We are always looking for volunteers for a variety of different roles. Training is provided and the benefits are purr-fect!
Help make a difference
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assisting If you have a few hours to spare, please come and see for yourself how rewarding it is to volunteer at our animal shelter.
So many people say they could not volunteer at a shelter because they feel so bad for the animals. However, volunteers are essential for GDHS to operate, and without our no-kill shelter, the animals would be on the street without food, shelter and medical care. There are many ways you can help us which include:
We would be grateful if you could just spare a few hours a week to help out! It is an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, plus help those that are unable to help themselves. You can join our volunteer team by downloading the form below. Please print and complete the volunteer application form. You can send it to us by email to [email protected]a, or dropping the form at our shelter at 85 Hwy 32 exit 645 just north of the 401 on the right-hand side - please see map. Please contact us if you have any questions! Volunteer Application Forms:
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Volunteers
Some kitten hugs while cleaning.
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What our Volunteers have to say......
Madison
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"I started volunteering with GDHS in February 2022. I love getting to meet all the cats/ kittens. They have different personalities and it is wonderful to see how they find their confidence and then their forever home. I enjoy working in the Lobby the most, but I have helped out in recovery too.
For anyone thinking of volunteering with GDHS, I would tell them it’s a great place to volunteer. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. There is such a need for volunteers. People might not realize how many cats/kittens are at the shelter. People need to know that GDHS is a wonderful place. The cats are so well cared for and their health and well-being are the shelters priority. The cats are so well socialized and happy." |
Stephanie
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"I started volunteering in 2019 after my children saw a flyer for the GDHS "Puppy Prowl Dog Walk" fundraiser. I work full time Monday - Friday but can spare a few hours on most Sunday mornings to help out. It is a nice change from my normal 9-5 job. I enjoy helping others and the community involvement.
Since I started volunteering at GDHS, I have helped out in different areas of the shelter by cleaning cages in the lobby and nursery, washing dishes, cleaning litter pans, and doing laundry. And who can resist sneaking in some kitty cuddles! Volunteers are always needed to help keep the cats happy and healthy until they find their fur-ever homes. Some of the jobs are physically demanding, but you are rewarded by knowing you are making a difference; seeing how well the cats in care are taken care of; and gaining new friendships along the way. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, reach out to GDHS and see how you can help". |
Sept. 2021 - Brittany
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"I started volunteering with GDHS at the end of 2019 after responding to a Facebook post for admin volunteers. I started learning the monthly reports that Jim Douglas, the Treasurer at the time, completed for monthly Board meetings. I had always followed GDHS and supported them when I could, because I had adopted a bonded pair from GDHS back in 2008. I also loved the fact that they’ve always been a no-kill shelter.
I volunteer on the Board of Directors since the 2020 AGM, and have recently taken on the Treasurer position. I also try to help in other areas like fundraising and completing some animal reports. There are so many reasons why I like volunteering at GDHS. I don’t know how many times I’ve said that seeing the generosity of the GDHS supporters during such a horrible time during Covid, has been such a great experience. During a time when the news has been awful, I’ve been genuinely blown away by the amount of support from each $5 Friday, the What’s Up Cupcake outcome, the fact that GDHS had to have a SECOND spring auction because people kept offering to donate items for the auctions. I love reading the comments from Canada Helps donations to see how many people request that their family/friends donate to GDHS in lieu of them receiving birthday/Christmas, or in memory of a beloved pet that they adopted from GDHS. It’s all very touching in ways that is hard to express. If you are not able to volunteer in the shelter, and you have experience with Excel and general office skills, and would like to volunteer with GDHS, we could still use your help. GDHS is not guaranteed any funding, and all expenses are covered by donations, fundraising and some small grants. This is genuinely a charity where every donation of money, items for fundraising, and bottles/cans helps to care for cats/kittens until they find their forever homes. Thank you, Brittany, for your time and hardwork. Being a Treasurer is a tough job and one many take for granted." |
April 2021 - Val
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Val started volunteering at GDHS in 2015 after she retired. Val likes volunteering at GDHS because we are a no kill animal shelter. Val has volunteered in all areas of the Shelter except for the office but now mainly cleans litter pans and laundry. Val also helps with our bottle returns and cuts up old towels for rags.
Val says that "volunteering at GDHS is very satisfying work and volunteers are always needed. The staff and volunteers are a great group of dedicated people and care about the cats so much. Most volunteers and staff work the same days each week so you get to know them and develop friendships". Val would like everyone to know that the staff and volunteers at GDHS are dedicated and work very hard to help the cats in our care find good homes. "That means feeding them, cleaning cages, sanitizing, laundry, washing dishes, medications, phone calls, adoptions, ordering supplies, organizing donations, trips to the Vet, paperwork, etc. is done every day. Help is always appreciated". |
January 2021 - Hilary
"I have been volunteering on and off since about 2002 and came back on a regular basis about 2 years ago. I chose GDHS because I had learned a lot about the Shelter while I was working as a Vet Tech at the Gan Vet Clinic and was very impressed with the total dedication of the people who volunteered there and the fact that GDHS is a no-kill Shelter.
As a volunteer at the Shelter, I wash dishes on weekends and also work occasionally in the Lobby or Nursery. But most of what I do is outside the Shelter as the Volunteer Coordinator and Secretary of the Board of Directors. I also love helping out Arlene with fundraising activities.
I think the thing I like best about volunteering at the Shelter is that you get to work with so many people who care really deeply about every animal they come in contact with. From a feral mom with her newborn kittens, to an elderly cat surrendered due to the death of its owner, or a terrified injured stray, they all get the best and most devoted care possible. It's an honour to get to work with such compassionate people from every walk of life.
I would like to tell people that if they decide to volunteer with us, not only can they enrich the lives of many deserving animals, these same animals can enrich their lives in return. I think of the many animals I've gotten to know over the years and shed tears of joy for as they recover from serious injuries or illnesses, learn how to trust humans, or find their purrfect forever home. This is all made possible in our no-kill Shelter where every animal is given the best chance we can provide.
GDHS is a no-kill Shelter manned by a large group of very dedicated and caring volunteers who, in conjunction with the Vet Assistant staff, do their utmost to give every animal the best chance possible for finding its purrfect forever home."
As a volunteer at the Shelter, I wash dishes on weekends and also work occasionally in the Lobby or Nursery. But most of what I do is outside the Shelter as the Volunteer Coordinator and Secretary of the Board of Directors. I also love helping out Arlene with fundraising activities.
I think the thing I like best about volunteering at the Shelter is that you get to work with so many people who care really deeply about every animal they come in contact with. From a feral mom with her newborn kittens, to an elderly cat surrendered due to the death of its owner, or a terrified injured stray, they all get the best and most devoted care possible. It's an honour to get to work with such compassionate people from every walk of life.
I would like to tell people that if they decide to volunteer with us, not only can they enrich the lives of many deserving animals, these same animals can enrich their lives in return. I think of the many animals I've gotten to know over the years and shed tears of joy for as they recover from serious injuries or illnesses, learn how to trust humans, or find their purrfect forever home. This is all made possible in our no-kill Shelter where every animal is given the best chance we can provide.
GDHS is a no-kill Shelter manned by a large group of very dedicated and caring volunteers who, in conjunction with the Vet Assistant staff, do their utmost to give every animal the best chance possible for finding its purrfect forever home."
October 2020 - Dawn
"I started volunteering at GDHS after I did the Puppy Prowl last year (2019). I always wanted to volunteer so I sent an email to the Shelter. I didn’t really know what I would be doing, but I knew I really wanted to help.
What I like best is the unlimited cuddles with the cats. I fall in love with a new one every single day and with some, the love affair lasts longer. I would strongly advise anyone who is thinking about volunteering, to go for it! It’s a great feeling knowing you are helping out a really great cause. Again, endless kitten/cat cuddles.
Everyone should know that GDHS is a no-kill shelter and that every animal brought in is given a chance. Everyone who works or volunteers here (GDHS) truly cares about what happens to the animals and treats them as their own".
What I like best is the unlimited cuddles with the cats. I fall in love with a new one every single day and with some, the love affair lasts longer. I would strongly advise anyone who is thinking about volunteering, to go for it! It’s a great feeling knowing you are helping out a really great cause. Again, endless kitten/cat cuddles.
Everyone should know that GDHS is a no-kill shelter and that every animal brought in is given a chance. Everyone who works or volunteers here (GDHS) truly cares about what happens to the animals and treats them as their own".
Thank you, your support makes a difference!