Volunteers — The Heart of An Animal Shelter

April 17, 2026 — For National Volunteer Week from April 19 to 25, the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) will be celebrating the contributions of its more than 1,000 volunteers.

“Our volunteers are lifesavers,” said Heather Kotelniski, OHS Manager: Volunteers. “They are involved in everything the OHS does, from caring for the animals, providing loving foster homes and even some administration tasks.”

From animal enrichment volunteers, to helping hands at the OHS Emergency Pet Food Bank, to volunteers who help comfort animals waking up from surgery — volunteers are involved in every part of the OHS.

Youth also get involved in volunteering at the OHS and helping Ottawa’s animals. These youth provide a loving, temporary home for a rabbit in need or help run OHS camp programs to build the next generation of pet owners.

All volunteer opportunities are available on the OHS’s website.

Interviews with OHS volunteers may be arranged upon request.

-30-

Media Contact
Ottawa Humane Society
Stephen Smith, Senior Manager: Marketing & Communications
stephens@ottawahumane.ca