In-Home Recreation volunteers are those who are willing to share their time to make a difference in the life of an individual who has been living with dementia. Volunteers visit our clients once per week at the client’s home. The volunteer will engage the client in a meaningful activity during their visit, such as: conversation, walking, reading, playing cards, or some other mutually agreed activity that is important to the client. In addition to providing companionship to our client, this program will also provide relief for the caregiver. Currently need volunteers for the following locations: Kinmount Cobourg Apsley Peterborough

Responsibilities:

• Each weekly visit will involve facilitated activities that will address social, physical, emotional, spiritual, cognitive, or vocational domains of wellness based on the needs of the persons living with dementia.
• Visit the client regularly, on a mutually agreeable time and day.
• Call or email a client ahead of time if for any reason a visit needs to be
  postponed or rescheduled.
•  Inform assigned supervisor as to any changes in the client’s or volunteer’s
  situation, which would affect the visit; this includes address changes, holidays,
  illness, etc.
• Report any observations, comments or concerns regarding the client or the
  match to the assigned supervisor.
• Volunteers are visitors and as such will limit their duties to socialization and
  companionship activities only.
• Report volunteer hours, either through our volunteer database or by direct email
  to the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

The GTHS Cat Care Team reports to the Cat Care Coordinator. Whereas Cat Care Team Members are usually assigned a specific room (an Adoptions Room or a Quarantine / Isolation Room), this Cat Care Team Member will provide all-round Cat Care support, based on day-to-day needs. This volunteer will be assigned to Quarantine / Isolation Room 4 (which is used sporadically for cats who are sick and aren’t quite ready for adoption), but may be directed to assist in Room 3 if no cats are in Room 4. When no assistance is required in either Quarantine / Isolation Room, this Team Member will support volunteers in the Adoption Rooms. Responsibilities include providing nutrition, as well as mental and physical stimulation or interaction, to the feline residents in Room 4 and/or other areas they are assisting within.  All Cat Care Team Members are responsible for sweeping and mopping the floor, dishes, laundry, and maintaining clean and organized litter, feeding stations, kitten / cat kennels and communal areas.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Maintain clean and organized litter, kennels, counter tops and communal areas (shelving, windows, etc.)
• Disinfect toys (loose and in kennels), scratching posts, wooden boxes, climbing apparatus, etc.
• Feed cats / kittens wet food (as appropriate), provide fresh water and maintain feeding stations
• Wash up any dirty animal dishes
• Perform laundry tasks (gather dirty laundry and assist with washing, drying and folding linens)
• Dispose of garbage and recyclables
• Wipe all surfaces after use
• When not working out of Room 4:
  • Assist in Room 3, upon assignment by Cat Care Coordinator
  • Liaise with Adoption Room Team Members to assist where needed
• Assist the Cat Care Coordinator with ad hoc needs
• As required / upon request:
  • Place cats ready for ‘moving up’ into carriers
  • Carry cats in carriers to the appropriate room / kennel
  • Weigh cats with assistance from the Cat Care Coordinator
  • Clean floors in the Animal Kitchen
• Interact with cats for socialization and enrichment purposes
  • Stimulate and interact with cats (includes grooming, play and snuggles)
  • Reduce cat stress and improve their overall wellness
  • Provide cognitive stimulation and encourage curiosity
  • Provide places for cats to hide and perch, as appropriate
  • Stimulate cats’ hunting instinct
  • Make enrichment items (food puzzles, cat cabins…)
• Identify and report any behavioural concerns
• Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
• Use online Contact List & Schedule to reflect any absences and to coordinate shift coverage

Emergency Boarding Foster Volunteers provide a safe, loving and temporary home for pets whose owners cannot currently look after them due to an emergency situation (in hospital, rehabilitation or escaping from domestic violence). Boarding is provided for dogs or cats, based on the species you decide upon, and will range from 1-6 months. You must have the ability to separate the foster animal from any pets in your home by keeping them in a separate room, if necessary.  We will provide training and all the supplies you need.

In 2023, our Animal Care Team looked after more than 1500 animals onsite and, thanks to our Foster Volunteers, 1044 additional cats and dogs were cared for in loving foster homes.

Description

Emergency Boarding Foster Volunteers are responsible for helping the cat/dog in their care thrive until they are ready to be reclaimed by their owner.  This will include feeding the animals at least twice a day, possibly more, cleaning litter boxes (for cats), exercising (for dogs) and socializing the animals.  It may also include administering oral medications.  
Roles and Responsibilities

• Maintain clean and tidy environment
• Provide treats, food, clean water and clean bedding as required
• Clean and change kitty litter, as required
• Bathe and groom dog, as necessary and if comfortable doing so
• Provide a structured and loving environment
• Assist in the maintenance of the animal’s health and welfare (includes exercise for dogs)
• Administer medication, as required and as instructed
• Ensure any veterinary appointments are kept
• Ensure animal is safe and secure
• Return animal to GTHS Animal Centre upon request
• Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures

In the absence of any federal or provincial government funding, the GTHS organizes multiple events annually to raise much-needed funds.  We are seeking talented, outgoing and passionate individuals who can help us reach our fundraising goals and, in turn, support thousands of homeless animals.

This is NOT a traditional fundraising role – our Fundraising Committee Members use their unique talents and interests to make our events a success (and thereby help us raise funds).  Apply today to make a difference by using your organizational, planning, admin, sales, networking and/or people skills!

Our ‘signature’ events planned for 2025 are Walk for Pets – June 14, Golf for Pets – July 7 and the Furball Gala – October 18.

As a result of as our programs and services, every year more than 1500 homeless cats and dogs are provided shelter, 1300 animals find a new home, 4000 youth are positively impacted, approximately 3000 spay/neuter/dental/specialized surgeries are performed, and in excess of 1000 pets are supported through our Pet Pantry program.

Description

Fundraising Committee Members have drive, passion and ideas to support the implementation and success of our events – all while having fun! Each Committee Member will assume specific roles and responsibilities based on their strengths (for example: marketing, networking, people management, fundraising, sourcing…), and will be involved from inception and initial planning, all the way through to execution of the event itself and post-event activities. Bring your strengths but be prepared to pitch in! Members will provide progress updates at committee meetings so, as a team, we can evaluate where we are and realign when necessary; to ensure the success of our events. Committee members may also be expected to develop existing and potential sponsor / donor relationships.
Roles and Responsibilities

• Attend regular committee meetings (in-person and/or via Zoom or Teams)
• Participate in event development from inception through completion
• Activities (as determined as part of an Action Plan) based on each Committee Member’s experience and skill set, and event needs
• Assist with event set-up and take down
• Attend full event to assist where needed
• Engage in post-event wrap activities
• Provide event stewardship (thank you calls, cards, etc.) in the days immediately following the event

The GTHS believes that pets deserve to stay with their families regardless of logistical or financial challenges faced by their parents.

Access to Care programs support pets and their families through programs that work to make veterinary care more accessible, help battle food insecurity and provide temporary housing during crisis.

The GTHS Pet Pantry Program, established in 2020, is a donation-based program aimed to ensure that pet food is more accessible for individuals and families who are in need.  In 2023, the GTHS supported approximately 1,000 pets through the Pet Pantry Program and distributed 28,000 meals in the community.

Last year, the Pet Pantry Program expanded to include 9 Community Depots in various locations: in Collingwood, The Town of the Blue Mountains, Wasaga Beach and Clearview Township. The service is strictly confidential.

Description

Reporting to the Community Programs Supervisor, the Pet Pantry Volunteer is responsible for repackaging and/or collecting pet food and supplies from the Animal Centre for delivery to local Pet Pantry depots or pet owners’ homes, to assist members of our community who are temporarily unable to provide the day-to-day necessities for their pets. Pet Pantry bagging takes place on an as needed basis, and deliveries take place on Tuesdays and on Fridays.  
Roles and Responsibilities

• Liaise with Customer Service Coordinator and Community Program Supervisor for inbound pet food deliveries, Pet Pantry supplies required and delivery locations
• Maintain tidy and organized Pet Pantry shelves
  • Restock shelves from supplies in garage and/or container, as appropriate
• Repackage pet food into 1kg Zip Lock bags
• Source supplies and load vehicle at Animal Centre
  • Exercise judgement and accurately select supplies requested
  • Ensure items are properly stored/secured during transportation
• Deliver supplies to Pet Pantry depots and/or pet owners
  • Meet pet owners at street level
  • Ensure contactless delivery during pandemic
• Provide friendly, non-judgemental, quality customer service
• Promote additional Outreach programs and services, as appropriate
• Ensure any appropriate documentation is available and/or signed
• Maintain clean and tidy GTHS van (inside and outside), if used
• Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
• Ensure photocopy of valid / most recent version of G2 driver’s license is retained by GTHS

Overview & Impact: The Food Fairy is integral to maintaining the welfare of our cats and kittens. This position starts early in the morning to ensure that all feline residents have finished eating prior to the Cat Care Team coming onsite to prepare the Adoption Rooms for the day and in readiness for any medications to be administered. In 2023, our Cat and Dog Care Teams cared for more than 1500 animals onsite at our Animal Centre.

Description: The GTHS Food Fairy reports to the Cat Care Coordinator and ensures that all kittens and cats in the building are fed. Other duties include topping up water, washing food dishes, tidying, record keeping as necessary and following the feeding chart accurately.

Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week. This position can start any time from 6am, for duties to be concluded by 8am. A minimum commitment of 6 months is required.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Feed cats and kittens in Adoption Rooms, Lobby and Isolation / Quarantine Rooms appropriate wet food (based on dietary requirements) or remove food, as appropriate
• Feed kittens / cats / sick felines in appropriate order for infection control purposes
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when present in each Isolation / Quarantine Room
• Provide fresh drinking water, dry food and wet food in clean bowls and dishes
• Remove and wash dirty animal dishes
• Disinfect work surfaces, as necessary
• Check all kennels and cages are properly locked before leaving each room
• Dispose of garbage and recyclables, as necessary
• Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
• Use online Contact List & Schedule to reflect any absences and to coordinate shift coverage

The Georgian Triangle Humane Society is a not-for-profit charity that provides abandoned, neglected and abused domestic animals a second chance in life at a forever home. The Adoptions Team facilitates the adoption and subsequent retention of approximately 1300 homeless animals annually, and the Dog Adoption Counselor contributes towards this success by answering any questions about dog ownership, the adoption process and the dogs and puppies available for adoption. This role is integral to matching the right dog (personality type, energy level, special home requirements, etc.) with the right adopter.

Description

Reporting to the Adoptions Coordinator, the Dog Adoption Counselor prepares adoption kits, answers questions about the dogs and puppies we have available for adoption and conducts ‘Meet & Greets’ with our dogs and potential adopters. The Dog Adoption Counselor also assists with the completion of adoption applications and facilitates the adoption.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Consistent and open communication with Adoptions Coordinator
• Review information on dogs available for adoption prior to Adoption Hours (name, age, size, background, medical / special needs, etc.)
• Spend time with dogs to assist with the perfect match
• Answer visitors’ and potential adopters’ questions about dogs available for adoption
• Answer basic questions about the organization
• Seize opportunities during conversation to transition potential adopters into volunteers or donors
• Outline ‘Adopters Welcome’ process to potential adopters
• Assist adopters with completion of adoption applications
• Ensure any behavioural or health related questions specific to the animal are communicated
• Diligently and thoroughly address concerns raised by adopters to prevent adoption returns
• Liaise with Dog Care staff to arrange dog leash up for ‘Meet & Greets’ and upon successful adoption
• Decide on suitability of potential adopter for dog selected
• Assist Customer Service Coordinators with adoption processing
• Assist Cat Adoption Counselor during shift, as needed
• Create dog name tags
• Prepare adoption kits on an as needed basis

Overview & Impact: The GTHS Animal Hospital contains an Operating Room, Treatment Room, Examination Room, Pharmacy, X-Ray Room and a Hospital Intake / Recovery Area.

Having an onsite hospital ensures animals receive timely, thorough and comprehensive care, saves dozens of daily phone calls, reduces trips back and forth to veterinary clinics, dramatically decreases the stress on the GTHS animals, and leads to the additional benefit of earlier adoption availability; so these animals find their forever home quickly.

The GTHS Animal Hospital is one of the only accessible spay/neuter hospitals serving Bruce, Grey and part of Simcoe County that performs 3,000 surgeries annually (an average of 50 surgeries per week), and subsidizing ~$770K in veterinary costs each year.

To promote pet wellness and safety, 1,858 rabies vaccinations and 1,767 microchips are administered to GTHS Animal residents and community clients on an annual basis.

Position Summary: Reporting to the Community Programs Coordinator (and the Director of Medicine), the Hospital Discharge Volunteer will be responsible for discharging animals to the public after their Hospital appointment / surgery, as well as overseeing the cleanliness of the Hospital Intake Room.

• Public hospital discharges
• Speak to pet owners to relay how the surgery went and if there were any concerns
• Ensure pet owners understand post-op and medication instructions
• Review microchip information, as appropriate
• Ensure onesie or cone is supplied, if appropriate
• Return cats to their owners and coordinate with the Hospital RVT to bring dogs out to their owners
• Accept payment for add-on services, as appropriate
• Set up the Hospital Intake Room for the following morning’s intakes; including making kennel cards and labels for the next day’s animals
• Set up dog kennels in the garage/storage area, if additional kennels are required
• Clean and tidy the Hospital Intake Room once animals have departed; including wiping down kennels, tidying up, sweeping and mopping the floor
• Assist the Community Programs Coordinator or Hospital staff as required
• Follow appropriate protocol, legislation and regulations

Overview: Treasure Tails retail store is part of the Georgian Triangle Humane Society and raises money by selling high quality home décor, women’s apparel, collectables, antiques and more, generously donated by our community. All profits from sales go directly to supporting the Animal Centre and historically Treasure Tails has been one of the GTHS’ largest fundraisers.

Position Summary: As a Treasure Tails Volunteer, you will ultimately report to the Store Manager, however, your regular ‘supervisor’ will be the volunteer who oversees our Jewellery Team. Based on your field of expertise or area of interest, you will be involved in the identification, sorting, cleaning, carding and/or pricing of jewellery (including watches).

This position entails volunteering from home and local pick-up / drop-off / sorting of jewellery, as required.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES may include:

• Liaising with Jewellery Team 'supervisor'
• Meeting with Jewellery Team volunteers to sort donations into type and composition
• Collecting and returning jewellery (to / from store or teammates' homes)
• Cleaning items
• Adding new backs to earrings
• Carding items for display
• Pricing according to brand / designer, age, original value, resale value, etc.
• Arranging in-store displays

Members of the GTHS Dog Care Team work with puppies and dogs of all sizes, shapes and backgrounds (stray, surrendered, neglected, abused, healthy, recovering from surgery, may be easy to handle or may require training for behavioural issues…).

Annually, our Cat and Dog Care Teams care for more than 1500 animals onsite at our Animal Centre.

Description

Reporting to the Dog Care Coordinator, AM Dog Care Volunteers help to maintain the health and welfare of GTHS dogs. This role entails taking care of our dogs’ environment by cleaning their kennels and outdoor runs, and being responsible for food preparation and feeding our dogs their breakfast. If interested and when time permits, AM Dog Care Volunteers interact with our dogs by assisting with our Canine Enrichment Program.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Assist in the maintenance of dogs’ health and welfare
  • Maintain clean and organized kennels (inside and outside)
  • Disinfect kennels and toys
  • Prepare and provide treats, breakfast and clean water as required or instructed
  • Wash up any dirty animal dishes (in Animal Equipment Room)
  • Assist with Animal Centre laundry (washing, drying and folding linens)
  • Dispose of garbage and recyclables
  • Ensure dogs are safe and secure
• If interested and time permits:
  • Dog bathing, grooming, Room 5 petting, time in Dog Yard or X-Pen
  • Interact with dogs for walks, training and socialization
  • Reinforce behaviours that make dogs more adoptable
• Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
• Use online Contact List & Schedule to reflect any absences and to coordinate shift coverage

To interact with GTHS dogs:

• Must be confident with dogs
• Current dog handling and/or training experience is required
• Medium and/or large dog experience is required
• Willingness and ability to complete the GTHS Dog Care Program (training from Green to Yellow Dog Walker status) is a must upon joining the Dog Care Team, as is the completion of any future intermittent training

CLASS has varied volunteer opportunities! From being a buddy to one of our exceptional individuals to assisting with fundraising events.

All volunteer opportunities provide a flexible schedule to always meet your needs and availability.  
 
Excellent source of social services experience for students or adults who wish to enter the developmental field! 
 
Must provide a completed Criminal Reference and Vulnerable Person's Check.

PM Dog Care Team Members report to the Dog Care Coordinator and help to maintain the general health and welfare of the dogs in our care at the Animal Centre. In part this is achieved by participating in our Canine Enrichment Program to provide mental and physical stimuli to these dogs. To support the wide range of dog behaviours and needs we encounter at the GTHS, PM Dog Care Team Members complete a Dog Care Program*; quickly progressing from Green dogs (ie. puppies and seniors who are easy to walk and handle) to Yellow dogs (ie. young, rambunctious, pullers who can be slightly difficult to walk and handle), then work through the Orange and Purple levels at their own pace, with the ultimate goal of working with Red dogs (ie. strong, reactive dogs that are difficult to walk and handle, and that may have other behavioural issues). *Training is required upon joining the Dog Care Team and will be required intermittently to progress through the Dog Care Program.  
Roles and Responsibilities

• Assist in the maintenance of dogs’ health and welfare
  • Prepare and provide medication, supper and clean water as required or instructed
  • Maintain clean and organized kennels (inside and outside)
  • Sweep and mop dog kennels’ and Animal Equipment Room’s floors
  • Deep clean kennels inside and outside for dogs that leave the Animal Centre (adopted, foster care, etc.)
  • Clean up after dogs (stoop and scoop) in the kennel area and outdoors, as appropriate
  • Oversee any cleaning and tidying resulting from own interactions with dogs
  • Dispose of garbage and recyclables

•  Assist in the maintenance of dogs’ physical and mental well-being
  • Interact with dogs for walks, training and socialization
  • Bathe / groom dogs
  • Reinforce behaviours that make dogs more adoptable
  • Disinfect any dog toys used for Enrichment
  • Create treats / food puzzles
  • Wash up dirty dog dishes and assist with laundry (washing, drying and folding linens), based on Enrichment activities undertaken
  • Ensure dogs are safe and secure

• Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
• Use online Contact List & Schedule to reflect any absences and to coordinate shift coverage

.

Overview & Impact: The Georgian Triangle Humane society is a not-for-profit charity that works to provide innovative programs and compassionate services to pets and people in the south Georgian Bay region and beyond. Because the GTHS receives no government funding, we rely on the generosity of our donors and supporters to fulfil our mission of delivering innovative programs and compassionate services that enhance the lives of pets in need and the people that care for them. We are immensely grateful to the 2784 donors who supported our organization in 2023.

Position Summary: Donor Engagement Volunteers report to the Senior Manager of Philanthropy (or delegate) to gain guidance in fostering positive relationships with donors. by contacting them upon becoming a regular donor or after donating to a ‘signature’ event or campaign. These volunteers will contact identified regular donors or signature event donors and may participate in regular Donor Relations Team meetings to collaborate on ideas that will enhance the relationships that leadership and legacy donors have with the GTHS, to inspire higher levels of giving.

This is a remote volunteer position (with occasional onsite activities) and volunteers will utilize their own computer or tablet, telephone and internet.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participation in monthly Donor Relations Team meeting – virtual or in-person
• Independent conversations with donor contacts via email, in person, and / or telephone
• Performs independent research on subject matter when required
• May be asked to participate in donor engagement activities such as donor tours of the Animal Centre
• Networking and relationship building
• Acquiring a solid knowledge of the GTHS and fundraising best practices

Donor Stewardship Volunteers report to the Fundraising Administrator and foster positive relationships with donors by thanking them (by telephone, email, letter or greeting card) for their in-kind support of GTHS programs and services. These volunteers are invited to collaborate on ideas that will enhance the relationship donors have with the GTHS, to inspire giving.

This is a hybrid volunteer position. Depending on tasks undertaken, volunteers will be home-based and utilize their own computer or tablet, telephone and internet (with occasional onsite activities), or may assist with written communications before, during or after a scheduled shift at the Animal Centre (time and space permitting) and continue any remaining tasks at home.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Acquiring a solid knowledge of the GTHS
• Independent conversations with donor contacts via email and / or telephone
• ‘Thank you’ card writing*
• Occasional assistance with mailings, for example:
  • Placing correspondence in envelopes
  • Adding address labels to envelopes
  • Adding stamps to envelopes
• Collaborating with the Fundraising Administrator on ideas to improve communications with donors

Reporting to the Humane Education Specialist, the Pet Bereavement Volunteer is responsible for co-hosting a monthly Pet Bereavement Group, in partnership with Hospice Georgian Triangle, to support pet owners come to terms with the loss of their pet and to facilitate the sharing of pet ownership experiences in an empathetic environment. 

• Session preparation:
  • Collect GTHS signage, documentation and any other supplies required from Animal Centre
  • Ensure venue is clean, tidy and welcoming for attendee’s arrival

• Session wrap-up:
• Tidy venue
• Return GTHS property to Animal Centre, as appropriate
• Co-host Group with Hospice Georgian Triangle by assisting with planned activities and discussions
• Hospice Georgian Triangle will lead and plan sessions, GTHS volunteers will provide support and friendly, non-judgemental, and empathetic connection for group participants
• Promote additional GTHS programs and services, as appropriate

• Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures