PAACT is a rapidly growing grassroots nonprofit serving communities across Southern Alberta. Our work is grounded in compassion, dignity, and proactive support—strengthening the bond between pets and their people through education, advocacy, and early intervention.

We are seeking Core Volunteers who are committed, kind-hearted, and aligned with our belief that both pets and families deserve understanding, respect, and accessible care.

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Core Volunteers are the backbone of PAACT’s ongoing programs and services. This role goes beyond occasional involvement and offers the opportunity to contribute consistently to meaningful work that helps keep pets safe, supported, and at home with the families who love them—often during times of crisis, transition, or uncertainty.

We recognize that each volunteer brings unique strengths, perspectives, and skills. Roles are thoughtfully aligned to individual capacities and interests to ensure involvement is both sustainable and impactful.

 

Volunteer Duties

Core Volunteer responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting pet owners navigating behavioural, medical, financial, or emotional challenges

• Assisting with home-to-home rehoming steps to prevent shelter surrender

• Providing education, guidance, and compassionate advocacy within the community

• Supporting outreach, operations, administration, or program coordination

• Contributing to the growth and stability of PAACT’s community initiatives

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Structured Learning & System Familiarization During Onboarding

As part of the phased onboarding process, Core Volunteers may choose to participate in a third, supportive role designed to help them build familiarity with PAACT’s internal systems, programs, and workflows, aligned with their availability and capacity.

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This role is not focused on traditional hands-on or field-based work. Instead, it is centred on developing confidence navigating the tools, platforms, and processes that support PAACT’s day-to-day operations.

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This role allows volunteers to:

• Build working knowledge of internal systems (e.g., communication platforms, shared drives, forms, and documentation processes)

• Observe how active cases and programs are managed from intake through resolution

• Practice engaging with internal workflows (e.g., drafting responses, organizing information, reviewing materials) in a supported environment

• Develop confidence asking questions, seeking clarification, and understanding expectations before taking on responsibility

• Explore different areas of involvement prior to committing to long-term responsibilities

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This role is intentionally structured as a guided, self-directed learning phase. Volunteers are encouraged to take initiative in exploring systems and materials, while leadership and experienced team members remain available for questions, clarification, and ongoing support.

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Support is provided through:

• Access to existing materials, templates, and real-time examples

• Ongoing availability of team members for guidance and check-ins

• Opportunities to observe and gradually participate in internal processes

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Where appropriate, and depending on the task or comfort level, volunteers may collaborate with or check in with another team member to ensure clarity, accuracy, and confidence.

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This phase prioritizes understanding, consistency, and confidence-building, ensuring volunteers feel prepared before moving into more active or independent responsibilities.

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Other Volunteer Requirements

To ensure volunteers feel confident, supported, and well-prepared, all Core Volunteers participate in a 90-day (three-month) phased onboarding and training period.

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During this onboarding period, volunteers will:

• Learn about PAACT’s mission, values, programs, and community-centred approach

• Become familiar with internal systems, communication platforms, and documentation practices

• Observe active cases and shadow experienced volunteers before taking on independent responsibilities

• Receive guidance on boundaries, confidentiality, and trauma-informed, compassion-centred support

• Participate in regular check-ins to reflect on learning, capacity, and role alignment

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Successful completion of the onboarding period confirms readiness for full Core Volunteer responsibilities and helps ensure a strong, sustainable fit for both the volunteer and PAACT.

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Across all core volunteer roles, PAACT prioritizes:

• Open, respectful communication

• Autonomy and trust

• Compassion-centred, trauma-informed approaches

• Alignment between personal strengths and purposeful work

• Inclusivity and accessibility, welcoming volunteers of all abilities and backgrounds

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Schedule

• Time Commitment: Approximately 10+ hours per week

• Structure: Ongoing, recurring responsibilities with flexibility built in

• Ideal for: Individuals seeking consistent involvement, deeper engagement, and long-term impact

• Support Provided: Clear role expectations, mentorship, collaborative teamwork, and ongoing communication

 

We believe volunteers should feel valued, supported, and empowered—not overwhelmed. Together, we create meaningful, lasting imPAACT for pets, their people, and the broader community.

 

If you are seeking a role where your time, care, and commitment truly matter, we invite you to consider joining PAACT as a Core Volunteer.

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Visit Volunteer Lethbridge to apply or apply below!