We are accepting new volunteers over the age of 16 years who can commit to a minimum of 4 hours per week (ideally on the same day each week). Our volunteer hours at the shelter are from 9 am to 1 pm, 7 days a week.
Training will be provided and requires 3 shifts. Volunteers under the age of 16 must have a parent willing to volunteer with them (accepting 12+ only).
Training will be provided and requires 3 shifts. Volunteers under the age of 16 must have a parent willing to volunteer with them (accepting 12+ only).
Help make a difference
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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, but if they do not receive our care, they would be on the street without food, shelter and good health. If you can't volunteer during the week we can use your help on Saturday and/or Sunday.
There are many ways you can help us which include:
If you can't make it to the shelter and would prefer to volunteer in other ways, you can assist us in a variety of ways including fundraising events as outlined on page 2 of our volunteer application form. We would be grateful if you could just spare a few hours a week to help out! You can join our volunteer team by downloading the form below, printing, completing and sending it to us by email to humanesociety@bellnet.ca, or dropping it off 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:
(Volunteer Coordinator: Hilary Brown) |
Volunteers
Some kitten hugs while cleaning.
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Volunteer of the Month
February 2023 - 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." |
July 2022 - 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". |
Volunteer Appreciation BBQ 2022
March 2022 - Curtis
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"During the first COVID lockdown, I started trapping cats that were part of a cat colony around my home. At the time, we (my family and myself), lived in Gananoque for about 6 months. We did not know there was a Humane Society in town until we "Googled" for help when we found 2 very young kittens under our deck. We called the Humane Society and became foster volunteers. After our family became foster fails, we still continued to trap the stray cats around our home. Kevin, Ricky and Hooligan are the more recent cats that we trapped. All three needed help with socialization.
Over time, I started helping with socializing the feral or really shy cats. I enjoy working with them one on one and watching them progress. It is very rewarding to see a once scared, unpredictable cat come to you for pets and head scratches, like Ricky! I also help with small repairs when required. I encourage anyone who has time to volunteer to consider GDHS. It is a small but mighty organization that makes a huge difference in the lives of vulnerable animals in our Community". |
Dec. 2021 - Helen
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"I started volunteering with GDHS several years ago, I'm not even sure how long ago, about 5 years. I started out by cleaning cat cages on the weekends but I am a dog person and I hated getting up early on Saturday mornings to clean cat poop, so I moved over to fundraising and I found my niche!
I am a fundraising and events volunteer! I love being involved in the community and helping animals. I love when a plan comes together and when an event goes smoothly (or when we can hide the "mini behind the scenes" disasters)! If you want to have an event, I want to help you make it happen! I would like potential volunteers know that GDHS needs you! We need you full time, part time, or seasonally! We need you to cuddle cats, return beer bottles, or run registration at our dog walk! Please, get involved! Allergic to cats? We still need you! There's a place for you!! Plus, we're pretty fun people! I would like everyone to know that GDHS needs help! Financially, personnel, fundraising events, handyman help. It takes a lot of work to run our little shelter but many hands make light work. Also, thank you a million times to my husband, Glenn Trane, who let's me drag him all over on volunteer tasks and never complains " |
Nov. 2021 - Marilyn
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"I started volunteering in September of 2017. I brought Boots to GDHS to surrender her because she was pregnant. While I was there, I stood and looked around and thought why haven't I ever thought about volunteering here. So I applied and never looked back. It was the best decision I ever made.
The furries and all the love they give to me, it makes my heart sing. GDHS is a place where I can go to relax, unwind and be part of a great team. You will find me in Recovery most times but I help out in Quartine when needed and I don't mind helping with dishes, laundry etc. I'm always asking my friends to voluteer. I tell them there's nothing more rewarding than to be a part of a great organization. You will enjoy the furries to no end. Knowing you will be part of looking after them, making sure they are safe and teaching them about love or how to play with a toy, especially when some of the furries have never experienced those things, is very rewarding. Seeing the furries go to a forever home is also an amazing feeling. GDHS is a great organization. Volunteers do so much for the Shelter. Some of those things include fundraising, helping other shelters, social media and more. There is so much to mention. But the biggest thing is that GDHS is a no kill animal shelter and we rely on donations for everything". |
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." |
July 2021 - Mollie
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"I started volunteering at GDHS last fall. I was new to Kingston and had previously volunteered at a no-kill shelter where I used to live. I really enjoyed that experience and wanted to do something similar here where I could get involved in the community and make a difference in the lives of cats who've fallen on hard times.
Aside from getting to hang out with cats, the thing that I like best about volunteering at GDHS is witnessing the incredible transformation so many of the cats experience while they are at the shelter. I've seen cats arrive at the shelter in dreadful shape, sick and wounded, or absolutely terrified of people. And I've also seen the amazing progress these cats make, thanks to the hard work of shelter staff and volunteers. It brings me a lot of joy to see these cats come into their own and ultimately thrive in their new forever homes. I have volunteered in different areas: recovery, nursery, and the lobby, where cats who are healthy and waiting for adoption spend their time. Volunteering Can be hard work sometimes, but it's such a rewarding experience. I would like people to know what it really means to be a no-kill shelter. There is no kind of cat that GDHS won't take in. At other shelters, being a shy cat or an FIV+ cat may be a death sentence. Not at GDHS. All cats are given a second chance. But we rely on volunteers to make that happen." |
June 2021 - Char
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Charlene wanted to help GDHS and wanted a new hobby so she started volunteering with us at the end of September 2018. Charlene loves the people and the cats and kittens she has met at GDHS.
Charlene mostly volunteers in the Nursery but started in the Lobby. Charlene has volunteered in all areas of the Shelter except for the Quarantine and Isolation rooms. Charlene would like everyone to know that GDHS is a no kill shelter with great people to work with. Charlene, the other volunteers and staff take pride in what they do for the cats\kittens. Thank you, Charlene, for all your hard work and dedication to GDHS. We appreciate everything you do for our feline residents! |
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". |
February-March 2021 - Simon
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Simon started volunteering at GDHS in the Spring of 2019 out of his love for cats and as a hobby. Simon likes volunteering at GDHS as a way to give back to the community. His volunteer roles primarily involve cleaning the Lobby areas, feeding and refreshing the water for the cats and kittens, cleaning and disinfecting litter pans and minor repairs. Simon encourages anyone who is looking for a volunteer opportunity to consider GDHS because of the nice people or, in his own words, "Go for it!"
Simon would like everyone to know how much GDHS' volunteers love the animals in our care. GDHS is not guaranteed any funding and relies heavily on volunteer hours, donations and Grants. |
Simon's Last Day.
Thank you for being part of the GDHS family. We will miss you!
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."
December 2020 - Jim
Jim has been a volunteer with GDHS since 2015. He has performed duties such has Pet Point Administrator and data entry, cleaning cages, littler pans, floors, laundry and dishes. Jim joined the Board of Directors in 2016 and in 2017, became Vice Chair. In 2019, Jim became Senior Executive and Treasurer. Today, Jim is Acting Senior Executive and Treasurer.
Here is what Jim has to say about volunteering at GDHS:
"I started volunteering with GDHS in early 2015 after we had adopted Abigail. I had already been supporting the Quinte Humane Society in Belleville when we lived in Brighton through cash and in kind donations and when we moved to Gananoque, I really wanted to make a tangible contribution by volunteering.
The part I like best about volunteering at GDHS is seeing the difference our team makes by being able to care for the animals that come to us and find them homes which would not be possible if not for those who volunteer. I have volunteered on site when I was able to (prior to COVID) by working in the office and helping out with cleaning including changing litter pans, washing dishes and doing laundry. Since COVID, I continue to work off site managing the operation, doing the financials and validating entries to the pet point database.
Based on my own experience over the last 6 years I would suggest that if you are considering volunteering at GDHS please do since you will meet wonderful people who share a passion for the animals in our care and form friendships while being a part of what enables these animals to find new homes.
GDHS is a volunteer run, no kill shelter and has never euthanized an animal to simply make space and we never treat a kitten, cat or dog as a statistic on a chart. We realize that each animal is a gift and we do everything we can to ensure the animal receives proper veterinary care as well as the best chance possible at finding a forever home."
Here is what Jim has to say about volunteering at GDHS:
"I started volunteering with GDHS in early 2015 after we had adopted Abigail. I had already been supporting the Quinte Humane Society in Belleville when we lived in Brighton through cash and in kind donations and when we moved to Gananoque, I really wanted to make a tangible contribution by volunteering.
The part I like best about volunteering at GDHS is seeing the difference our team makes by being able to care for the animals that come to us and find them homes which would not be possible if not for those who volunteer. I have volunteered on site when I was able to (prior to COVID) by working in the office and helping out with cleaning including changing litter pans, washing dishes and doing laundry. Since COVID, I continue to work off site managing the operation, doing the financials and validating entries to the pet point database.
Based on my own experience over the last 6 years I would suggest that if you are considering volunteering at GDHS please do since you will meet wonderful people who share a passion for the animals in our care and form friendships while being a part of what enables these animals to find new homes.
GDHS is a volunteer run, no kill shelter and has never euthanized an animal to simply make space and we never treat a kitten, cat or dog as a statistic on a chart. We realize that each animal is a gift and we do everything we can to ensure the animal receives proper veterinary care as well as the best chance possible at finding a forever home."
November 2020 - Anne
"I started volunteering for GDHS after retiring from Correctional Services of Canada. I was looking for somewhere I could be around people as well as help a worthy cause.
I like the people I meet: volunteers, adopters, and others who come to the Shelter. The atmosphere here is one of helping one another as well as doing the best we can to help our fury friends find their forever homes.
My advice to anyone interested volunteering at the Shelter is to try and see if it is for you, especially if you love cats. For me it is satisfying to know that I can help the cats in our care have the best life that they can have until they find their forever home.
I would like everyone to know that Gananoque & District Humane Society is a group of volunteers who are dedicated in making the lives of kittens and cats in our care better than what their lives could have been under different circumstances".
I like the people I meet: volunteers, adopters, and others who come to the Shelter. The atmosphere here is one of helping one another as well as doing the best we can to help our fury friends find their forever homes.
My advice to anyone interested volunteering at the Shelter is to try and see if it is for you, especially if you love cats. For me it is satisfying to know that I can help the cats in our care have the best life that they can have until they find their forever home.
I would like everyone to know that Gananoque & District Humane Society is a group of volunteers who are dedicated in making the lives of kittens and cats in our care better than what their lives could have been under different circumstances".
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".
September 2020 - Gwen
"I came to GDHS in June of this year to complete the placement portion of my Veterinary Assistant certificate from St. Lawrence College. When my placement was finished I wanted to stay on as a volunteer to help the animals and because the staff and volunteers here are so wonderful. I help out by cleaning rooms, mainly the recovery and quarantine areas, but I also like to do what I can around the place to help the ship sail as smoothly as possible. Recently, I’ve also been fostering a few kitties and it’s been great.
If you are considering volunteering for the shelter, I would highly recommend it. Not only do you get free kitty cuddles (a big bonus!), but you get the satisfaction of knowing that you can make a difference in the lives of animals who are most in need.
GDHS is truly a wonderful place. The staff and volunteers are passionate and care for each and every animal who comes through the doors with compassion and respect. I feel lucky to have found myself volunteering with such an amazing team".
If you are considering volunteering for the shelter, I would highly recommend it. Not only do you get free kitty cuddles (a big bonus!), but you get the satisfaction of knowing that you can make a difference in the lives of animals who are most in need.
GDHS is truly a wonderful place. The staff and volunteers are passionate and care for each and every animal who comes through the doors with compassion and respect. I feel lucky to have found myself volunteering with such an amazing team".
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Thank you, your support makes a difference!