Shelter Attendant

Volunteer Requirements

You'll attend an introductory orientation session and receive a Volunteer Manual, and a staff member will train you for your position and show you where to sign up for shifts.

For more information on volunteering please click on Become a WAG Volunteer. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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Regular volunteers assist with tasks within the shelter such as:

  • feeding
  • cleaning
  • evening walks before closing
  • answering phones
  • visiting with cats and dogs
  • assisting WAG employees with duties

Volunteer Positions

Play / Socialization / Quiet Time

Shelter life is stressful for dogs and cats. Some animals that arrive at the shelter are very frightened or require socialization. All animals need to spend time with people! Depending on the animal, volunteers can help by cuddling them, handling them gently, or even just sitting with them quietly which can be very therapeutic not only for the animals but also for us people. You could even bring a book and curl up with an animal in the home-like setting of the adoption room. For our more energetic friends, volunteers can take the dogs out for an energy release in the Spotted Dog run. As well volunteers may be able to play games or do agility with dogs to build confidence and reduce stress.

Days: Monday through Sunday
Times: anytime between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM

Closing Attendant

Be the one who puts the animals to bed, gives them a cookie and a kiss goodnight! Closing Attendants play an important role in keeping the shelter clean and functioning by helping to keep up on laundry, dishes, and other general housekeeping, setting up and ensuring all animals have comfortable sleeping areas and clean play areas, as well as assisting in feeding the cats and dogs and taking out animals for a quick play and bathroom break before putting them to bed.

Days: Monday through Sunday
Times: 4:45 PM to 6:00 PM

Dog Walker

As a Dog Walker you provide training for the dogs, as well as much needed exercise. Dog Walkers play an important role in making the shelter dogs more adoptable. It is fun to teach the dogs and watch them improve. While walking a shelter dog, our dog walkers collect valuable information for us about how the dog responds to the real world.  Volunteers for this position must have a basic understanding of dog behaviour, a willingness to learn, and be in good physical condition (i.e., able to handle dogs that pull, jump up etc.)

Days: Monday through Sunday
Times: anytime between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM

Cattery Attendant

Are meows and purrs music to your ears? Then the volunteer position of Cattery Attendant is the purr-fect position for you. Cattery Attendants time will be spent playing and socializing with the cats as well as grooming and making sure their kitty homes are neat and tidy by emptying litter and de-fuzzing cat trees. Volunteers should have a love of cats; WAG staff will teach you the rest!

Days: Tuesday, Thursday and / or Saturday
Times: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Morning Assistant

Morning assistants play a vital role, helping to get all the dogs out for a morning bathroom break and walk. They also assist with feeding dishes, laundry, and socialization.

Days: Monday through Sunday
Times: beginning at 8 AM

Reception Assistant

Reception assistants will assist staff with greeting of visitors and checking of phone messages

Days: Monday through Sunday
Times: during our public visiting hours

Curious K9