Animal Care Volunteers
Direct Impact, Daily Compassion
Animal Care Volunteers
Direct Impact, Daily Compassion
Animal care volunteers at Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward (HSHPE) are vital members of our team, playing a hands-on role in ensuring the health and well-being of every animal that comes through our doors. Volunteers assist Animal Care Attendants with a variety of essential daily duties—including cleaning cages, feeding, observing animal behaviour, and delivering individualized care according to each animal’s specific feeding and medication regime.
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With hundreds of animals in our care, maintaining a healthy environment is our top priority. Volunteers help sanitize food and water bowls, cages, and common areas each day, directly contributing to disease prevention and animal comfort. Many volunteer shifts take place in the morning, preparing the shelter for the public and setting the stage for successful adoptions.
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There are opportunities to work with dogs, cats, or small animals—allowing volunteers to gain experience, develop new skills, and form connections with animals in need. Your care and attention help every animal feel loved, safe, and ready for their next chapter.
Make a difference—join the team and be part of the journey from rescue to home.
Dog Walking
Shelter life can be stressful for dogs, but dedicated dog walking volunteers make an extraordinary difference in their well-being. At Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward (HSHPE), volunteers give our dogs daily opportunities to enjoy outdoor walks along beautiful trails that wind through our back property, providing a natural environment for sniffing, exploring, and play.
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In addition to walks, there are three spacious, enclosed play areas where volunteers can offer enrichment activities—running off-leash, playing fetch, practicing training, or simply sharing a fun game of tug. These moments are vital for the dogs’ mental and physical health while they await their forever homes. Dogs who are walked daily also learn basic leash manners and this increases their chance at adoption.
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All dog walkers receive comprehensive training and are thoughtfully paired with dogs that match their comfort and ability level, ensuring a positive and safe experience for both dog and handler. Safety remains our top priority every step of the way.
Join our committed team of dog walking volunteers and help every dog in our care feel happy, healthy, and loved.
Dog, Cat and Small Animal Care
Animal care volunteers can choose between caring for dogs, cats or small animals. Duties for all animal care volunteers include feeding, cleaning, and sorting donated goods and more. Cat care volunteers can also be responsible for cat brushing and socialization. You’ll learn more in your volunteer orientation. Learn more in our HSHPE Volunteer Manual.
Fostering
If you have the time and space, you can make a difference in the lives of HSHPE animals from the comfort of your home. As demand for service continues to grow, the best way to increase our capacity to care for lost, stray and surrendered animals is to expand our Foster Program. This is a very rewarding volunteer position for both human, and animal. Learn more about our Foster Program.