Volunteer & Foster

Get Involved
Events
Volunteer & Foster
- Shelter Takeover Program
Careers

"Volunteering with EHS has changed my life for the better. Volunteering has brought a sense of balance back into my life; walking and playing with the dogs is my form of therapy. As much as we change the dogs’ lives through volunteering, I think they change ours even more."

- Tomina L.

“I love watching my little dog Gilly’s happiness when she gets to meet children at the day camps or adults at the Paws and Claws Gala. Doing this kind of volunteer work is very nurturing to the soul and makes you feel a part of the larger community.”

- Gwen D.

"A favourite memory of mine from volunteering with the EHS is the annual Pets in the Park event. It is just such a loving community of pet lovers coming together to support the animals at the shelter. I love seeing all the different furry, feathered, and scaled companions that come out to the park and all the different activities there are for the pets to engage in too!"

- Taylor O.

Make a Lasting Impact: Join Our Volunteer and Foster Program

Our volunteer and foster teams are integral to all aspects of EHS’ work, from animal care and enrichment to fundraising and more. Whether it’s dog walking, cat cuddling, bonding with bunnies, dishes, laundry, coin counting, administrative and event assistance, or even cutting the grass — lend a paw to help animals in need at EHS!

These programs are inclusive and positive, where new people are welcomed, and seasoned veterans are happy to mentor.

How to Become a Volunteer & Foster

Looking for a group or corporate volunteer opportunity?

Have your team join our Shelter Takeover program! EHS’ Shelter Takeover program invites organizations to “takeover” the shelter for a day.

Learn More About Our Shelter Takeover Program

Benefits of Being an EHS Volunteer & Foster

Chance to make a difference in the lives of animals.
Belonging to a friendly community of like-minded individuals.
Boost your mood and reduce stress by spending time around animals.
On-going learning opportunities to increase your knowledge of animal welfare.

Become an EHS Animal Ambassador! This volunteer role is an opportunity for EHS adopters and their pets to represent the organization at various events and local community engagement opportunities.

Ambassador volunteers will greet members of the public, introduce their furry companion, share their unique adoption story and encourage others to help support the organization’s mission and vision. Learn more about becoming an Animal Ambassador.

Certain volunteer opportunities allow for youth to participate independently, while others may require a parent or guardian to volunteer along side you. Review the role requirements in the description to check and make sure that a parent or guardian completes an application if needed.

Some opportunities allow youth volunteers to participate with an adult. Please ensure you submit 2 separate applications; 1 for you and 1 for the youth volunteer.

To support your client during their volunteer experience, please ensure that 2 separate applications are submitted; 1 for you and 1 for your client. Questions about accommodations? Email us at volunteer@edmontonhumanesociety.com.

How to Get Involved: Become a Volunteer & Foster

At EHS, both volunteers and fosters play a vital role in helping us care for animals in need. Whether you’re looking to volunteer on-site or open your home to a foster animal, here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Application & Screening

Create an online volunteer account and submit your application for your chosen role. Please allow approximately 1 week for our team to review and process your application.

Before You Apply – Important Requirements

You must be 18 years or older to become a foster. Age requirements differ for volunteer roles.
Must complete a Criminal Record Check prior to volunteering or fostering.

Volunteer-Only Requirements

We do ask for a minimum six-month commitment to help keep our team strong and provide the best support possible to our animals and community.

Foster-Only Requirements

Resident pets must be spayed/neutered and current on vaccines.
A separate, bleachable room must be available to isolate foster animals.
Must live within 100km of our facility.
Must accept at least one foster placement per calendar year to remain active.

Step 2: Onboarding & Training

We provide onboarding and training tailored to your chosen path as a volunteer or foster.

Volunteer Training

Online EHS Volunteer Orientation & Health and Safety Training
Role-Specific Training
Buddy Shift (if applicable)

Foster Training

Online EHS Foster Orientation
In-person training
Additional training based on the types of animals you’d like to foster (e.g. dogs, cats, orphaned kittens, small animals)

Online training must be completed within 1 week of approval. Most can be done sooner based on availability.

Step 3: Start Making a Difference!

Volunteers: Once trained, you can schedule and manage your shifts through our online volunteer portal.
Fosters: Once trained, you’ll be ready to welcome your first foster animal and support their journey to adoption.

Volunteers and Fosters are essential members of our EHS community. We can’t wait to welcome more compassionate and dedicated individuals to our team!

View Current Volunteer & Foster Opportunities