How You Can Help
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY HALTING NEW VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS UNTIL WE ARE ABLE TO CATCH UP WITH PENDING APPLICATIONS.
Volunteering at Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward
HSHPE relies on community volunteers for many aspects of its daily operations.
We offer many volunteer opportunities. If interested in direct animal care, consider joining our team as a cat, dog, or small animal care volunteer. If you’d prefer to assist in securing funds for our non- profit organization, we’d extend an invite to join us as a fundraising/special event volunteer. Looking to volunteer outside of the shelter? Why not hit the pavement as a volunteer dog walker? We are always recruiting volunteers in many different capacities, and urge you to inquire!
HSHPE boasts a wonderful team of dedicated staff who rely on the support of volunteers each day to enrich the lives of the animals in our care. When staff have this vital help it grants the opportunity to spend more time with each animal, ensuring their stay is as comfortable as possible. This reduces stress, improves health, and the overall experience.
As demand for service continues to grow, the best way to increase our capacity to care for lost, stray and surrendered animals is to expand our Foster Program. You can make a difference in the lives of animals from the comfort of your home. If you have the time and space, consider joining our Foster Program, this is a very rewarding volunteer position for both human, and animal.
Would you like to play an active role in improving the lives of animals? Submit a Volunteer Application today! Be sure to include any special skills or training you offer!
After you submit an application, it will be reviewed by our Volunteer Programs Coordinator. Once approved you’ll be contacted to attend an orientation session. This class takes approximately 1.5 hours. After successfully completing your training you will be granted access to our online Volunteer Forum-Here2Volunteer and can sign up for volunteer shifts whenever your schedule allows. Sign up today - the life you change, may just be your own!
If you would like more information about our Volunteer Programs, please email our Volunteer Programs Coordinator for assistance.
Bingo Volunteer
Are you willing to donate 2 hours per month to assist QHS in hosting our TV BINGO Program? No experience necessary, all training will be provided. Candidates must be 18 or older, and have their own transportation. We operate out of Cogeco in downtown Belleville. Volunteers have the option of being a BINGO Caller (on air), answering phones and verifying tickets, or operating our computer system. Please email our Volunteer Programs Coordinator to sign up, or to request further information.
TV BINGOS have proven successful in raising funds for the many homeless animals of the Quinte Region!
Thank you for your interest in joining our team as a BINGO Volunteer!
Dog Walking
Dog Walking Volunteers play a vital role in keeping QHS dogs mentally and physically exercised. Spending time while enjoying a walk together gives the dog a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of the shelter environment. This allows for some one on one time with a human companion. Dogs who are walked daily, learn basic leash manners and this increases their chance at adoption. We are grateful for our Dog Walking Volunteers.
All walkers must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an adult, and successfully completed a volunteer orientation class. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes, clothing and have no loose hanging jewelry, as some dogs are new to the leash and may be jumpy or excited. Poop bags are available and should be used- picking up after the dog is a requirement for each walker.
We color code our dogs to clearly outline which skill level is required to walk that specific canine. Green card dogs are easiest to walk. An orange card dog is more challenging. Red card dogs are only walked by experienced Volunteers.
Staff will also determine if weather conditions are such that walks may be shortened due to heat, cold or other factors. This of course is for the safety of both the dogs and our volunteers. Dogs are walked one at a time and kept 10 ft. apart from other dogs you meet during your outing. We encourage volunteers to walk multiple dogs during their visit.
Thank you for considering Dog Walking!
Download our Volunteer Manual here
10 Great Reasons to Volunteer at the Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward
1. Helping pets in need.
Many pets that end up in shelters are strays or were surrendered for adoption. Volunteering to spend time with them helps ease their transition, and improves overall chance of adoption by ensuring they’re well socialized.
2. Giving back to your community.
3. Gaining hands on experience if you plan to adopt in the future.
If you are planning to adopt one day, volunteering is a great way to dip your toes in the water. This allows you to interact with animals and assist in their daily care, something that will be routine once an animal joins your family!
4. Could help you make the decision to adopt.
5. Volunteering is a fun group activity.
6. Meeting other volunteers and likeminded individuals.
7. Volunteer experience looks great on a resume!
Even though it is not a paid job, volunteering does have its benefits in the end. Whether you are applying for college or a job, most employers value the fact that you care about your community.
8. De-stress from work or school.
Work and school can be stressful, volunteering is a great way to relieve unwanted stress. Spending time with animals is proven to help reduce blood pressure, decreases feelings of isolation or loneliness and boosting your mood! Playing with a dog or cat will not only help you relax, you can feel good knowing you’re increasing that animals chance at adoption by spending time together. Dog walking is a great way to increase dopamine while exercising your mind and body.
9. Leads to future volunteering opportunities.
10. Volunteering can lead to employment.
