Animal Shelter

New Westminster Animal Services is always in need of volunteers to help give the extra attention and exercise to our adoptable animals. From dog walking to cat socialization, there are many opportunities for you to help a little critter in need.

Click here to download the Animal Shelter Volunteer pdf!

Volunteer Positions Available:

Dog Walker
As a volunteer dog walker, you will have to chance to spend quality one-on-one time with our dogs. Whether it is a walk around Queensborough and the Fraser River or just playing in the exercise yard, this extra attention goes a long way with easing the stress of daily shelter life.

Available: 9:30am – 3:30pm on weekdays & 9:30am – 11:30am on weekends

Cat & Small Animal Socialization
With so many cats and small animals residing at the shelter, it is very important that they receive the most interaction in order to feel comfortable. Helping socialize the animal through play, praise and providing love is very important and helps increase their chances of being adopted.

Available: 10:30am – 3:30pm seven days a week.

Animal Grooming
Like humans, animals require grooming in order to feel and look their best. Though with different personalities, this can be either a challenging or fun and amusing experience.

Available: 10:30am – 3:30pm seven days a week.

Who can volunteer?

Adults, youths and children can volunteer at our shelter. Please note that youths between the ages of 16 and 18 years will be required to work under the supervision of an adult and children under the age of 16 years will need to be accompanied by an adult volunteer. Also, any volunteer under the age of 19 will not be able to participate in the dog walking program without being accompanied by an adult volunteer.

How you can volunteer?
Becoming a volunteer is easy! There are four steps to becoming a volunteer with our Animal Shelter:

Step 1:
Contact Animal Services to receive the following:

• Animal Services Volunteer Application Form
• Animal Services Volunteer Release Form:
  Adult Release Form for volunteers 19 years and older
  Youth Release Form for volunteers 16 - 18 years old
  Child Release Form for volunteers under 16 years old
• Criminal Record Check Form, Cover page and Request Letter:
  Criminal record checks are only applicable to volunteers 19 years of age or older
  New Westminster residents please take these forms and 2 pieces of government issued identification (e.g. BC driver’s license, passport, etc.) to Police Services located at 555 Columbia Street.
  Police Services will contact you once the check is complete and available for pick-up. This will be provided free of charge.
  Volunteers not residing in New Westminster please contacT Animal Services and we will assist with completing a criminal record check in your jurisdiction.

Step 2:
Once the above forms have been completed and submitted to Animal
Services, you will attend an interview with an Animal Services Officer. This will assist us with matching the best position for your skill level.

Step 3:
Attend an orientation session at the Animal Shelter where you will be provided a full tour of our facility. Volunteers interested in becoming a dog walker will attend one more training session which will cover some basic leash skills.

Step 4:
Start volunteering by scheduling a shift!

Click here to download the Animal Shelter Volunteer pdf!