Thank you so much for your interest in the Ontario SPCA Huron County Branch's Volunteer Program. The animals need your help!

For many years the animals and staff at the Huron County Branch have come to depend on the warmth, generosity and skills of our volunteers. People like you help save the lives of so many animals in need. If you love animals and want to help us in our lifesaving efforts - we promise you a rewarding and fun volunteer opportunity. You can volunteer daily, weekly, monthly, or make a one-time commitment. Any time you spend helping the shelter will be greatly appreciated by the animals and staff.

Getting started is as easy as 1,2,3...
1. Call the Adoption Centre or drop by to pick up a volunteer application form.
2. Next we will contact you for an interview to see what your interests are and what job description would best suit you and your availability. Please bring your completed Volunteer Application with you.
3. After volunteer job placement, training will be provided. Once your training has been completed and you’re ready to begin, we will add you to our monthly volunteer schedule

You can also think of your own way to help the animals! Build on your creative talents and talk with staff at your volunteer interview about your special skills.

We appreciate your commitment to make a difference in the lives of animals!

Huron County Branch Volunteer Position Descriptions

Animal Care Assistant
Your mission: To help keep the shelter environment clean and disinfected for animals and provide the most comfortable, safe and stress-free environment possible. Positions are available for cat care, dog care and small animal care.

Your responsibilities: Your focus is on maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for the animals by washing, drying and disinfecting kennels, litter boxes, food dishes, toys and blankets. You will keep an eye open for animals exhibiting any symptoms of illness and report any suspicious observations to shelter staff. You will also help us fold laundry, stock animal care items and sweep and mop floors assisting shelter staff with providing a warm and welcoming environment for the animals, visitors and volunteers. You are comfortable with animals, possess good cleaning skills, are able to follow cleaning procedures in place for the animal's safety, and are able to work as a team with shelter staff.

Time commitment: Two-hour shifts are available throughout the week starting between 9 a.m. and 10 a. m. Animal Care Cleaners are also required in the afternoon to help freshen up the animal kennels.

Drivers
Your mission: To safely transport our animals to a local veterinary clinic for surgeries, including spay and neuter operations, or to take orphaned or injured wildlife to a local rehabilitation centre.

Your responsibilities: You are reliable, punctual and have available transportation to drop-off and/or pick-up animals that require surgery.

Time commitment: Approximately one trip per week. Time required varies.

Foster Parent
Your mission: To assist us in providing temporary care for animals with special needs, in an atmosphere of safety and security within your own home and to prepare animals for adoption. You will be a crucial person to our work. Being both present to witness the moment of life and later caring to sustain it, you will work at the very core of our goal to save animals' lives. Your compassion for animals is a gift that in foster care work you are both admired and revered for by people and animals.

Your responsibilities: You will be supporting the animals that need it most. Whether providing a comfortable, isolated place for pregnant animals, or feeding orphaned kittens every four hours, you will be contributing to the health and well being of many animals. Though all food, supplies and medical care are provided by us, the time, commitment, benevolence and understanding will be up to you. In the rare circumstance that you encounter a medical emergency you would need to be able to take the animal to the veterinarian yourself. You will not be caring for healthy, adoptable animals but rather pregnant or young animals is a more common scenario. This is a truly varied position with many animals that will require your empathy. To learn more about fostering, click here.

Time commitment: One week to two months, depending on the needs of the fostered animal. On rare occasions, an animal may require a longer term commitment.

Events Coordinator
Your mission: To represent and assist the Huron County Branch staff and volunteers at events by being a friendly face and helping hand.

Your responsibilities: You will coordinate and assist volunteers at such events as our annual walk-a-thon. This is a varied position which can include everything from registering event attendees, selling merchandise to helping the public understand our programs and services. You are a vital representative in community events and a team leader to our volunteers! Your own transportation is required.

Time commitment: Must be available to volunteer on weekends.