Want to be involved with EHS in a more hands on manner?

You can support the Edmonton Humane Society by giving your time to support our mission of enriching the lives of people and companion animals. Our volunteer team is integral to all aspects of EHS’ work, from animal care and enrichment to fundraising and more. Whether it is 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!

Benefits of Being an EHS Volunteer:

  • 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.

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 [email protected].

How to Become a Volunteer

Step 1: Application & Screening

You’ll create an online volunteer account to submit your application for the role you are interested in. Please allow our team approximately 1 week to review and process your application.

Before you apply, a few important requirements you should know:

  • Applicants age 18+ will be asked to complete a Criminal Record Check at their own expense (non-profit discount provided), as the final step in the screening process.
  • Some roles may require interviews.

Step 2: Onboarding & Training

EHS onboards and trains all volunteers so you are well-equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to be successful. After your application is approved, you will have 1 week to complete the onboarding steps below:

  • Online EHS Volunteer Orientation & Health and Safety training
  • Shelter tour
  • Role Specific Training
  • Buddy Shift (if required)

Steps can be completed in a shorter time frame, depending on availability.

Step 3: Start Volunteering!

Following your successful application and training period, you’ll be able to schedule your volunteer shifts online where they best fit into your schedule.

Volunteers are an integral part of our EHS Team, and we look forward to welcoming more friendly faces each day!

Current Opportunities

Click the role title you are interested in to view the description.

To apply, please click “Apply Now” at the bottom of the description. You will be redirected to VolunteerHub, where you will need to create an account and fill out your profile and application.

Scroll right on mobile to view the full details.

Volunteer Role Required Time Commitment
Camp Counsellor Support Volunteer Upcoming camps are scheduled for March 25 – 29 and July 1 – August 30 with volunteer
shifts from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Advanced Dog Walking Volunteer One 2-hour shift per week.
Donations Sorting Volunteer Casual/On-Call
Animal Ambassador Volunteer Casual

What Our Volunteers Say

“…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., EHS Volunteer, 4 years

“I had a strategy to support my early retirement that included volunteering at the EHS and indulge my love for four-leggeds. Having completed my online orientation, I was excited to receive my volunteer kit and meet up with my ‘buddy’ for my first few shifts. My EHS buddies were so supportive and knowledgable and prepared me well to fly on my own.

I remember how nervous I was on my first solo shift. What doors do I enter/exit with my charges? Would the pups behave for me on leash? What if I characterized their poops wrong on the reports? In the end I had a very rewarding first solo volunteer experience. The other volunteers were friendly and helpful. The staff were very welcoming. I was on track for a long and happy volunteer commitment…”

Joanne M., EHS Volunteer, 1 year

“A favorite 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., EHS Volunteer, 7 Years

“…When I’m either walking through the back halls, washing dishes or doing laundry, etc., someone will stop and make a point to thank me for being there; and/or they will say that they really appreciate what we are doing by volunteering. I admit that I don’t expect it, but I really do appreciate it very much how a lot of the staff make a point to show genuine appreciation to the volunteers. I’ve experienced it quite a few times over the years. I very much enjoy volunteering at the EHS.”

Tammy Z., EHS Volunteer, 3 Years

“I had my first date with the love of my life at the Edmonton Humane Society. I love dogs and really enjoy walking them and just socializing with them. And I was thinking of a place to have a first date. And I suggested I bring him as a guest volunteer. The dogs loved him and I started falling in love.”

Amber B., EHS Volunteer, 4 Years

“I still remember my very first day when I was able to pair with a volunteer buddy. I was beyond nervous and didn’t feel ready, but when I met my volunteer buddy, they happily made me feel welcome in EHS. It was so comforting to meet the pups and have a one on one orientation on how to set up the harness and how to access the walking paths. A couple of years later, we met again and became such good friends! We still chat to this day and talk about our great experiences with the animals in EHS!”

Hayley S., EHS Volunteer, 3 Years

Looking to donate your time to meaningful causes? See a wide variety of available postings for organizations in need on Volunteer Connector.

To see available employment opportunities, check here:

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