Each year the Shuswap Branch of the BC SPCA relies on hundreds of volunteers, who have a variety of interests and talents, to provide care and improve the welfare of animals in our communities. 

Volunteer at the BC SPCA

You can volunteer with the animals, in one of our many programs that provide care and enrichment to our animals, or for the animals, by using a special skill set that you may possess, such as graphic design, event planning, a trade or other specialized skills.

Apply online to volunteer at the Shuswap SPCA today!

Once your application has been received you will be contacted regarding availability in the program you selected and the next steps to becoming a volunteer. All volunteers are required to attend a general orientation as well as program specific classroom training.

*Please note: You must be 16 years old to volunteer. Unfortunately, not all volunteer positions are suitable and available to all those who apply.

Current volunteer opportunities

Click on a current volunteer opportuntity to find out more or scroll down to learn about all of the various volunteer roles at the Shuswap Branch.

Community Council

Our Community Council (CC) members are a dedicated group of people who consider the broad picture of animal welfare in our community and how our branch is meeting those needs. Our CC represents the interests of local BC SPCA members, receiving their input and communicating their suggestions and ideas to the Board of Directors through our Regional Director. They engage in fundraising and community relations and take an interest in the developments of the Society across the province. The CC plays a role in the governance of the Society. Each year they elect up to 10 members to the Shuswap CC at the Branch AGM. The CC is seeking members who would be interested in serving the branch in this very important role.  

If you would like further information please call Janet at 250-835-2270.

Adoption counseling

As an adoption counselor you assist people in becoming good pet owners by helping them choose a pet that is appropriate for their lifestyle. 

Dog walking 

Our dogs live in a stressful and constantly changing environment, so it is very important to bring some consistency into their lives through our dog walking program.

**Please note: Most of our dogs are BIG dogs, please make sure that you are comfortable with this before becoming a dog volunteer.

Small animal and cat care

In these programs, you help make our animals comfortable by ensuring that their cages are clean and their needs are met. If you are interested in spending time with the rabbits, guinea pigs, rats or other creatures, please sign up at the next general orientation!

Animal grooming

Assist with brushing and washing the animals.

Animal fostering

The BC SPCA Foster Program provides animals that have a good chance for adoption, but are either pregnant, too young, sick, injured, elderly, under socialized or emotionally stressed to survive in the shelter environment, an opportunity for rehabilitation in a nurturing foster home.

If you are interested in helping the animals and becoming a Foster Parent Volunteer, either stop by the Shuswap SPCA to fill out a foster parent application or apply online.

Visit the Volunteer Section of our main website for more information.

Humane education

Youth Education Organizer, SPCA Booth/Mall displays. We are currently needing persons interested in making presentations in the schools. Call Janet at 250-835-2270 for more details.

Fundraising 

Fund raising organizer, support personnel, computer work, poster/flyer distribution, graphic design, tin can routes.  We are currently looking for members of the Paws for a Cause Walk Organizing Committee. Call Janet at: 250-835-2270

Office Administration & Special Events

Assist our staff with computer work, filing, stuffing envelopes, and answering phones. We also need lots of help throughout the year with special events such as our annual Paws for a Cause Walk, car washes, open houses, craft sales, etc.

Volunteer orientation & resources

Please download and read the following before committing to become a BC SPCA Volunteer.

BC SPCA Volunteer Orientation Manual (PDF format, 103 KB)

BC SPCA Volunteer Handbook (PDF format, 434 KB)

BC SPCA Code of Ethics (PDF format, 100 KB)

If you are interested in the volunteer dog walking program, please download and read the DogSense Branch Volunteer Walking Program Manual.

If you are interested in the volunteer cat wellness program, please download and read the Cat Wellness Branch Volunteer Program Manual.

Community Council committees

To assist the society in achieving its goals it is critical that Community Councils throughout the province are actively involved. While the BC SPCA's Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the governance and decision-making of the society, the Community Council's input to local, regional and society plans and programs is vital to our ongoing success. To learn more about community councils, visit our main governance section.