The Richmond Education and Adoption Centre is a proudly volunteer-operated BC SPCA location focused on helping animals in need find their forever homes. 

Animal Wellness

Volunteers who have direct contact with animals and perform a variety of tasks are called Animal Wellness volunteers. These critical supporters work hands-on with the animals in our care, help visitors make educated decisions about pet guardianship, and so much more. If you are comfortable speaking to the public and don't mind light cleaning duties, we encourage you to apply.

Due to an overwhelming response the Richmond Education & Adoption Centre is currently recruiting a very limited number of volunteers age 19 and over. At this time weekend and after-school shifts are not available. Only candidates available Monday-Thursday from 10:30am-12:30pm, 12-2pm, 2-4pm, or Fridays from 12:30-2:30pm need apply. Please note that incomplete applications and those submitted without specifying shift availability will not be considered for volunteer opportunities. As well, the Richmond Education & Adoption Centre does not operate the Volunteer Dog Walker program that the larger BC SPCA locations do.

If you are interested in becoming an Animal Wellness volunteer at the Richmond Education & Adoption Centre, please download and read the following AnimalSense Program Manual:

Cat Wellness Branch Volunteer Program Manual (PDF format, 474 KB)

Foster Guardian

The BC SPCA Richmond Education & Adoption Centre is seeking Foster Guardians (over the age of 19) for on-call overnight, weekday, and weekend care of puppies and small breed dogs. As well, there is a need for week-long Foster Guardians for kittens and cats needing medicine and a quiet environment to recover from medical or emotional issues. If you don't have the commitment for a full-time animal, but can provide care, shelter, and love, then this could be a great option for you.

The puppies and dogs at the Richmond branch do not stay there overnight, instead they go into a foster home just before closing. They are then returned the following morning before opening for public viewing with hopes of adoption. Weekday Foster Guardians are especially needed. Foster homes allow a glimpse into an animal's behaviour outside of a shelter environment which can increase their chance of adoption and ensures that we find the perfect match.

Foster Guardians are essential to the Richmond branch and those over the age of 19 are welcome to apply, especially those with basic puppy/dog obediance using positive reinforcement methods and/or experience administering medications.

Please note: a home check is required to foster any BC SPCA animal. If you are interested in becoming a Foster Guardian volunteer at the BC SPCA Richmond Education & Adoption Centre please download and read the following AnimalSense Program manual:

Cat Wellness Branch Volunteer Program Manual (PDF format, 474 KB)

Volunteer at the BC SPCA 

All applicants must first apply online, attend a volunteer information session, interview, pay their orientation fee, and be able to complete and clear a criminal record check. Foster Guardians must also complete a home check. Criminal record checks must be completed prior to the first volunteer shift. The information session provides an introduction to the Society, its structure, mission, beliefs and overview of its programs.

Please view our current volunteer opportunities and apply online today!  

Volunteer Information Session

Learn how you will be contributing to the welfare of animals in the BC SPCA's care awaiting adoption.

Volunteer information sessions are usually held from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, approximately once a month. The information session fee is $20 and includes a t-shirt and nametag. Before attending a volunteer information session please download and read the following Volunteer Resources manuals:

BC SPCA Volunteer Information Session Manual

BC SPCA Volunteer Handbook

BC SPCA Code of Ethics