GET INVOLVED / VOLUNTEER
Volunteer
Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Northumberland Humane Society. From hands-on animal care and shelter support to retail help at our thrift store and community event assistance, our volunteers make our lifesaving work possible every single day. Whether you have a few hours a week or specialized skills to share, there is a place for you in our volunteer family.
CURRENT APPLICATION STATUS
Opportunities Always Open
We accept ongoing applications for the following roles:
- Thrift Store Volunteers: Assist with sorting donations, pricing items, organizing displays, and providing friendly customer service in our NHS thrift store located at 24 Covert St. downtown Cobourg.
- Event Volunteers: Help plan, set up, run, and break down various community events, fundraisers, and outreach activities throughout the year. Parades, fairs, festivals, Bingos and adoption events are just some of the events you can help at.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer applications are open! Role availability may vary based on seasonal needs and shelter capacity. Please review our open opportunities below and check our current application status before applying.
Shelter Support
Assist staff with daily facility tidying, laundry, dishwashing, supply organization, and general upkeep to keep the shelter running smoothly.
Animal Care
Help provide clean, comfortable living quarters, fresh water, feeding assistance, and essential daily enrichment for animals in shelter care.
Dog Walking
Exercise shelter dogs, provide outdoor enrichment, practice basic manners, and give them the mental stimulation they need while awaiting adoption.
Cat Socialization
Spend quality time cuddling, grooming, and playing with shelter cats to keep them socialized, confident, and emotionally ready for adoption.
Thrift Store
Support daily operations at our local thrift store by sorting donations, pricing items, stocking shelves, and assisting friendly shoppers.
Events & Fundraising
Represent NHS at community festivals, assist with annual events like local Canada Day parades and the Rainbow Bridge Walk 4 Paws, and helping run third-party fundraisers.
Administrative Support
Help with office tasks, data entry, filing, donor thank-you calls, and general administrative projects.
Skilled Volunteering
Contribute specialized professional expertise—such as photography, maintenance, graphic design, IT support, or trade skills—on an as-needed project basis.
What to Know Before Applying
Requirements may vary by role and must be reviewed before applying.
Application
Submit your details through our online portal, indicating your areas of interest, experience, and availability.
Orientation & Training
Complete our volunteer orientation and hands-on role training to ensure you feel confident and prepared.
Age Requirements
Minimum age is typically 16 for Thrift Store volunteers (or 18+ for specific animal-handling roles).
Role-Specific Screening
Depending on the role, a police vulnerable sector check or reference verification may be required to ensure shelter and animal safety.
Volunteer at the Thrift Store
Store Roles
Our thrift store is a vital economic engine for the shelter! Volunteers help sort clothing, price household goods, and create a welcoming retail experience.
Submitting Your Application
On your application you need to indicate that you want to volunteer at the Thrift Store specifically. This way your application will be put in queue with the other Thrift Store Volunteer applications.
How to Apply
Getting started as an NHS volunteer is easy:
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Find a Role
Review current availability and select a position that matches your skills and schedule.
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Submit an Application
Fill out our online application form with your details and preferred role.
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NHS Follow-up
Our volunteer coordinator will review your submission, contact you regarding next steps, and invite you to an orientation session.
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Training & Placement
Complete any required screening, finish your training orientation, and start your first shift!
(If applications are temporarily paused for a specific role due to full volunteer rosters, we invite you to check back soon or reach out to our team to join our waiting list).
Ready to volunteer?
Join our passionate community of animal advocates and help make a difference for shelter animals in Northumberland County. We can’t wait to welcome you to the team!