Volunteering

Our events see thousands of people in attendance. For this reason, our volunteers fill the following roles:

• Event assistance: Assistance with set-up, teardown, greeter and wayfinding, green room attendant, floaters, displayer/vendor assistant, stage manager, and parking assistance.
• Administrative Support: At various times throughout the year, we need help with office tasks. These could be required to be completed on-site or at home, depending on the task.

• Event materials, snacks, drinks, and event-designated clothing.
• Flexible schedule, based on your availability.
• Connection: First-hand interactive experiences engaging with guests and vendors from diverse backgrounds, working towards a common goal.
• Growth: Gain valuable municipal government experience, build self-esteem, confidence and leadership skills.
• Development: Learn new skills, exposure to community initiatives, gain knowledge, and professional experience.
• Teamwork: Meet and engage with like-minded individuals, build camaraderie, and create new bonds while strengthening the community.

• A minimum age requirement is 15 years old.
• Applicants under the age of 18 require a guardian's consent to participate.
• Pride in their community, personable, and reliable.
• An interest in engaging and interacting with the public face-to-face.
• Able to problem-solve with minimal supervision.
• Attend mandatory trainings before events.
• A commitment to attend a minimum of three events or 12 hours per year.
• An asset, but not necessary: Physically able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Application process

1. Fill out the online application.
2. Complete an availability survey.
3. If selected for an interview, complete a virtual online screening (this is a 25-minute interview for us to meet and get to know you)
4. All interviewees will be emailed their status and next steps.
5. Successful candidates will complete online training components.
6. Attend a mandatory in-person orientation at the Civic Recreation Complex, 99 Thornton Rd. S.

How it works

• Upon completion of onboarding and every year thereafter, a list of events with dates, times and locations is sent to all volunteers as general information; it may not be inclusive of all opportunities in the event season.
• 4 to 6 weeks before each event, the Coordinator responsible for staffing the event will request the availability from all volunteers.
• Volunteers provide their availability for the event.
• The Coordinator schedules and trains the volunteers.
• Volunteers attend the event-specific training and complete any necessary documentation before assisting at the event.
• Each year, the Volunteer Coordinator will review the volunteer commitment level and provide updates to volunteers.

Reasons animals will enter the foster program:

• Too young for adoption
• Pregnant and nursing cats and dogs
• Sick or injured
• Socialization

Fostering can last a few days or as long as 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the particular animal's needs. If you are interested in fostering, please fill out the foster applications below for dogs or cats.

Foster Dogs Application

Foster Cats Application

If you have further questions please call 905-436-3311 or email [email protected] for more information.

Volunteering with cats at PetSmart is a rewarding and enjoyable experience for animal lovers. By spending time with them, volunteers help to socialize the cats, making them more comfortable around people and increasing their chances of finding a forever home.

Volunteering at PetSmart not only benefits the cats but also provides personal fulfillment and a sense of community. Whether you're an experienced cat handler or just starting out, volunteering at PetSmart offers a meaningful way to contribute to the well-being of cats in need!

Apply Now! 

Someone let the shelter dogs out!

We are proud to announce our new Doggy Day Out program, which pairs members of the community with our long stay shelter dogs for field trips!

Outings can include a hike, a trip to the beach, a nap in a home or even a nice lunch! It’s a great way for people to get their pet-fix in and to give our dogs a break from the shelter and learn more about their wonderful personalities! Plus, it’s a great excuse for you to spend time exploring!

Doggy Day Out was designed to make it easy as pie for you to participate! Fill out a short application below and the shelter team will call you to coordinate! Soon you’ll be on your way with your brand new friend! You'll be given everything you need for your adventure by shelter staff.

Apply now!