Volunteering

Reasons animals will enter the foster program:

• Too young for adoption
• Pregnant and nursing cats and dogs
• Sick or injured
• Socialization

Fostering can last a few days or as long as 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the particular animal's needs. If you are interested in fostering, please fill out the foster applications below for dogs or cats.

 Foster Dogs Application

Foster Cats Application

If you have further questions please call 905-436-3311 or email [email protected] for more information.

Volunteering with cats at PetSmart is a rewarding and enjoyable experience for animal lovers. By spending time with them, volunteers help to socialize the cats, making them more comfortable around people and increasing their chances of finding a forever home.

Volunteering at PetSmart not only benefits the cats but also provides personal fulfillment and a sense of community. Whether you're an experienced cat handler or just starting out, volunteering at PetSmart offers a meaningful way to contribute to the well-being of cats in need!

Apply Now! 

Someone let the shelter dogs out!

We are proud to announce our new Doggy Day Out program, which pairs members of the community with our long stay shelter dogs for field trips!

Outings can include a hike, a trip to the beach, a nap in a home or even a nice lunch! It’s a great way for people to get their pet-fix in and to give our dogs a break from the shelter and learn more about their wonderful personalities! Plus, it’s a great excuse for you to spend time exploring!

Doggy Day Out was designed to make it easy as pie for you to participate! Fill out a short application below and the shelter team will call you to coordinate! Soon you’ll be on your way with your brand new friend! You'll be given everything you need for your adventure by shelter staff.

Apply now!

Our events see thousands of people in attendance. For this reason we need our volunteers to fill the following roles:

• Event greeters: Answer questions about the event, provide programs and information, help our guests find their way around the event.
• Event assistance: This position helps with set up, tear down, green room attendant, floater, displayer/vendor assistant and more!
• Survey takers: To ensure we are meeting the needs of our community and guests, volunteers may be asked to collect data for us.
• Rewards assistants: In this role, volunteers run games and provide prizes! This is an active fun role.
• Administrative support: Throughout the year we have periods were we are assembling piece items or swag bags or packages for the community. Sometimes this work is "work at home" and sometimes it is help us onsite.

• Event materials, snacks, drinks, event designated clothing.
• Flexible schedule, based on your availability.
• Connection. First hand interactive experiences engaging with residents from diverse backgrounds working towards a common goal.
• Growth. Gain valuable municipal government experience, build self-esteem, confidence and leadership skills as you begin your work life, are new to the community or look to increase your community involvement.
• Development. Learn new skills, exposure to new community initiatives, gain knowledge which may benefit others, while gaining professional experience.
• Support. Be a part of bringing the community together creating positive City of Oshawa experiences. The City of Oshawa values volunteers and is committed to supporting their success (including approved high school community hours).
• Teamwork. Meet up and engage with like-minded individuals and residents, build camaraderie – creating new bonds while strengthening the community.
• Positivity. Giving back provides a valuable impact to the community – the Events Team values the support of each and every event volunteer.

• Minimum age requirement is 15 years old.
• Those 15-17 years of age, will require a guardian's consent to participate.
• Pride for their community, personable, reliable, and enjoy interacting with people face to face.
• Possess critical thinking skills, able to problem-solve with minimal supervision.
• Attend mandatory trainings with a commitment of volunteering at a minimum of three events, or equivalent of 8 hours per year to stay active.
• An asset but not necessary: Physically able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Successful volunteer candidates will attend a mandatory in-person orientation.

Application process:

1. Fill out online application.
2. Complete an availability survey.
3. If selected for an interview, complete a virtual on-line screening: a 20 minute interview for us to meet and get to know you.
4. All interviewees will be emailed their status and next steps.
5. Successful candidates will complete online training components.
6. Attend a mandatory in-person orientation at the Civic Recreation Complex.

How it works:

Volunteers are sent a listing of the events for the upcoming event season. This list is sent as general information and may not include all opportunities.

Before each event:

• About 4 to 6 weeks before each event, the Coordinator responsible for staffing the event, will email all volunteers to request their interest in volunteering at the event.
• Volunteers who are interested in assisting at the event will respond directly to the Coordinator.
• The Coordinator will schedule and train the volunteers for the event.
• The Coordinator will schedule a mandatory event training date and time. 
• Volunteers will attend the event specific training and complete any necessary documentation before assisting at any event.