Volunteer Opportunities

The Fredericton SPCA could not exist without the support of our valued and dedicated volunteers. You bring a diversity of interests, knowledge, expertise and caring to our organization while working with, and for, the animals. With our Junior Volunteer program we have even more interesting volunteer opportunities available for anyone who is 15 and older.

We are pleased you have chosen to commit and donate such a very precious commodity to us – your time and talents.

Walking dogs at the Fredericton SPCA

Volunteers who are 19 or older who wish only to walk dogs, are not required to attend a volunteer orientation first. Please visit the Fredericton SPCA during operating hours and ask for the dog walker orientation session. It normally takes about 15 minutes and you will be asked to sign a waiver at that time.

Volunteer Opportunities
The Fredericton SPCA has opportunities for volunteers in many areas of the shelter working with, and for, the animals.

Are you looking to have a lot of contact with the animals? Volunteering with the animals is for you!

Have allergies, or prefer to work outside of the Fredericton SPCA Shelter where contact with the animals is minimal to none? Volunteering for the animals is for you!

Volunteering With The Animals
(Contact with the animals is medium to high)

Cat Program

Level One: Feeding, cleaning, and caring for the cats and kittens. Providing welfare therapies as directed for their psychological well-being. These animals are in good health and ready for adoption.

Level Two*: This program is designed for experienced volunteers who have been recommended by staff and approved by the Shelter Coordinator to work in the Isolation and other Medical rooms and special training is required.

This program is currently in the developmental stages.

Cat Socialization/Grooming Program

This program is designed to increase trust in humans for cats that have been poorly socialized or have been strays for a time. Volunteers can familiarize cats to positive interaction with humans through play, grooming, and handling.

Small Animal Care Program *

Feeding, cleaning, and caring for the animals and providing for their comfort and well-being. Rabbits, rodents, guinea pigs, ferrets, and birds are cared for in this program.

This program is currently in the developmental stages.

Dog Walker/Grooming Program *

Can be physically demanding, but the dogs benefit tremendously from the exercise and human companionship. Dog Walkers provide stress reduction activities during the walk and teach the dog leash manners to increase adoptability. The interaction between walker and dog helps socialize the dog and increase chances for adoption.

Foster Parents

Provide a temporary home (perhaps for 2 - 8 weeks) for animals waiting to be adopted. This is for animals that need extra care such as puppies, kittens, or animals recovering from an illness.

Behavioural fostering

Some dogs and cats require specific behaviour modification to increase their adoptability. With special training, some fosterers may wish to welcome dogs and cats into their home to solve their behavior problems.

Dog Kennel Maintenance *

Feeding, cleaning, and caring for the shelter dogs, and providing for their comfort and well-being.

Volunteering For the Animals
(Contact with the animals is low to none)

Adoption Support Program *

This program involves the follow-up of the animals adopted out and, in general, helps to emphasize the Fredericton SPCA’s position in the community, as well as inform the public of the many programs the shelter has to offer. We are able to do our part as far as “community relations” goes – by telephone conversations and emails with the new guardian of animals adopted out from our shelter.

Update Lost and Found animals *

Maintain and update lost and found records for animals in the shelter on the PetLynx website. Work with staff to assist public in finding lost pets.

Adoption promotion

Assisting staff post profiles and pictures of animals for adoption on websites, in posters, and other public avenues to increase exposure in the public.

Fundraising Development

Assist in generating needed funds for the operation of the Fredericton SPCA shelter and to bring attention to animal issues. The organization organizes many annual and ongoing events to fundraise and promote animal welfare, such as Bark in the Park, silent auctions, Open Houses, Pet Photos and more. Volunteers are always needed to help raise funds, organize and run local special events.

Humane Education

Working in the community and in the education system to promote animal welfare issues, animal safety and the role of the Fredericton SPCA. Working with Education and Outreach Coordinator, volunteers help with speaking engagements, presentations to schools and organizations, as well as educational displays and exhibits at events.

Foster Program Coordination

Assisting the Shelter Coordinator with organizing the foster care program and seek out foster families to provide a temporary home for animals waiting to be adopted. Foster programs are for animals that need extra care such as puppies, kittens, or animals recovering from an illness or who have behavior issues.

Please note that attendance at a volunteer orientation is required for all positions. Those positions marked with an * also require additional training.