ARF usually has various Calgary volunteer opportunities available that can include anything from behind-the-scenes administrative work to front-line event and adoption volunteers. The time commitment can also vary from a few hours per month to several hours per day. We also do our very best to train each volunteer for the specific position they are interested in and we are always more than happy to have volunteers cross-over into different aspects of the organization as their time allows.
Why Should You Volunteer?
Not only does volunteering have a meaningful impact on our community, but it also has a meaningful and positive impact on you! Some of the benefits of volunteering include:
- learning/developing new skills
- being part of your community
- a greater sense of achievement
- boosting your career options
- finding new interests/hobbies
- having new experiences/meeting new people
Volunteer Requirements
Volunteers are typically required to provide a 6-12 month commitment, usually on a weekly basis, depending on the position and you are always able to take breaks from your work with us; we only ask that you coordinate your breaks with your program coordinator, fellow volunteers and provide reasonable notice.
For insurance reasons, you must be at least 18 years old to volunteer with ARF; however some of our younger supporters have also helped ARF by donating the proceeds of bake sales and car/pet washes and by organizing toy drives for our foster dogs and cats.
Please note: All of our available volunteer positions will be based in the Calgary area. Because each animal’s best interest is our top priority, we fully support and promote reward-based training techniques and ask that our volunteers, foster homes and adopters do too.
View our Position on Training for more information.
Current Calgary Volunteer Opportunities
The Fundraising Team Leads are responsible for assisting the Fundraising Coordinator with enhancing revenue potential for ARF. The Fundraising Team Leads will assist in research and implement fundraising ideas and opportunities, as well as research and prospect relationships with sponsors. This role will directly contribute to increasing ARF’s capacity to help dogs & cats in need by supporting and shaping a key revenue stream.
Responsibilities:
- Plan various fund development activities, including but not limited to: auctions, 50/50 draws, fundraisers with local businesses, etc.
- Explore new fund development opportunities
- Maintain the fundraising schedule
- Manage the fundraiser budget by tracking all funds raised and expenses incurred through fundraisers
- Work closely with the Volunteering Coordinator and Event Coordinator to organize volunteers for fundraisers, as needed
- Create/modify fundraising procedures and various administrative tasks
- Keep up-to-date on current fundraising programs and practices used in the non-profit sector
- All volunteers must understand and follow ARF’s policies and procedures. Training will be provided
Requirements:
- Excellent leadership, organization, and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Experience with fund development for non-profit organizations is an asset
- Access to internet and email as regular communication with volunteers and other Coordinators is required
- Access to a reliable vehicle and ability to travel to fundraisers and ARF’s Pad for Paws (NE, commercial district near the airport)
- Must be aware of and adhere to Imagine Canada’s Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code, ARF’s Code of Ethical Principles & Standards of Professional Practice, and AGLC’s Charitable Gaming Policies
- Experience with Google Workplace (Gmail, Sheets, Drive, etc.), Square Point of Sale, and Better Impact is an asset
Benefits & Recognition:
Utilize your research and project management skills to provide a positive impact on the lives of rescued dogs and cats. This is a unique opportunity to support and directly shape a key revenue stream. This role is beneficial to individuals with an interest in gaining experience in the non-profit sector. Volunteers are highly valued members of the ARF team & make a significant contribution in ARF’s ability to protect animals in need.
Active volunteers are eligible to receive a reference letter for their volunteer hours.
Time Commitment:
This position requires a minimum 6-month commitment. Hours per week/month will vary depending on the number of events and timing of the events each Event Lead is responsible for, which makes this a very flexible role.
If you are currently an ARF volunteer and are interested in this position, please send a letter of interest to volunteering@arf.ca which outlines your experience and why you are interested in this position.
If you are not currently an ARF volunteer, please apply below.
ARF is looking for an Event Coordinator to join our team! The Event Coordinator is responsible for planning new events, attending events, organizing a team of volunteers, and maintaining relationships in the community. The Event Coordinator plans events to increase awareness and raise funds for the organization. If you are creative, organized, and passionate about animal welfare, this may be the position for you!
Responsibilities:
● Plan and attend a variety of events
● Onsite management of events including set-up, tear-down & supervision of other volunteers
● Manage a small team of volunteers consisting of Event Leads and Event Volunteers.
● Maintain the Event Coordinator email account and communicate professionally with volunteers, other ARF Coordinators, and external parties
● Lead Events Team meetings and training sessions
● Report to the Executive Director
● Liaise with other ARF Coordinators to ensure volunteer resources are met, events are promoted through social media, fundraising opportunities are maximized, logo items are stocked, and animals are present at events (if applicable)
● Update event procedures as needed and manage the event budget
● All volunteers must understand and follow ARF’s policies and procedures. Training will be provided
Requirements:
● Excellent leadership, organization, communication, and time-management skills
● Supervisor/management experience is preferred. Event planning or fundraising experience is an asset.
● Ability to work independently and as part of a team
● Access to a reliable vehicle and a mobile phone with a cellular data plan
● Ability to lift 50 lbs. and stand for extended periods of time
● Experience with Google Workplace (Gmail, Sheets, Drive, etc.), Square Point of Sale, and Better Impact is an asset
Benefits & Recognition:
This position provides valuable, personally rewarding experience in the non-profit sector for event planning & management. Volunteers are highly valued members of the ARF team & make a significant contribution in ARF’s ability to protect animals in need.
Active volunteers are eligible to receive a reference letter for their volunteer hours.
Time Commitment:
A minimum 1-year commitment is preferred for this position. Event season (April-September) is a busier time for this role, while October-March is slower with less events. The volunteer hours expected for this role will vary throughout the year, but are approximately 2-5 hours per week.
If you are currently an ARF volunteer and are interested in this position, please send a letter of interest to volunteering@arf.ca which outlines your experience and why you are interested in this position.
If you are not currently an ARF volunteer, please apply below.
ARF is currently looking to grow our event volunteer base. The General Event Volunteers attend various events around the city including Street Festivals, Markets, and Adoption Events.
Duties may include:
- dog and cat handling – including general care-taking of animals at events,
- event set-up and take-down, clean-up,
- showcasing ARF’s many adoptable dogs and cats,
- providing information about ARF to the general public and
- sales of ARF logo items.
Weekend and spring/summertime availability, access to email and frequent communication with various committees and teams is required.
This volunteer opportunity requires a commitment of approximately 10 hours per month and training is provided.
If you are currently an ARF volunteer and are interested in this position, please send a letter of interest to volunteering@arf.ca which outlines your experience and why you are interested in this position.
If you are not currently an ARF volunteer, please apply below.
Our Dog Care Volunteers are responsible for cleaning and general care-giving for the animals housed at Pad for Paws. The Dog Care Team is looking for more volunteers who will be able to fill weekly morning, evening and weekend shifts. Cuddles included!
You will be responsible for:
- Following all quarantine cleaning & sanitization procedures
- Cleaning & sanitization of dog kennels, quarantine room & quarantine play area
- Laundry
- Taking out garbage
- Minor dog handling for dogs of all ages, sizes and health
- Feed & water dogs
- Follow veterinarian orders for medical recovery & supply medication if needed
- Provide basic training and enrichment
- Follow ARF’s philosophy on dog training
- Attending all prerequisite training required
Requirements for this position include:
- Ability to follow written protocols
- Ability to work with cleaning equipment and cleaners (bleach & detergents)
- Willingness to clean up animal waste
- Ability to lift and move up to 50lbs
- Work in a team environment
- Confidence working with and handling dogs of all sizes
- Access to email & internet for scheduling purposes
- Access to the internet to fulfill training requirements
- Access to transportation to and from the facility in NE Calgary for your shifts and in-person training
Shifts average about 3 to 4 hours. All training will be provided for interested volunteers. Must complete the General ARF Orientation, watch 2 webinars on canine communication and take a corresponding test, plus attend 2 hours of in-person training on dog handling. You will also be paired with a senior animal care volunteer for your first few shifts as you learn our processes.
If you are currently an ARF volunteer and are interested in this position, please email volunteering@arf.ca.
If you are not currently an ARF volunteer, please apply below!
Do you want to get more involved? Do you love cats and kittens? Join our PetSmart – Cat Volunteers! We are looking for volunteers to visit the adoptable cats and kittens that reside at PetSmart in Airdrie on a daily basis to help with socialization and enrichment!
Requirements for this position include:
- Able to commit to a minimum of two or more scheduled shift per week.
- Days and times are flexible and you set your own schedules, but must be during store hours
- Willing to stay at the store for 30 minutes or longer to interact with the kittens and cats on site
- Able to meet with potential adopters at PetSmart, communicated by Animal Program Manager
- Have access to email and text in order to communicate with fellow volunteers, Pet Smart Coordinators & Animal Program Manager
- Are passionate about cats and people in their community
- Cat care knowledge is not required as training and job-shadowing will be provided; however, it is an asset
As the location is in Airdrie, applicants should live nearby or have access to transportation / willing to travel to this PetSmart.
Volunteers must be 18 or older to volunteer at PetSmart.
If you are currently an ARF volunteer and are interested in this position, please email volunteering@arf.ca.
If you are not currently an ARF volunteer, please apply below!
PetSmart Volunteers are required to:
Volunteers at PetSmart showings, which take place on a select Saturday each month, between 1 and 3pm at the PetSmart Airdrie location (opening April 2024). This is our primary opportunity to allow the public to interact with and meet our adoptable dogs and puppies.
- Be able to communicate with PetSmart Coordinator regularly (by email or phone)
- All training will be provided for interested volunteers. Must attend an online General ARF Orientation, and take a corresponding test
- Attend In Person Training Session on Puppy Handling (as scheduled)
This is to give you an idea how to practice & promote reward based training techniques for dogs. It will also allow you to view what dog interaction should look like and learn how to intervene correctly in dog-to-dog interactions at PetSmart.
Potential volunteers should be friendly and outgoing, willing to meet new people and talk freely about our rescue programs. Volunteers must be 18 or older to volunteer at PetSmart.
If you are currently an ARF volunteer and are interested in this position, please email volunteering@arf.ca.
If you are not currently an ARF volunteer, please apply below!
PetSmart Volunteers are required to:
Volunteers at PetSmart showings, which take place on a select Saturday each month, between 1 and 3pm at the PetSmart Beacon Hill NW location. This is our primary opportunity to allow the public to interact with and meet our adoptable dogs and puppies.
- Be able to communicate with PetSmart Coordinator regularly (by email or phone)
- All training will be provided for interested volunteers. Must attend an online General ARF Orientation and take a corresponding test
- Attend In Person Training Session on Puppy Handling (as scheduled)
This is to give you an idea how to practice & promote reward based training techniques for dogs. It will also allow you to view what dog interaction should look like and learn how to intervene correctly in dog-to-dog interactions at PetSmart.
Potential volunteers should be friendly and outgoing, willing to meet new people and talk freely about our rescue programs. Volunteers must be 18 or older to volunteer at PetSmart.
If you are currently an ARF volunteer and are interested in this position, please email volunteering@arf.ca.
If you are not currently an ARF volunteer, please apply below!
We are looking for volunteers to come in and clean the front-of-house (front entrance, office, volunteer lounge & training area). Schedule can be flexible but will have to be planned around other facility activities. The level difficulty will typically be fairly low, but you will be working with bleach and similar cleaning supplies. All training will be provided.
Duties will include:
- Sweep or vacuum all floor surfaces
- Mop floor surfaces with EZ clean plus mop floor surfaces with bleach or prevail solution
- Clean counters and sinks (volunteer lounge)
- Clean bathrooms (toilets, sinks, mirrors, empty garbage, replace garbage bags)
- Vacuum or sweep storage room
- Wipe down all doors, door handles, light switches, phones with Lysol wipes
- Remove garbage to outdoor garbage bin
- Restock supplies as necessary (paper towels, toilet paper)
- Notify Facility Coordinator when supply stocks are low
If you are currently an ARF volunteer and are interested in this position, please email volunteering@arf.ca
If you are not currently an ARF volunteer, please apply below!
Looking for fostering opportunities? Look here!
If you have any questions about volunteering with ARF, please contact us.
Please note: Sometimes our reply to your application goes to the spam or junk folder, so please look there if you are waiting on a response. We always reply!
