Give your time. Change the lives of cats! 
There are lots of ways to help at GDHS—​and you don’t have to be a cat expert to make a difference.

With the help of our volunteers and community, our no-kill shelter provides every cat with food, shelter, and medical care. Whether you’re spending time with our cats and kittens, helping at the shelter, or getting involved with fundraising and events, your time makes a real difference. Even 3–4 hours a week can help give our cats the happy, healthy lives they deserve.

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Students — Looking for Volunteer Hours?
Earn your volunteer hours while helping the cats directly or behind the scenes with GDHS!

Whether you’d like to spend time helping at the shelter, assist with fundraising events and activities, or share your ideas, there are lots of ways to get involved.

It’s a great way to help the cats in our care, learn new skills, and earn your community volunteer hours.

Shelter Volunteer Applications

📝Online Shelter Volunteer Application

📄Download & Print our Shelter Application

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Looking for Other Ways to Help?
Not all volunteer opportunities happen inside the shelter!
If you’re interested in helping with fundraising, events, or sharing fundraising ideas, our Fundraising Team
​would love to hear from you.
Learn About Fundraising 

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Opportunities to Get More Involved
​Volunteers who have been active for at least six months before the Annual General Meeting in June are eligible to participate in discussions and vote on key decisions. Everyone is welcome to attend, but voting privileges are reserved for active volunteers who meet the six-month requirement. Active volunteers may also have the opportunity to join the Board of Directors and take a more active role in helping guide and support the Gananoque & District Humane Society.

Sammy, Samara, and Onyx

Jax

Jewel (bottom left floor) BellaTrix (bottom right floor) and Inky (on bridge)

Meet Some of Our Volunteers

Madison 

Cat Socializer Coordinator

I’ve been volunteering with GDHS since February 2022 and love helping cats gain confidence and find their forever homes. As Cat Socializer Coordinator, I help shy cats become more comfortable with people. GDHS is a welcoming, supportive place where the cats are happy, healthy, and well cared for.

Val 

bottle returns and repurposing old towels as rags

Val started volunteering with GDHS in 2015 after retiring, attracted by its no-kill mission and committed team. She has contributed across the shelter and now focuses on bottle returns and repurposing old towels. Val finds volunteering deeply rewarding and appreciates the strong sense of community, where lasting friendships naturally develop. 
​Val wants others to know that GDHS staff and volunteers work hard every day to care for the cats, and any help is appreciated.

Hilary

Dishwasher  & Donor Thank-You & Tax Receipt Coordinator

I’ve volunteered with GDHS on and off since 2002 and returned regularly about two years ago. I was drawn to the shelter after seeing its dedication to animals as a no-kill facility.
At GDHS, I help with weekend dishwashing and laundry, and also write thank-you notes to donors and supporters. What I love most is working alongside people who truly care about every animal, from feral kittens to elderly cats.
Volunteering here is deeply rewarding—watching animals heal, learn to trust, and find their forever homes is a joy.

Dawn

shelter volunteer

I started volunteering at GDHS after the 2019 Puppy Prowl. I didn’t know exactly what I’d be doing, but I knew I wanted to help.
What I love most are the endless cuddles with the cats—falling in love with a new one every day! Volunteering here is incredibly rewarding, and I encourage anyone considering it to go for it. GDHS is a no-kill shelter where every animal is given a chance and cared for as if they were their own.

Ways to Lend a Paw​

Adopt

Shelter Operations Volunteer

Foster

Fundraising

Donate

Feline Wish-List