Thank you for considering volunteering with the Humane Society of London & Middlesex (HSLM).
We appreciate your patience, as we currently have a significant waitlist. Our response might take some time, but we value your willingness to contribute.
Only those who have been accepted for an interview will be contacted.
Thank you for your understanding.
Critter Companion Volunteer
Help provide enrichment and gentle care to small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rats. Volunteers offer one-on-one attention, playtime, and enrichment to support each animal’s well-being and adoptability.
Shifts Available: Flexible 2-hour shifts, minimum once per week
Requirements:
18+ years of age
Comfortable handling small animals
Able to lift up to 10 lbs and work independently
Must complete HSLM orientation and role-specific training
Bring calm, comfort, and companionship to our smallest shelter residents!
Hospitality Volunteer
Support the shelter behind the scenes by helping with cleaning, laundry, and restocking supplies. This role does **not involve animal handling** but plays a key part in keeping our environment safe, clean, and welcoming for people and pets.
Shifts Available: 2-hour weekly shifts (flexible scheduling)
Responsibilities Include:
Requirements
Make a big impact without direct animal handling by helping maintain the comfort and cleanliness of our shelter!
PetSmart Cat Care Volunteer
Help care for cats awaiting adoption at our off-site PetSmart location by providing daily enrichment, cleaning, and support to potential adopters. This role plays a key part in keeping cats healthy, happy, and ready to meet their new families.
Responsibilities:
Requirements:
Location: PetSmart London North – 1985 Hyde Park Rd.
Time Commitment:
Minimum 1 shift per week (approx. 1–2 hours), typically in the morning or early afternoon. Flexible 7-day availability.
Make a difference for cats outside the shelter setting and help them find loving homes!
Cleaning Crew – Machine Operator
Help maintain a clean and safe environment for animals, staff, and visitors by operating floor-cleaning equipment throughout the shelter. Volunteers support sanitation efforts in hallways and common areas (not animal enclosures). Full training provided.
Shifts Available: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (2 hours/week)
Requirements:
Make a big impact behind the scenes — perfect for volunteers who want to support animals without hands-on handling.
Read & Relax Volunteer
Spend quiet time reading to shelter dogs to help reduce their stress and support their well-being. Volunteers bring their own book and sit with dogs in a calm space, offering comfort and companionship. Volunteers must be comfortable handling dogs and will escort them to and from the reading area.
Shifts Available: Daily – 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., or 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Requirements:
18+ years old
Comfortable handling dogs of all sizes
Able to walk dogs to and from the reading space
Must complete canine training (1 hour online + 3–4 hours in-person)
Help our dogs feel more at ease while they wait for their forever homes!
Front Desk Support Volunteer
Be the first friendly face visitors see! Help create a welcoming and organized experience for adopters, donors, and the public by greeting guests, answering phones, and supporting front desk operations. This is a non-animal-handling role perfect for those who enjoy engaging with people.
Shifts Available:
2-hour weekly shifts (minimum 6-month commitment)
Responsibilities Include:
Greeting and guiding visitors
Answering calls and using the walkie-talkie system
Supporting donations, merchandise, and reception tasks
Assisting with basic office duties and the No Empty Bowls donation bin
Requirements:
18+ years of age
Friendly, calm, and professional in public-facing settings
Comfortable using basic tech (phones, walkie-talkies, computer programs)
Must complete front desk and customer service training
Support adoptions and shelter operations by making every visitor feel welcomed and informed!
Landscaping Team Volunteer
Help keep our shelter grounds safe, welcoming, and beautiful year-round! Landscaping Team Volunteers assist with outdoor maintenance tasks such as gardening, raking, litter pickup, and seasonal clean-up.
Shifts Available: 2-hour weekly shifts (flexible scheduling, some weekend availability preferred)
Responsibilities Include:
Planting, weeding, mulching, and seasonal yardwork
Clearing walking paths and outdoor areas
Reporting maintenance or safety issues
Supporting general grounds upkeep
Requirements:
18+ years of age
Comfortable working outdoors in all weather
Physically able to lift up to 30 lbs, kneel, bend, and do light manual tasks
Must complete orientation and safety training
Help create a safe and inviting environment for animals, volunteers, and visitors—while enjoying fresh air and hands-on work!
No Empty Bowls (NEB) Program Volunteer
Help ensure no pet goes hungry. Volunteers support this essential community outreach program by preparing pet food packages, assisting with deliveries, and managing donations. NEB helps over 400 animals each month across London and surrounding communities.
Volunteer Roles Available:
Shifts: Typically weekday mornings/early afternoons; varies by role and delivery schedule
Requirements:
Join the NEB team and make a meaningful difference by helping pets stay with the families who love them.
HSLM is a trusted leader in animal welfare. We are committed to advocating and supporting animals through provision of compassionate care, education, resources and partnerships. Our goal is to foster joy, hope and connection, all with a vision of a humane and harmonious future.
