Volunteer at the Saskatoon SPCA
Make a Difference in the Lives of Animals
Volunteering at the Saskatoon SPCA is a rewarding and impactful way to contribute to animal welfare in our community. Our volunteers are vital in helping us provide care and love to the animals at our shelter.
Please review all sections of this page before applying. Important information regarding eligibility requirements, volunteer commitments, available roles, and current recruitment needs is outlined below.
Why Volunteer With Us
Gain Experience and Skills
Volunteering at our animal shelter offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable skills in animal care, communication, and teamwork.
Join a Community of Animal Lovers
Our volunteers are part of a passionate community dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of animals.
Directly Impact Animal Lives
Your time and effort directly benefit the animals in our care, providing them with the attention and love they need.
How to Become a Volunteer
All in-shelter volunteers must complete:
A volunteer application
An online orientation
Review training videos and materials
Volunteers 18+ are required to provide a criminal record check (a letter confirming volunteer placement can be provided upon request)
A tour of the facility
Event volunteers do not need to complete the same process. Simply create an account on our event volunteer platform to view and sign up for available events, please note that some events will have age requirements.
Check Eligibility
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and experience levels, however, there are a few requirements for in-shelter volunteering:
Volunteers in-shelter must be 16 years of age or older.
Applications are reviewed based on current shelter needs, and only available shifts listed at the time of application can be selected. Not all roles or shifts are open at all times.
Some roles require physical activity, including standing for long periods, repetitive tasks, lifting, and bending.
Volunteers must be able to commit to a minimum of 30 hours over a 3-month period.
Volunteers are expected to check email regularly, as all scheduling and updates are communicated by email and/or in person.
Ways to Get Involved:
Explore our volunteer roles to learn more about the different ways you can support the shelter. This section is for information only. Please click on any category to the left to read more details about specific roles.
Some roles listed may not always be available. To view current openings and apply, please complete the application below.
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Assist with various office tasks such as greeting visitors, corresponding adoption meets, and other administrative duties.
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Provide daily care for the animals, including feeding, cleaning, and providing enrichment and socialization. Ensuring all animals have a safe and comfortable environment.
Below is a list of specific volunteer shifts:
Canine Care
Dog Walking (9am - 11am, daily)
Support morning care routines by taking dogs outside for bathroom breaks/walks while staff clean kennels. Walks are typically 10–25 minutes and vary depending on the number of dogs in care, cleaning needs, and each dog’s individual exercise requirements.
Laundry or Dishes & Canine Enrichment (11am - 1pm or 1pm - 3pm, daily)
Support daily shelter operations by assisting with laundry or dishes before spending time with dogs. Volunteers help maintain a clean and functional shelter environment and then provide enrichment, attention, and positive social interaction for dogs.
Feeding & Walking Dogs (3:30pm - 5:30pm, daily)
Support end-of-day canine care by providing appropriate meals based on each dog’s diet and feeding requirements, followed by a final bathroom break or walk. Volunteers help ensure dogs are fed correctly, and that they are comfortable, and settled for the evening.
Feline Care
Cleaning Cat Condos (9am - 11am, daily)
Help keep our cats comfortable and healthy by cleaning their living spaces. Volunteers work through a cat room, emptying litter boxes, replacing dirty bedding, toys, and/or dishes, and wiping down kennels to provide each cat with a clean and welcoming environment. Volunteers must following proper cleaning and sanitizing protocols.
Laundry or Dishes & Feline Enrichment (11 am - 1pm, daily)
Support the daily care of shelter cats by assisting with laundry and dishes before spending time with the cats. Volunteers help keep the shelter running smoothly while providing cats with socialization, play, and enrichment activities.
Feeding Cats (3:30pm - 5:30pm, daily)
Provide daily feeding for shelter cats by preparing and distributing appropriate diets and portion sizes based on individual needs. Volunteers also refresh water bowls and ensure each cat has access to clean, fresh water.
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Help create content for social media, newsletters, and other various outlets.
Photographer (flexible)
Help capture high-quality photos of shelter animals and events to support adoption listings, marketing, and community outreach. Volunteers assist with photographing animals in a way that highlights their personality and helps them find loving homes. Scheduling is flexible based on shelter needs and volunteer availability.
Animal Bios (Flexible Contribution)
Help improve the profiles of shelter animals by contributing photos and/or written observations. Volunteers may submit information or images at any time to support adoption listings and help showcase each animal’s personality. Staff review and update all profiles as needed.
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Assist with shelter events, including fundraisers, adoption drives, and community outreach programs.
Click here for a full list of events and to sign up.
Fundraising Events (Various Locations)
Support the shelter at a variety of fundraising events, which may include BBQs, bottle drives, and other community initiatives. Volunteers assist with setup, guest support, handling donations or payments, and event cleanup, helping ensure successful and well-run fundraising efforts.Adoption Events (Various Locations)
Support off-site adoption events by helping with setup and takedown, supervising animals in x-pens or on leashes, and providing enrichment through walking and positive interaction. Volunteers assist in showcasing animals to the public and helping keep them comfortable and engaged, while staff manage adoption processing and specific animal inquiries. Locations may include: PetSmart, PetValu, Floral Acres, etc.Community Outreach Events (Various Locations)
Support shelter participation in community events such as Pride and holiday parades by assisting with setup, walking with floats or groups, and helping represent the shelter in a positive, engaging way.
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Perform grooming tasks such as bathing, brushing, and trimming nails and/or hair. Ensure that all animals are clean, comfortable, and looking their best to increase their chances of adoption. Preference for experienced volunteers.
Grooming Volunteer (flexible)
Help keep shelter animals looking and feeling their best by assisting with bathing, brushing, and nail trims. Volunteers provide basic grooming care to dogs and puppies, helping maintain their comfort, cleanliness, and adoptability.
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Support the day-to-day functioning of the shelter by maintaining facility cleanliness and organization.
Dishes and/or Laundry Support (flexible, typically after 10am)
Support the daily operations of the shelter by assisting with dishes and laundry. Volunteers help clean and organize essential supplies, bedding, and dishes to ensure a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment for the animals in our care.Facility Support (flexible)
Provide general support wherever it is needed most throughout the shelter. Duties may include dishes, laundry, sweeping, cleaning animal areas, assisting with animal care, or other tasks that help keep the shelter running smoothly. This role is ideal for volunteers who are flexible and willing to help with a variety of tasks.
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Help with the training and socialization of animals, including basic obedience and behavior modification. Assist in developing and implementing training programs to enhance the adoption potential of the animals.
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Provide transport for animals to and from the shelter for adoption events, satellite adoption centers, or other necessary trips. Ensure the safe and comfortable transport of all animals.
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Maintain the shelter’s outdoor areas, including the front grass areas and the backyard. Perform general maintenance tasks and ensure the facilities are clean, safe, and well-kept.
Apply Now
Before applying, please review the Eligibility section above to ensure you meet the requirements for volunteering.
Volunteer recruitment is based on current shelter needs. Only specific roles and shifts are available at any given time, and applicants must be able to volunteer in the positions currently being recruited for.
Please apply only when you are ready to begin volunteering. Successful applicants are expected to complete a minimum of 30 volunteer hours within a 3-month period.
Applications from individuals who do not meet the eligibility requirements, are unable to commit to the required hours, or are unavailable for current volunteer needs may not be considered.
Contact Us
Interested in learning more about volunteering at the Saskatoon SPCA? Please reach out to the volunteer coordinator at fostercare@saskatoonspca.com (updates regarding openings will be posted on this page, please refrain from emailing and asking about updates to the program).
If you are unable to commit to the volunteer program at this time, we still welcome you to visit the shelter during public visiting hours, Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
06/25/26 - Volunteer applications are temporarily closed. Please check back for future opportunities.
Please see below or click here for upcoming event opportunities.
Upcoming Events
Stay up to date with our latest events and one-time volunteer opportunities! Check back often, as new opportunities and shifts are added regularly. Opportunities may be available for volunteers ages 12–15 with parent/guardian participation or consent, depending on the event. Age requirements will be listed with each opportunity.
Click the button below to view upcoming volunteer events and opportunities.
Please view the “About” section for instructions on how to use this page. Please note that this link is only for upcoming events and is not for in-shelter volunteering.
