Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society and make a difference for animals in need. Find a role that matches your skills and start changing lives today.
Volunteers Bring Pets and People Together, One Paw at a Time!
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.
Explore volunteer opportunities in your community
Choose your community to see current openings and apply online. Don’t see a role that fits? New opportunities open all the time — browse the full list or check back soon.
- Barrie and District Animal Centre1 open role
- Cornwall and Region Animal Centre2 open roles
- Durham Region Animal Centre (Whitby)4 open roles
- Greater Sudbury Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic2 open roles
- Leeds and Grenville Animal Centre (Brockville)5 open roles
- Lennox and Addington Animal Centre (Napanee)2 open roles
- Midland and District Animal Centre4 open roles
- Muskoka Animal Centre (Bracebridge)5 open roles
- Northwest Animal Centre (Thunder Bay)5 open roles
- Orangeville and District Animal Centre4 open roles
- Orillia and District Animal Centre1 open role
- Renfrew County Animal Centre (Pembroke)2 open roles
- York Region Animal Centre (Stouffville)3 open roles
- Provincial Foster Program1 open role
- Provincial Mobile Animal Surgical Hospital5 open roles
- Humane education team (province-wide)1 open role
Browse and search all volunteer opportunities
Barrie and District Animal Centre
We’re recruiting for these roles right now. Select a role to see what it involves and apply online.
Foster volunteer
Become a foster volunteer with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. It’s a flexible commitment of just a few hours a week, suitable for adults, seniors and youth 14 and over.
Cornwall and Region Animal Centre
We’re recruiting for these roles right now. Select a role to see what it involves and apply online.
Morning (8 a.m.) dog walking and enrichment volunteer
Give dogs their morning walks and enrichment during 8 a.m. shifts, helping them start each day happy and exercised.
Foster volunteer
Become a foster volunteer with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. It’s a flexible commitment of just a few hours a week, suitable for adults, seniors and youth 14 and over.
Durham Region Animal Centre (Whitby)
We’re recruiting for these roles right now. Select a role to see what it involves and apply online.
Gaming centre bingo volunteer
Greet and thank Gaming Centre customers, answer questions about the centre and the organization, help with light cleaning, and share how customer contributions help furry friends in need in their community.
Housekeeping volunteer (Mondays, daytime)
Clean and disinfect areas of the animal centre, help with laundry, wash dishes, toys, bottles, bowls, leashes and collars, and help stack and store deliveries such as food and litter.
Foster volunteer
Become a foster volunteer with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. It’s a flexible commitment of just a few hours a week, suitable for adults, seniors and youth 14 and over.
Garden and property crew member
Care for the animal centre’s grounds — grass cutting and trimming, snow shovelling, leaf removal, weeding and garden maintenance, litter removal and outdoor pen upkeep, plus indoor tasks such as light repairs and painting.
Greater Sudbury Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic
We’re recruiting for these roles right now. Select a role to see what it involves and apply online.
Volunteer driver
Be a driving force for animals in need — a flexible volunteer driving role supporting Ontario SPCA and Humane Society animal centres, suitable for adults, seniors and youth 14 and over.
Foster volunteer
Become a foster volunteer with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. It’s a flexible commitment of just a few hours a week, suitable for adults, seniors and youth 14 and over.
Leeds and Grenville Animal Centre (Brockville)
We’re recruiting for these roles right now. Select a role to see what it involves and apply online.
Humane education volunteer team
Deliver 60-minute AnimalSmart™ presentations in school classrooms, using discussions, videos and activities with curriculum connections to foster empathy and a sense of responsibility in the community.
Community outreach volunteer
Help distribute pet food, assist at spay/neuter and community events, and support animal transfers — raising awareness and support for animal welfare.
Foster volunteer
Open your heart and home to provide a temporary, safe and nurturing environment for animals — including those recovering from surgery, too young to be adopted yet, or needing a calmer setting than an animal centre.
Cat care and enrichment volunteer
Provide care, affection, exercise and socialization to cats and kittens — playing, grooming, keeping their spaces clean and noting how they’re doing — to boost their health, happiness and adoptability.
Volunteer driver
Be a driving force for animals in need — transferring animals between animal centres to find loving families, driving animals to medical appointments and picking up donations and supplies.
Lennox and Addington Animal Centre (Napanee)
We’re recruiting for these roles right now. Select a role to see what it involves and apply online.
Community outreach volunteer
Help distribute pet food, assist at spay/neuter and community events, and support animal transfers — raising awareness and support for animal welfare.
Foster volunteer
Open your heart and home to provide a temporary, safe and nurturing environment for animals — including those recovering from surgery, too young to be adopted yet, or needing a calmer setting than an animal centre.
Midland and District Animal Centre
We’re recruiting for these roles right now. Select a role to see what it involves and apply online.
Bingo volunteer
Greet and thank customers at the Gaming Centre, answer questions about the organization, help with light cleaning and share how customer contributions help furry friends in need in their community.
Volunteer driver
Be a driving force for animals in need — transferring animals between animal centres to find loving families, driving animals to medical appointments and picking up donations and supplies.
Foster volunteer
Open your heart and home to provide a temporary, safe and nurturing environment for animals — including those recovering from surgery, too young to be adopted yet, or needing a calmer setting than an animal centre.
Community outreach volunteer
Help distribute pet food, assist at spay/neuter and community events, and support animal transfers — raising awareness and support for animal welfare.
Muskoka Animal Centre (Bracebridge)
We’re recruiting for these roles right now. Select a role to see what it involves and apply online.
Volunteer driver
Transfer animals between animal centres to find loving families, drive animals to medical appointments, and pick up donations and supplies — choose your distance, from local drives to provincial trips.
Foster volunteer
Become a foster volunteer through your animal centre or the Provincial Foster Program. This flexible role takes just a few hours a week and welcomes adults, seniors and youth 14 and over.
Community outreach volunteer
Raise awareness and support for animal welfare by helping at community events, distributing pet food, supporting spay/neuter events and assisting with animal transfers.
Enrichment and centre support volunteer
Combine hands-on time with animals — playing, walking, grooming and socializing, plus creating food puzzles and enrichment toys — with centre support like laundry, dishes and cleaning.
Dog walking and enrichment volunteer
Walk, play and groom with dogs and puppies using positive reinforcement, socialize shy dogs, and help clean and disinfect dog areas.
Northwest Animal Centre (Thunder Bay)
We’re recruiting for these roles right now. Select a role to see what it involves and apply online.
Volunteer driver
Transfer animals between animal centres to find loving families, drive animals to medical appointments, and pick up donations and supplies — choose short local drives or longer trips throughout the province.
Foster volunteer
Become a foster volunteer supporting animals through your animal centre. This flexible role takes just a few hours a week and welcomes adults, seniors and youth 14 and over.
Cat care and enrichment volunteer
Play with and socialize cats and kittens, help with grooming, keep their spaces clean and disinfected, and note food intake and behaviour after enrichment activities.
Dog walking and enrichment team
Provide exercise, affection and socialization to dogs and puppies in care — walking, playing and grooming with positive reinforcement, socializing shy dogs and teaching basic skills.
Helping Hands centre support volunteer
Help behind the scenes by cleaning and disinfecting cages, kennels, runs and litter boxes, doing laundry, washing dishes, toys, bowls and leashes, and stacking and storing deliveries like food and litter.
Orangeville and District Animal Centre
We’re recruiting for these roles right now. Select a role to see what it involves and apply online.
Community outreach volunteer
Help distribute pet food to the animals that need it most, assist at spay/neuter and community events, support animal transfers and help raise awareness for animal welfare.
Cat care and enrichment volunteer
Play with and socialize cats and kittens, help with grooming, clean and disinfect cages, litter boxes and enrichment items, and note food intake and behaviour after each visit.
Volunteer driver
Lend a hand as a volunteer driver supporting Ontario SPCA and Humane Society animal centres — a flexible commitment of just a few hours a week.
Foster volunteer
Become a foster volunteer with your animal centre — a flexible role of a few hours a week, welcoming adults, seniors and youth 14 and over.
Orillia and District Animal Centre
We’re recruiting for these roles right now. Select a role to see what it involves and apply online.
Foster team
Give animals a temporary, safe and nurturing environment by caring for them in your home, giving any required medications or treatments and following positive reinforcement training provided by the animal centre.
Renfrew County Animal Centre (Pembroke)
We’re recruiting for these roles right now. Select a role to see what it involves and apply online.
Foster volunteer
Join the foster volunteer team through your animal centre or the Provincial Foster Program — a flexible commitment of a few hours a week.
Centre support volunteer
Keep the animal centre clean and welcoming — disinfect cages, kennels and litter boxes, fold and sort laundry, wash dishes, toys and leashes, and help stack and store deliveries like food and litter.
York Region Animal Centre (Stouffville)
We’re recruiting for these roles right now. Select a role to see what it involves and apply online.
Bingo volunteer
Help fundraise at a local bingo hall — welcome and thank guests, share information on games and promotions, hand out ballots and prizes, and help keep the gaming centre tidy.
Foster volunteer
Become a foster volunteer through your animal centre — a flexible opportunity of a few hours a week, open to adults, seniors and youth 14 and over.
Dog walking and enrichment volunteer
Give dogs at the animal centre their walks and enrichment — a flexible commitment of just a few hours a week.
Provincial Foster Program
We’re recruiting for these roles right now. Select a role to see what it involves and apply online.
Foster volunteer
Foster volunteers give a few hours a week on a flexible schedule, with opportunities available through animal centres across Ontario and the Provincial Foster Program.
Provincial Mobile Animal Surgical Hospital
We’re recruiting for these roles right now. Select a role to see what it involves and apply online.
Student veterinarian, technician or veterinary assistant volunteer
Students in a recognized veterinary or RVT program support setup and takedown of the Mobile Animal Surgical Hospital and assist with pre- and post-operative care, intake exams and preparing animals for surgery using low-stress, fear-free techniques.
Registered veterinary technician volunteer
Registered veterinary technicians assist mobile surgical clinics with admitting patients, surgical prep, monitoring and safe recovery, daily patient care and infection control at clinics in remote areas of Ontario.
Doctor of veterinary medicine volunteer
Perform high-volume spay/neuter surgeries for dogs and cats at Mobile Animal Surgical Hospital (MASH) clinics, examining animals before and after surgery — delivering accessible care that keeps pets and their people together.
RVT – Thunder Bay
A volunteer opportunity for registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) in Thunder Bay. Full details are available through the application.
DVM – Thunder Bay wildfire relief efforts
A volunteer opportunity for veterinarians (DVMs) supporting wildfire relief efforts in Thunder Bay. Full details are available through the application.
Humane education team (province-wide)
We’re recruiting for these roles right now. Select a role to see what it involves and apply online.
Humane education volunteer team
Deliver 60-minute AnimalSmart™ presentations in local school classrooms, using discussions, videos and activities with curriculum connections to foster meaningful conversations about animals.
Steps to Becoming a Volunteer
It’s easy to get started as a volunteer! The process includes five simple steps, which may vary slightly depending on the role.
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Are you a Veterinarian or RVT Interested in Volunteering?
Make a direct impact on underserved communities with the Ontario SPCA’s Mobile Animal Surgical Hospital (MASH) program! As a veterinarian or registered veterinary technician, you’ll have the unique opportunity to bring vital spay/neuter surgeries and wellness care to remote areas with limited access to veterinary services.
Learn more -
Provide Love and Care as a Foster
Give animals the second chance they deserve. As a foster volunteer with the Ontario SPCA, you’ll help young, sick, injured, or under-socialized animals who aren’t yet ready for adoption. With your love and care, you can help them heal, grow, and prepare for life in a forever home.
Foster
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 a minimum of 15 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.
What do volunteers need to wear?
All volunteers will receive an Ontario SPCA T-shirt to wear during their volunteer shifts. Some volunteer positions require the use of PPE, such as gloves, gowns, and booties, which will be provided to you. Volunteers are required to wear a pair of pants and a dedicated pair of closed-toe shoes during their volunteer shifts.
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.
