Oakville & Milton Humane Society Volunteer Application

Bubbles Brigade (Laundry, Dishes, General Cleaning)

Objective: Cleaning, sanitizing and organizing laundry, dishes and tools to help keep the shelter clean and our animals healthy.  

Responsibilities:                            

• Laundering soft items such as bedding and towels according to shelter protocols.
• Washing and sanitizing hard items such as bowls, litter scoops and hard toys according to shelter protocols.
• Keeping the laundry area clean and organized.
• Keeping the dishes area and the dog kitchen clean and organized.
• Put away items in appropriate places.
• Assist with restocking items as needed.
• Sorting the donations bin and putting items away.
• Moving sorted items to their correct destination including the Q-Hut
• Assist with general light cleaning duties in common areas as needed.

Qualifications:

• Must be able to stand for at least 2 hours.
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be able to read and understand direction.
• Must be able to lift, bend, twist and scrub

Training:

• Online training
• In-person training on site

Time Commitment:

• 2-3 hour shift weekly for a minimum of 6 months

Location:

• Onsite, OMHS Shelter

Supervision:

• Manager, Animal Care
• Manager, Volunteer Program and Thrift Store

Shifts:

• Daily 8am-10am & 2pm-4pm

Dog Handler

Objective: To provide exercise, enrichment, and training for dogs at the Oakville and Milton Humane Society, ensuring their well-being and preparing them for adoption. Note: Our dog program uses non-aversive positive reinforcement techniques only and volunteers will need to follow these techniques within their role.

Responsibilities:                       

• Take dogs on daily walks to provide physical exercise and mental stimulation.
• Work on basic obedience training (e.g., sit, stay, leash manners, kennel manners).
• Record and report any behavioral or medical concerns to staff.
• Provide companionship and enrichment during walks and training sessions.
• Ensure safety protocols are followed during all interactions with the dogs.
• Maintain cleanliness in dog areas by assisting with basic care tasks as needed.

Qualifications:

• Keen and eager to learn about the OMHS program
• Comfortable and confident handling dogs of various breeds and sizes
• Knowledge of basic training techniques and dog behaviour an asset
• Patience to work with dogs with behavioural challenges
• Reliable, punctual, able to work independently, never afraid to ask questions or for help
• Ability to learn humane society dog handler program requirements and follow them
• Ability to walk dogs for extended periods and manage dogs with different temperaments
• Ability to lift/carry up to 30 pounds

Training:

• Online training
• In-person training on site

Time Commitment:

• 2-3 hour shift weekly for a minimum of 6 months

Location:

• Onsite, OMHS Shelter

Supervision:

• Manager of Animal Care
• Manager, Volunteer Program & Thrift Store Manager
• Canine Behaviour and Enrichment Specialist

Shifts:

Monday to Friday: 10am-12pm; 12:30pm-2:30pm; 4pm-5:45pm

Saturday & Sunday: 10am-12pm; 12:30pm-2:30pm; 3:30pm-4:45pm

Animal Ambassador

Objective: The Animal Ambassador Volunteer role was created to engage the community and promote the Oakville & Milton Humane Society (OMHS) by having ambassador teams (volunteers and their pre-approved pets) attend special events, education programs and group visits. These teams represent OMHS and help foster a positive relationship with animals. Volunteers and their well-behaved pets (dogs, small animals, birds, reptiles) help draw attention to community booths, educate children and youth about animals, and inspire compassion and understanding of animals in need.

Responsibilities:

• Attend special events, group visits and children's programs with your pet to engage with youth and attendees.
• Represent OMHS by being an ambassador for the organization and its mission.
• Ensure that your pet is under control, on-leash, and well-behaved at all times.
• Provide a positive and engaging presence at events, helping to teach and engage community members about animals.

Qualifications:

• Volunteer:
  • Excellent animal handling skills and a strong understanding of animal body language.
  • Reliable, punctual, and comfortable interacting with the public.
  • Strong communication skills to represent OMHS professionally at events.
• Animal
  • House-trained (dogs) that are well-behaved in public.
  • Small animals, birds and reptiles that are comfortable and not stressed in a public environment, and are comfortable travelling with appropriate housing.
  • Excellent manners, calm and friendly with people of all ages.
  • Comfortable around other animals.
  • Strong self-control and the ability to stay calm in various public settings.
  • Dogs - Must be up-to-date on vaccinations (rabies and DHPP/DAPP) with proof provided.

Note: We are not accepting cats at this time.

Training:

• Volunteers and their pets will undergo an assessment to ensure they are a good fit for the role.
• Initial training may include instructions on handling dogs in public, understanding animal behavior, and event-specific guidelines.
• Ongoing training may be provided as necessary.

Time Commitment:

• Minimum six-month time commitment, though longer participation is wonderful.
• Educational programming, group visits and special events occur on weekdays, weekends and evenings.
• Shift length varies depending on the event or program and can vary between 30 minutes to 4 hours.
• Shifts are booked by our team reaching out with opportunities and volunteers indicating availability.

Supervision:

• Humane Education Coordinator
• Manager, Volunteer Program and Thrift Store
• Other roles as needed for special events