Saturday, April 14, 2012

The Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society



           My visit to the KW Humane Society was really incredible! Pierre, the Community Relations Co-ordinator, took me for a tour, answered some questions and taught me a lot about the KW Humane Society. The Humane Society is really a great place to volunteer – their program is very well organized and the animals are absolutely adorable. The volunteer program gives students many opportunities to support the cause and to help animals who have usually suffered a form of abuse in their lives.  

There are many things to love about volunteering at the Humane Society. First of all, most students love getting to play with the animals. Many students enjoy watching the animals grow and learn. Though seeing the animals leave with their new adopted families may be a little sad, it is nice for the students to know that they have helped to make that animal the great friend that they turned out to be for their new owner. The Humane Society has a very friendly environment in which students are appreciated volunteers.

Student Volunteer Opportunities at the KW Humane Society

- Administration positions (Includes mailing letters, fundraising events, speaking about the Humane Society, etc.)
- Canine Companion (Includes playing with and taking care of the dogs)
- Play Therapy (Includes playing with and taking care of the cats)
- Helping with Special Events
* When you volunteer at the Humane Society, you will be put into a position where you are comfortable and where you possess the skills to perform your job well!

To become a volunteer at the Humane Society, you must first visit their website or call Jen, the volunteer co-ordinator, to find out what positions are available at the current time (please find links and contact information at the end of this post). Then, there is an application on the website that you must fill out and then submit to Jen. Once your application has been accepted, you will be contacted for an interview. After making it past the interview, you will go through an orientation and training sessions to become a full volunteer. Please note that this application process is fairly new. It’s a simpler way of applying!

Groups of friends may apply together, but they may not all make the cut. If a group of friends do all make it, there may be a few opportunities where they may work together, but for the most part, the volunteer positions are for individuals. Too many animals or people together at once may confuse the animals!

Requirements for volunteering at the Humane Society

- Police Check (required if volunteering by yourself; if volunteering with a parent, they will need to do one but you will not have to)
- Orientation
- Training with the animals
- Safety training
- A total of 3 or 4 hours of training
- A 6 month commitment (you will get your required 40 hours for school!) *Some exceptions based on your skills and how you can help, but expect the required 6 month commitment*
- About  1 to 3 hours of volunteering weekly
- Wear long sleeves and pants when volunteering with the animals – inside or outside!
- Willingness to help out the animals
- Positive attitude

For more specific details on volunteering at the Humane Society and the application form please visit the KW Humane Society's Volunteer page by clicking here. 

Contact Information

250 Riverbend Drive
Kitchener, Ontario
N2B 2E9
Phone: (519)745-5615
Volunteer Co-ordinator: Jen Hampson
Phone: (519) 745-5615 ext. 221
Volunteer E-mail: volunteers@kwhumane.com
Website: http://www.kwhumane.com/

The Humane Society Introduction video

The Humane Society Q&A video with Pierre (the Community Relations Co-ordinator)



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