Volunteer Opportunities
Give your time, skills and compassion to help animals in need and the people who love them.
Find a volunteer opportunity
Welcome to our volunteer program!
When you volunteer with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, you become a source of hope for animals in need. Your time, compassion, and dedication help give vulnerable animals the second chance they deserve.
Every moment you share with us transforms lives. Whether you are providing care to the animals, helping at events, or assisting in some other way, you are changing the lives of animals. Our volunteers are the heart of everything we do, and we couldn’t carry out this life-changing work without you.
Please note: our minimum age to volunteer is 15 years old, 18 years to foster.
Find a Volunteer Opportunity Near You
The Ontario SPCA offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities to suit diverse skills, interests, and schedules. Explore our open roles below.
Central Ontario
Eastern Ontario
Northern Ontario
Getting Started is Easy!
You don’t have to be an animal expert. Experience is helpful but not required – a willingness to learn is what matters most, and we provide the training, resources and support.
Featured Ways to Volunteer
Foster
Some animals aren’t ready for adoption yet. They may be too young, recovering from surgery or in need of a quiet place to build confidence. Foster volunteers with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s Provincial Foster Care Program give dogs, cats, puppies and kittens a safe, nurturing home while they get ready for their forever families — and every foster home opens space at the animal centre for another animal in need.
We provide the supplies, training and support. You provide the love.
What a year of volunteering adds up to
19,000+
hours of volunteer service
11,312
cats cared for
3,933
dogs walked
971
animals fostered
Colleen F
Foster volunteer, 397 animals fostered
Anne M
Volunteer
Lea T
Volunteer, Renfrew County Animal Centre – 25 years
Ron W
Foster volunteer and volunteer driver
Volunteer FAQs
What is your minimum age to volunteer?
For the health and safety of our community members and animals we care for, volunteers must be at least 15 years old. For fostering, volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
What requirements do I need to volunteer?
- Be a minimum of 15 years old
- Submit all required waivers and sign off on policies
- Complete any required training appropriate for the role
- Volunteer Drivers: Submit driver’s license
- Manage your volunteer schedule and log your volunteer hours using our online platform.
- The applicant/volunteer must handle all correspondence (phone and email)
What is the time commitment to volunteer?
We are looking for consistent volunteers who can support the animals in our care. The majority of our volunteer assignments are once per week, typically between two and four hours long, and are a minimum of once every other week.
Who do I contact if I have questions about volunteering?
We are always happy to hear from you! Please reach out to your local animal centre.
What if I can’t join your team, but I still want to help?
As a registered charity that does not receive government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of supporters to change the lives of animals in need. There are many ways to help, including donating, hosting a fundraiser, and shopping our Paws & Give™ online giving store.
Do you have a program for students under 15?
We currently do not have volunteer opportunities for students under the age of 15, but there are other ways to help animals in need! See all the ways you can give.
Do you have family volunteering opportunities?
We currently do not offer family volunteer opportunities at our animal centres. However, there are lots of fun ways to help animals as a family. Visit our Humane Hero fundraising page to learn more about how you can host a fundraising event.
How can my group get involved?
Click here to see how your company can get involved!
I don’t have a computer; can I just complete a paper form?
In order to manage the volunteer program and ensure effective communication, all volunteers must have access to a computer with internet. You will need it to apply, complete the onboarding process, and send and receive ongoing communication. You will also need computer access to manage your volunteer schedule and log your volunteer hours using our online platform.
I applied but I have not heard back. What does that mean?
You’ll receive a confirmation email when you submit your application, explaining the next steps. We only recruit when we have open roles, and not all applicants will be a match. If we don’t have a fit within six months, your application will be archived — but you’re always welcome to reapply for current openings on our website. To boost your chances, make sure to link your application to a posted role and keep your profile updated if your availability changes.
If I apply, am I guaranteed a volunteer position?
Unfortunately, applying does not guarantee a position. Volunteers are onboarded based on available roles, interests, experience, skills, and availability. We often have more applicants than available roles, and not everyone who applies will receive a volunteer position.
The volunteer position I am interested in is not listed on your website. Can I still apply to volunteer with the animals?
Everyone can complete a general volunteer application. When a position becomes available, we will contact applicants who meet the position requirements. Volunteer positions that involve direct contact with the animals are the most popular at the Ontario SPCA. When an animal position becomes available, it fills very quickly. Please check our website often to see what has become available and submit/update your application at that time.
My kids would like to volunteer with the animals. Can they do this if I come with them and supervise?
We love kids and want to maximize opportunities for them to learn about animals. While volunteering directly with the animals is reserved for individuals 15 years of age and up, our AnimalSmart™ humane education program is offered in local schools for Grades 1-8. Please visit our AnimalSmart page for more information.
