Animal Care Assistant
Calgary Humane Society
Hands-on daily animal care — feeding, cleaning, and enrichment for shelter dogs, cats, and small animals.
Animal CareWeekly shiftsCalgary18+
6-month minimum, 2-3 hrs/week
Apply / Learn MoreCalgary's pet rescues are run almost entirely by volunteers, and they're constantly short-staffed. Every rescue has a different volunteer program, different roles, different age requirements, and different application processes — which makes finding the right one overwhelming. This hub fixes that.
Below are all the pet shelter volunteer opportunities in the Calgary area, aggregated from 16 organizations. Filter by role type (dog walking, events, transport, remote admin, photography, fundraising), commitment level (one-time, weekly, flexible), location (Calgary, Cochrane, Bow Valley, remote), and age. Click Apply to go directly to each rescue's application form.
Not sure where to start? Dog walkers and event helpers are usually the easiest entry points — no experience required, low commitment. If you can't leave home, try remote admin or social media roles. If you have professional skills (photography, graphic design, writing), rescues will prioritize you for specialized work that's otherwise hard to fill.
47
Volunteer Roles
15
Calgary-Area Shelters
10
Remote-Friendly
14
Family-Friendly (under 18)
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Browse Volunteer Opportunities
Use the filters below to match your interest, time commitment, and location.
47 of 47 opportunities
Feline Friends
Calgary Humane Society
Socialize and enrich adoptable cats. Perfect for cat lovers wanting regular contact with felines awaiting homes.
Animal CareWeekly shiftsCalgary18+
6-month minimum, 2-3 hrs/week
Apply / Learn MoreBunny Hugger
Calgary Humane Society
Care for and socialize shelter rabbits. One of the rare volunteer programs in Calgary focused specifically on rabbits.
Animal CareWeekly shiftsCalgary18+
Apply / Learn MoreEvent Support
Calgary Humane Society
Help run fundraising events, adoption drives, and community outreach across Calgary.
EventsMonthly commitmentCalgary14+
Apply / Learn MoreGroup Volunteer Mornings
Calgary Humane Society
Tuesday or Thursday morning shifts (9:30am–12:30pm) cleaning feline flats or doing laundry. Great one-time option for teams.
OtherOne-time / ad hocCalgary18+
Apply / Learn MoreGeneral Volunteer
AARCS
Hands-on animal care, supply inventory, event representation. Family-friendly — ages 10+ with parent.
Animal CareMonthly commitmentCalgary10+
1-year commitment, min 2 shifts/month first year
Apply / Learn MoreProfessional Photographer
AARCS
Use your photography skills to capture adoptable animals. Great photos dramatically improve adoption rates.
PhotographyFlexible scheduleCalgary18+
Apply / Learn MoreGroup / Corporate Volunteer
AARCS
Team-based animal care experiences. Great for company team-building or community groups.
OtherOne-time / ad hocCalgary16+
Apply / Learn MoreShelter Volunteer (House of Paws)
Pawsitive Match
Care, cleaning, feeding, socialization at the House of Paws facility. Three 2-hour shifts daily (8am, noon, 7pm).
Animal CareWeekly shiftsCalgary18+
Apply / Learn MoreEvent Helper
Pawsitive Match
Assist at adoption events, showcase animals, guide potential adopters to the right dog.
EventsMonthly commitmentCalgary18+
Apply / Learn MoreTransporter
Pawsitive Match
Drive animals between foster homes, vet appointments, adoption events. Flexible scheduling.
TransportFlexible scheduleCalgary18+
Apply / Learn MorePhotographer / Videographer
Pawsitive Match
Shoot adoption content, events, and key moments for the rescue's marketing and social media.
PhotographyFlexible scheduleCalgary18+
Apply / Learn MoreProfile Writer
Pawsitive Match
Write engaging adoption profiles for dogs and cats from foster parent info. Great remote role.
Social Media / WritingFlexible scheduleRemote18+
Apply / Learn MoreHappy Tails Team
Pawsitive Match
Follow up with adopters post-adoption to confirm successful transitions. Phone/email based.
Admin / OfficeFlexible scheduleRemote18+
Apply / Learn MoreDog Care Volunteer
ARF Alberta
Daily dog care and kennel cleaning at the shelter. Weekly 3-4 hour shifts — mornings, evenings, or weekends.
Animal CareWeekly shiftsCalgary16+
Apply / Learn MoreDog Adoption Volunteer (PetSmart)
ARF Alberta
Showcase adoptable dogs at PetSmart locations. Select Saturdays 1–3pm — perfect for weekend warriors.
EventsMonthly commitmentCalgary18+
Apply / Learn MoreTraining & Enrichment Volunteer
ARF Alberta
Structured training and enrichment work with shelter dogs. Min 1 shift/week (Mon–Sat 12–4pm).
Animal CareWeekly shiftsCalgary16+
Apply / Learn MoreFundraising Team Lead
ARF Alberta
Plan and execute fundraising activities. Lead role, 6-month minimum, hours vary by event schedule.
FundraisingFlexible scheduleCalgary18+
Apply / Learn MoreGeneral Events Volunteer
ARF Alberta
Represent ARF at community events like festivals and markets. Weekends, spring/summer season.
EventsMonthly commitmentCalgary16+
Apply / Learn MoreDog Walker
Cochrane Humane Society
Walk adoptable shelter dogs for exercise and mental wellbeing. One of the most popular entry-level roles.
Dog WalkingWeekly shiftsCochrane16+
Apply / Learn MoreCat Care Volunteer
Cochrane Humane Society
Cleaning, feeding, and socializing shelter cats.
Animal CareWeekly shiftsCochrane16+
Apply / Learn MoreLaundry Volunteer
Cochrane Humane Society
Keep the laundry moving so animal care staff can focus on animals. Low-contact, behind-the-scenes.
OtherWeekly shiftsCochrane16+
Apply / Learn MoreCommunity Outreach
Cochrane Humane Society
Help with fundraising and promoting the shelter's mission in the Cochrane community.
Admin / OfficeMonthly commitmentCochrane16+
Apply / Learn MoreDog Walking & Socialization
Bow Valley SPCA
Walking and behavioural work with shelter dogs. Requires Open Paw Training course.
Dog WalkingWeekly shiftsBow Valley18+
Min 6 hrs/month, Bow Valley area only
Apply / Learn MoreCat Cuddlers
Bow Valley SPCA
Socialization and enrichment for feline residents during public hours.
Animal CareFlexible scheduleBow Valley18+
Apply / Learn MorePoop Patrol
Bow Valley SPCA
Yard cleanup duties. 30 minutes a week — the lowest-commitment volunteer role in the region.
OtherWeekly shiftsBow Valley18+
Apply / Learn MoreCentre Greeter
Bow Valley SPCA
Front desk and reception duties at the SPCA centre. Wed–Sat shifts, 2 hrs each.
Admin / OfficeWeekly shiftsBow Valley18+
Apply / Learn MoreFoster Coordinator
Heart Mountain Rescue
Manage foster program operations — placements, check-ins, onboarding. Remote-friendly coordination role.
Admin / OfficeFlexible scheduleCalgary area18+
Email to ApplyGraphic Designer
Heart Mountain Rescue
Create marketing materials, social media graphics, adoption flyers. Fully remote.
Social Media / WritingFlexible scheduleRemote18+
Email to ApplySocial Media Helper
Furball Force
Manage social content and engagement. Fully remote — help as little or as much as your schedule allows.
Social Media / WritingFlexible scheduleRemote18+
Apply / Learn MoreTransporter
Furball Force
Transport animals between locations. Flexible, occasional trips.
TransportFlexible scheduleCalgary18+
Apply / Learn MoreFundraising Committee
Furball Force
Plan and support fundraising initiatives. Great for event planners or finance-minded volunteers.
FundraisingFlexible scheduleCalgary18+
Apply / Learn MoreFoster Application Processor
Furball Force
Process foster applications and paperwork. Remote-friendly admin work.
Admin / OfficeFlexible scheduleRemote18+
Apply / Learn MoreFlight Angel
FurEver Homes Rescue
Accompany rescue dogs on WestJet flights from LA, Palm Springs, or Cabo to Calgary. All costs covered. The most unique volunteer role in Calgary.
TransportOne-time / ad hocTravel18+
Email to ApplyGeneral Volunteer
FurEver Homes Rescue
Variety of roles — always in need of more help. Contact to discuss your skills and availability.
OtherFlexible scheduleCalgary18+
Apply / Learn MoreFundraising Committee
FurEver Homes Rescue
Expanding fundraising committee — great for anyone with event planning experience.
FundraisingFlexible scheduleCalgary18+
Apply / Learn MoreDog Walker
Megan's Rescue Efforts
Walk dogs typically 1 hour in evenings 6pm–8pm. Family-friendly — ages 12+ (6-11 with parental supervision).
Dog WalkingWeekly shiftsSE Calgary12+
Apply / Learn MoreEvent Volunteer
Megan's Rescue Efforts
Adoption events, dog washes, BBQs, markets. Family-friendly, flexible schedule (60 hrs/year).
EventsFlexible scheduleSE Calgary12+
Apply / Learn MoreLaundry Angel
Megan's Rescue Efforts
Take home towels, blankets, or pet dishes for cleaning. Zero-contact remote role you do at home.
OtherFlexible scheduleSE Calgary12+
Apply / Learn MoreDog & Cat Caregiver
Megan's Rescue Efforts
Feeding, cleaning, transport to appointments, or just cuddles. Family-friendly program.
Animal CareFlexible scheduleSE Calgary12+
Apply / Learn MoreAdoption Event Volunteer
Calgary Animal Rescue
Facilitate adoption events and charity casinos. Individual or group volunteering welcome.
EventsFlexible scheduleCalgary18+
Apply / Learn MoreAnimal Transport
Calgary Animal Rescue
Drive animals to grooming appointments, adoption events, and vet visits.
TransportFlexible scheduleCalgary18+
Apply / Learn MorePAWS Pals Program
Calgary Animal Services
Volunteer at the Animal Services Centre assisting with animal care. The City's primary shelter volunteer program.
Animal CareWeekly shiftsCalgary18+
City of Calgary municipal program
Apply / Learn MoreOff-Leash Ambassador
Calgary Animal Services
Educate dog and cat owners at off-leash parks about responsible pet ownership. Unique outdoor volunteer role.
EducationFlexible scheduleCalgary18+
City of Calgary municipal program
Apply / Learn MoreGeneral Volunteer
BARCS Rescue
Volunteer-based rescue always looking for help. Contact directly to discuss roles based on your skills.
OtherFlexible scheduleCalgary18+
Email to ApplyGeneral Volunteer
CB Rescue Foundation
100% volunteer-based. Roles include fostering, transport, flight companions, events. Contact to learn more.
OtherFlexible scheduleCalgary18+
Apply / Learn MoreGeneral Volunteer
Pause 4 Change
Calgary rescue offering fostering, events, and community support volunteer roles.
OtherFlexible scheduleCalgary18+
Apply / Learn MoreAre you a Calgary rescue?
If your shelter isn't listed here, or your opportunities have changed, add them in 2 minutes. Free, reviewed within 24–48 hours. This hub is designed to send qualified volunteer applications back to your shelter.
Volunteering at Calgary Pet Shelters — FAQ
How do I volunteer at a pet shelter in Calgary?
Browse the opportunities above, filter by role type and commitment, then click Apply to go directly to the rescue's application form. Most applications take 10–15 minutes. You'll typically have a short orientation or virtual interview before your first shift.
What's the minimum age to volunteer?
Varies by shelter. AARCS: 10+ with parent. Megan's Rescue: 12+. Cochrane Humane, ARF, Furball Force: 16+. Calgary Humane Society, Bow Valley SPCA, Pawsitive Match: 18+. Use the Min Age filter to find roles that match.
Can I volunteer remotely?
Yes. Social media, profile writing, photography, graphic design, foster application processing, and admin roles are often fully or partially remote. Use the Remote-friendly filter above to narrow to remote options.
What's the shortest-commitment role?
Bow Valley SPCA's “Poop Patrol” is 30 minutes a week. Calgary Humane Society's Tuesday and Thursday group mornings are single-session (3 hours). FurEver Homes' “Flight Angel” role is a one-off international trip. Event volunteer roles are typically monthly or ad-hoc.
Do I need experience to volunteer?
No. Most shelters offer free training — Calgary Humane Society runs a 3–4 week program at no cost. Some specialized roles (behavioural work, medical, training and enrichment) require specific experience. Entry-level roles like event support, laundry, cleaning, and basic dog walking need none.
Is there a background check?
Most shelters require one. Calgary Humane Society charges a one-time $30 fee. Bow Valley SPCA requires a clean record. Roles involving cash or vulnerable-person contact often require an enhanced check.
Which shelter is best for first-time volunteers?
For structured onboarding: Calgary Humane Society or ARF Alberta (tiered roles, formal training). For flexible schedules: Furball Force (fully remote options, flexible hours). For families: Megan's Rescue Efforts (12+) or AARCS (10+ with parent supervision).
Can my team or company volunteer as a group?
Yes. AARCS has a dedicated Group/Corporate Volunteer program. Calgary Humane Society runs group mornings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Most rescues welcome team events but require 2+ weeks advance coordination.