Volunteering for Humane Society London & Middlesex
Volunteers are essential to the continued success of our shelter.
Please be advised that although HSLM is currently accepting volunteer applications, volunteer orientation and training will be delayed due to COVID-19.
Humane Society London & Middlesex has many volunteer positions available to animal lovers in London and area. Some of these volunteer opportunities involve direct contact with the animals in our care, while others are concerned with fundraising and event organization.
Volunteer activities range from regular visits to the shelter to socialize with cats, small animals and dogs to volunteering at events throughout the community.
Volunteers must be over the age of 18.
Our Current List of Volunteer Opportunities
Click on each opportunity to view the required commitment, skills and responsibilities.
Community Event Opportunities
Adoption Events
*Adoption Events occur on various weekends throughout the year*
Location:
- Masonville PetSmart, Westwood Pet Valu, or Ren’s Pet Depot
Purpose:
- To help our animals get adopted into loving homes!
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist the public in filling out adoption applications
- Answer questions from the public about HSLM
- Ensure cats and small animals are safe, happy, and healthy throughout the event
- Collect payment from approved adopters
- Represent Humane Society London & Middlesex in a positive and enthusiastic manner
Time Commitment:
- 1 shift is usually 2 – 4 hours at an adoption event
Required Skills:
- Friendly attitude towards the public and fellow volunteers
- Pay attention to detail and follow instructions
- Experience in customer service is an asset
Training:
- General orientation (1 hour)
- Events training (1/2 hour)
Pet Gifts- Sales
*Booths are set up at various events throughout the year (craft shows, vendor fairs, etc.), but the busiest times are November – December*
Location:
- Venues all over the City of London and the Counties of Elgin, Middlesex and Oxford
Purpose:
- To sell packaged and home-made pet gifts (for cats and dogs)
Key Responsibilities: Sales
- Represent Humane Society London & Middlesex in a positive and enthusiastic manner
- Set up/tear down of booth
- Keep items organized (pet gifts, documents, sale slips, etc.)
- Collect payment from customers
Time Commitment:
- 1 shift is usually 3 – 4 hours
- Attend at least 1 event throughout the calendar year
Required Skills:
- Friendly attitude towards the public and fellow volunteers
- Pay attention to detail and follow instructions
- Experience in customer service is an asset
Training:
- General orientation (1 hour)
- Events training (1/2 hour)
Pet Gifts- Sewers/Knitters/Crocheters
HSLM relies on the support and dedication of volunteers to knit, sew and crochet pet toys, beds and apparel (bandanas, sweaters) to sell at over a dozen venues and events throughout the calendar year.
Purpose/Overview:
- To sew, knit and crochet dog and cat toys, beds, and apparel to be sold as a fundraising initiative throughout the year.
- Volunteers are provided with all necessary materials (fabric, fleece, cotton stuffing, etc) and instructions needed to complete sewing, knitting & crocheting products.
Time Commitment:
- Time commitment of this volunteer role is dependent on the type and quantity of products the volunteer is willing/able to provide. It is preferred that volunteers commit on a year-round basis.
Required Skills:
- Pay attention to detail and follow instructions
- Previous experience sewing, crocheting and/or knitting is preferred
Training:
- Training for sewing, crocheting and/or knitting is not provided, however all volunteers are provided with instructions, patterns and all other necessary supplies (with the exception of sewing machines, knitting needles, etc).
Special Events
*Includes our largest annual fundraiser Bark in the Park Festival (June), Cookies & Cupcakes (February) and many other events throughout the year*
Location:
- May take place at the shelter or at off-site venues in London and Middlesex County
Purpose:
- To raise awareness and/or funds for Humane Society London & Middlesex
Key Responsibilities
- Represent Humane Society London & Middlesex in a positive and enthusiastic manner
- Other responsibilities will vary depending on the event and will be outlined in greater detail before sign-up
Time Commitment:
- Approximately 3 – 4 hours each shift
Required Skills:
- Friendly attitude towards the public, fellow volunteers, and staff
- Able to work as a member of a team
- Follow instructions
Training:
- General orientation (1 hour)
- Additional training will depend on the nature of the event
Bingo Events
HSLM volunteers are required to assist once per month at Forest City Bingo Country (1106 Dearness Dr) to sell paper bingo sheets from 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
In Shelter Opportunities
Dog Walker (Not Currently Recruiting)
Purpose:
- To enrich our dogs’ lives through socialization and exercise
Hours:
- Weekdays 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Weekends 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- *Time-slot availability varies*
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide attention, care, play-time, grooming, walks etc. to adoptable dogs
- Ensure safety of animals at all times
- Maintain cleanliness of outside dog runs and areas where you walk
- Keep detailed and organized records for each dog
Time Commitment:
- Weekly commitment of 1+ hours
Required Skills:
- Able to handle strong and large dogs
- Pay attention to detail
- Be patient and follow instructions
- Tolerate various weather conditions (heat, rain, cold, etc.)
- Friendly attitude towards the public, fellow volunteers, and staff
- Experience with dogs and knowledge of positive-reinforcement training techniques are an asset
Training:
- General orientation (1 hour)
- Dog training (1 hour)
Cat Socializer (Not Currently Recruiting)
Purpose:
- To enrich our cats’ lives through socialization and exercise
Hours:
- Weekdays 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Weekends 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- *Time-slot availability varies*
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide attention, care, play-time, grooming, etc. to adoptable cats
- Ensure safety of animals at all times
- Maintain cleanliness of cat socialization rooms
- Keep detailed and organized records for each cat
Time Commitment:
- Weekly commitment of 1+ hours
Required Skills:
- Pay attention to detail
- Able to lift 20lbs
- Be patient and follow instructions
- Friendly attitude towards the public, fellow volunteers, and staff
- Experience with cats is an asset
Training:
- General orientation (1 hour)
- Cat training (1 hour)
Small Animal Socializer (Not Currently Recruiting)
Purpose:
- To enrich our small animals’ lives through socialization and exercise
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide attention and play-time for our adoptable small animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, etc.
Time Commitment:
- Weekly commitment of 1+ hours
Required Skills:
- Pay attention to detail
- Be patient and follow instructions
- Friendly attitude towards the public, fellow volunteers, and staff
- Ensure safety of animals at all times
- Able to lift 10 lbs
- Experience with small animals is an asset
Training:
- General orientation (1 hour)
- Small animal training (1/2 hour)
Clean Team
*Clean Team will not be responsible for cleaning animal cages*
Purpose:
- To keep our kennel looking and smelling its best, and to keep our animals healthy
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain shelter cleanliness (sweep, mop, vacuum, etc.)
- Wash dishes and litter pans
- Laundry
Time Commitment:
- Weekly or bi-weekly commitment of 1+ hours
Required Skills:
- Follow instructions
- Friendly attitude towards the public, fellow volunteers, and staff
Training:
- General orientation (1 hour)
- Clean team training (1/2 hour)
Gardening Team
Purpose:
- To keep the outside of our building looking its best
Key Responsibilities:
- Participate in gardening activities such as planting, weeding, raking, etc.
Time Commitment:
- 2 hours once a month or as required
Required Skills:
- Be able to tolerate various weather conditions (heat, rain, etc.)
- Follow instructions
- Friendly attitude towards the public, fellow volunteers, and staff
Training:
- General orientation (1 hour)
- Additional training on-site as required
Building/Maintenance
Purpose:
- To keep our building in good condition
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with building repairs
- Provide a specialized service (could include electrical work, drywall, painting, plumbing, lighting, etc.)
Time Commitment:
- 2 hours once a month or as required
Required Skills:
- Knowledgeable of proper protocol and safety measures when completing repairs
- Able to lift heavy objects
Training:
- General orientation (1 hour)
- Additional training on-site as required
Frequently Asked Volunteering Questions
How do I become a volunteer?
Volunteer positions are available only to those individuals who are 18 years of age or older. All volunteers will be required to provide a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC).
Humane Society London & Middlesex requires that all volunteer complete an “application form” and a general orientation session. Depending on your area of interest, you may be required to complete additional training.
Due to the amount of applications we receive, there is a waiting period for attending orientation.
What is expected of a volunteer?
The most important attribute of a volunteer is commitment! We understand that people’s schedules may not always be consistent and that hours of availability may fluctuate, however, we need your commitment to selected programs for our relationship to be mutually beneficial.
Volunteers participate in a number of different programs on our behalf and each follows varying timelines. However, in the case of our animal care volunteers, we do require a regular visit to the shelter; weekly is ideal. We would also hope that you have applied with a long-term commitment to the animals in mind.
Why become a Humane Society London & Middlesex volunteer?
What’s in it for you? In addition to the personal satisfaction of knowing that you’re contributing to the well being of animals, you’ll gain valuable experience, contacts, and the pleasure of working with others who also care deeply about animal welfare.
If one or more of these programs appeals to you please complete an application form.
*Please note that volunteers must complete a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) and be 18 years of age or older.