Volunteer Opportunities

For the health and safety of our community members and animals we care for, volunteers must be a minimum of 15 years old.

• 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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Click here to see how your company can get involved! 

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.