Volunteer
Offer Your Time, Enrich Lives.
For over a century, the heartbeat of HBSPCA has been its volunteers. 135 years ago, our foundation was laid on the selfless spirit of those who believed in the transformative power of compassion towards animals and fellow humans. Volunteering with HBSPCA offers more than just an opportunity to give back—it's a chance to grow, connect, and discover.
Explore Available Roles
Submit Your Application
Sit, Stay, Wait to Hear From Us!
Volunteer Programs
Volunteers are a vital part of the HBSPCA Family and we have roles suited to every age and experience. Whether you're newly retired, a seasoned professional, part of a group, a post-secondary scholar, or a high school student, there's a place for you here. Our range of roles, from driving to reception to animal support to administrative ensures that every individual finds their perfect fit.
Become a Volunteer
Become a Foster
Become a Pet Visitor
Volunteer Rewards Program
Volunteers are a vital part of the HBSPCA Family and we have roles suited to every age and experience. Whether you're newly retired, a seasoned professional, part of a group, a post-secondary scholar, At the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, volunteerism is not a supporting function—it is a driving force behind everything we do.In recent years, volunteer engagement has grown exponentially across the organization. Today, volunteers are embedded in every corner of our work—supporting animal care, engaging with the community, assisting behind the scenes, and strengthening operations in ways both visible and unseen.
They are present in every department. Every role. Every day. To recognize this extraordinary contribution, we have introduced a Volunteer Rewards Program that helps celebrate and acknowledge the impact of their dedication. or a high school student, there's a place for you here. Our range of roles, from driving to reception to animal support to administrative ensures that every individual finds their perfect fit.
FAQs
All applicants must complete our online application which ensures every application is reviewed in queue. We encourage you to answer as many questions as possible so our team can move through your application quickly to the next step. What if I do not have access to a computer to complete and submit the online application? We are happy to assist you. Simply call the Hamilton Burlington SPCA at 905-574-7722 and ask to leave a message for volunteer services. One of our team members will contact you to arrange a time to complete your application in person at our offices.
No. All interested applicants must apply as themselves and provide the required information as well as signed documents once accepted.
We work with every volunteer to help them find the perfect role suited to their interests and experience as well as provide hands-on support.
All volunteers must be 15 years of age or older to volunteer with us. We have no maximum age and are proud to have volunteers from 15 to over 90 years of age.
All foster applicants will be contacted by our volunteer services team after their application is received online to review their information in greater detail. Once this has been completed and the applicant is approved to foster, the foster parent is introduced to our foster department. Our foster department determines the right animal for each foster home.
All volunteers must provide a negative Criminal Record and Judicial Matters check in order to volunteer. This must be provided by your local police station. We do not accept third party background checks. Once your application is in process with our team, we can provide a letter to assist you with obtaining this documentation and avoid a fee. Our Pet Visiting Volunteer Team Ambassadors may require a Vulnerable Sector Check.
The HBSPCA requests that volunteers commit to a minimum of one year based on the training we provide and in order for you to enjoy the events, benefits and rewards we offer throughout the year.
We do work with every candidate to find the right fit based on their availability. For onsite volunteering, we ask that you commit to a weekly shift which varies from 2 hours – 5 hours depending on the role. Providing your weekly availability in our application form will assist us in processing your application faster.
This information also enables us to ensure the role that you have applied for has opportunities available according to your schedule
All applications are reviewed by our volunteers in the volunteer services department in order of receipt. Your official start date is directly related to how quickly we have your signed documents, your negative police check and you have attended an introduction shift to be sure the role you have applied for is the right fit for both you and the organization.
Yes, however, Secondary School Co-op placements are facilitated through your school board and co-op teacher programming. If you are interested a co-op placement at the Hamilton Burlington SPCA, please connect with your school co-op teacher or guidance department who will work with your school board to connect with us. We do not coordinate placements directly with students or parents as the school board determines which positions can be used for this credit.
Yes. We often have opportunities for students to accomplish their community service hours. High School students needing community service hours should watch our Youth Opportunities under our Current Openings section for opportunities when they become available. These are typically during March Break and summer holidays or peak event times.
