Help support the animals by becoming a volunteer driver!

Volunteers are responsible for transporting animals to and from the OHS, both within and outside of Ottawa, as well as for providing driving assistance for various OHS events, or other driving tasks, as needed.

• Drive OHS fleet vehicles as required
• Load vehicle with crates, sometimes with dogs or cats
• Remain in communication with OHS prior to scheduled pick-up and throughout shift to ensure smooth transfer of animals and/or supplies

OHS Driver Volunteer Requirements:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Proof of personal insurance
• Driver’s abstract
• Signed OHS Authorized Driver Acceptance Application
• Comfortable driving a van (if using OHS vehicle)
• Access to email and cell phone
• Able to handle large dogs and lift 40 pounds
• Volunteers must be able to make a 1-year commitment;
• Volunteers must have mostly daytime availability, as needed

Not Currently Recruiting

Volunteer Photographer

If you have experience taking portrait-style photographs, enjoy meeting new people and their pets and are able to stage and capture wonderful family photos and candid shots alike, we need you! 

Volunteer photographers must be able to commit to at least 4 events throughout the year, and own all of the necessary photography equipment.

Volunteer Photographer Requirements

• Volunteer photographers must have experience taking staged, portrait-style family photos.
• Volunteer photographers must be comfortable greeting and interacting with families and their pets.
• Volunteer photographers must own all of the necessary equipment for a professional-style photography shoot—lights, backdrop, camera, memory cards, etc…
• Volunteer photographers must be willing to provide OHS and clients with copies of photographs.
• Volunteer photographers must have excellent communication skills.
• Volunteer photographers must be able to work safely with a variety of animal species.

Not Currently Recruiting

Volunteer Videographer

Capture the life-saving work happening at the OHS as a volunteer videographer!

Videographers highlight the work that we do, profile animals we have for adoption, cover OHS events, and more. With this program, experienced videographer volunteers donate their time and talents to create, shoot and edit videos to promote OHS programs and services based on identified priorities, as directed by manager: communications.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Volunteers must have experience shooting and editing videos;
• Volunteers must have access to video capturing and editing equipment;
• Volunteers must be comfortable shooting in a variety of conditions (at outdoor events, with animals, children, etc.);
• Volunteers must be able to follow and adhere to strict instructions;
• Volunteers must be able to work around various animal species;
• Volunteers must commit to a weekly shift for a minimum of one year;
• Volunteers must be able to adhere to quick turnaround times.

Not Currently Recruiting

Adoptions Photography Assistant Volunteer

Help adoptable animals find their forever homes by taking photos that let their personalities shine!

Adoptions photography assistant volunteers take photos of animals in the shelter for the OHS website. Responsibilities include:

• Taking photos of animals in our adoption centre (cats, small dogs, small animals);
• Copying photos over to a USB for the adoptions team to use;
• Uploading photos to the OHS photo database;
• Working with animals;
• Working with OHS staff.

Once on-boarded, volunteers will be added to our general volunteer photography list and may be asked to photograph OHS signature and community events throughout the year, as required.

Photography Volunteer Requirements:

• Photographic experience, preferably in a professional setting;
• Own a camera and other photographic equipment;
• Comfort working with animals of all sizes and experience handling animals;
• Ability to take direction and follow the OHS style guide.

Not currently recruiting

Youth Camp Volunteer

The youth volunteer program is designed to provide a meaningful hands-on opportunity at the OHS for youth ages 14-18, with an interest in animal welfare. The program allows qualified successful candidates the opportunity to work with our summer camp staff, in facilitating camp programming for children.

Youth volunteer placements will be one-week in length. Hours volunteered can contribute to the 40 required hours of community service for high school students. Proper documentation must be provided during on-boarding to ensure proper tracking of hours.

Youth Volunteer Requirements:

• Youth volunteers must be between the ages of 14-18 years old;
• Youth volunteers must have some experience leading group of children, preferably in a camp setting;
• Youth volunteers must be comfortable handling companion animals (i.e. dogs, cats and small animals).
• Submit a recommendation letter from a teacher or coach.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this program. All applications are screened to ensure they meet the minimum requirements for the position. Those applicants that meet the minimum criteria will be screened and required to attend an in-person interview at the OHS with our outreach staff. Successful candidates will be required to attend a mandatory orientation/training session prior to volunteering at camp.

This is a highly sought after opportunity for youth, and we typically have a high volume of applicants. We thank all applicants for applying, however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Steps to becoming a youth volunteer:

• Complete the youth volunteer application and the youth and parent waiver.
• Youth volunteers whose skills and availability match the program requirements will be contacted for a phone screen and/or in-person interview.
• Following a successful interview, youth volunteers will be asked to attend a scheduled orientation.

For more information contact our coordinator: volunteers via email at volunteering@ottawahumane.ca or by telephone at 613-725-3166 ext. 264.

Thank you for your interest in our Youth Volunteer Program!