Volunteer
Volunteer
About Volunteering
Here at the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society, we have designed a volunteer program that allows our volunteers to contribute in a dedicated and meaningful way. Our volunteers assist TBDHS in providing humane care and protection to all our animals.
These volunteer positions allow for an opportunity to help animals in need, learn what it takes to keep the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society going, and give back to the community. We welcome and encourage all individuals to apply for the position that best suits you! (Note: Volunteers MUST be 14 years of age or older to apply).
The Humane Society relies on the efforts and generosity of people like you, who are willing to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. To become a Volunteer, please fill out a volunteer application form. Once you have sent one in, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to set up an orientation if your application is approved.
Thank You for joining our special team!
Volunteer Job Descriptions
Purpose: Want to get a look at some behind the scenes at our shelter? Well, our cleaning and maintenance team is where you want to be! We are always looking for some special individuals with a strong stomach to help assist our Animal Care team in various cleaning and maintenance opportunities in our shelter. If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, apply today!
Purpose: We are actively out and about in our community! We are looking for some outgoing, fun, animal loving individuals to help us make our events bigger and better! If this sounds like you, make sure you fill out our volunteer application so that you can become part of our amazing team! *Must be 18 or over*
Purpose: Animal socialization will primarily focus on socializing with our cats, and some of our dogs. This means you are spending time with each animal, providing them with stimulation (petting, playing with toys, etc.) Anything to give them the feeling that they are loved. We have a lot of animals that are easily stressed from being in a shelter environment, so providing them with that enrichment and support really helps them come out of their shell and a lot of the time will get them adopted a lot quicker

Purpose: Research shows that walking a dog is very important as it helps build trust and encourages socialization. This can be very beneficial for a shelter dog who may need a bit more assistance in becoming more comfortable with different environments, animal interactions, or new faces. Basic duties include potty breaks (this includes scooping up poop!), exercise, basic obedience training, and hands on socialization. Volunteers must have good physical strength and the ability to handle animals that may be shy or rambunctious. Please note, for your safety, that all dogs need to remain on their leash at all times and are not permitted to go to off leash dog parks.
Purpose: Are you organized? Enjoy planning events? Outgoing and ready to have fun? We need you to be a part of our Fundraising Event Team! Assisting in Adoption Fairs, BINGOs, Pop Up Shops and various other Fundraisers throughout the city of Thunder Bay. If you have some free time and want to make a difference in your community, apply today!
Age Requirements:
VOLUNTEERS MUST BE 14 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER
- Volunteers ages 14 to 16 require parent or guardian supervision at ALL times, as well as signed consent
- Volunteers aged 16 to 18 do not require parent or guardian supervision, but must have parental signed consent
- Volunteers aged 18+ can provide own consent and do not require supervision
Schools and Larger Groups:
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate large groups within our shelter.
Please email our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@tbdhs.ca for more information.
Community Service & High School Credits:
High School Credits can be tough, trust us, we know first hand! Why not get your credits by having some fun with us at our shelter? Helping Animals = Graduation!
Community Service Volunteer Requirements:
- Must be 14 years of age
- Volunteers are required to have parental supervision at all times (up to 16 years of age)
- Volunteering includes shelter duties such as maintenance, lawn services, laundry, and cleaning as well as animal enrichment
Note: Wait times for High School students to volunteer make take longer to accomodate. It is recommended to begin volunteering as soon as possible to ensure we are able to add you into our volunteer schedule.
To become a volunteer, please fill out the form provided below or visit us at our shelter to fill out an application!
VOLUNTEER
Volunteer Form

Contact Us
BUSINESS HOURS
Weekdays 11 – 6pm
Weekends 11 – 5pm
ANIMAL VISITING HOURS
Weekdays 12 – 5:30pm
Weekends 12 – 4:30pm
CONTACT
1535 Rosslyn Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6W2
Tel: (807) 475-8803
Fax: (807) 475-4717
Email: info@tbdhs.ca
Charitable No. 89433 0273 RR 0001
ANIMAL PROTECTION
1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625)