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.

​

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

​

Hands-On Learning During Onboarding

As part of the phased onboarding process, Core Volunteers may choose to participate in a third, supportive role that offers hands-on learning opportunities, aligned with their availability and capacity.

​

This role allows volunteers to:

• Gain practical, real-world experience within PAACT programs

• Participate in supervised, low-risk tasks that support active initiatives

• Learn by doing while remaining supported by experienced team members

• Explore different areas of involvement before settling into long-term responsibilities

​

This hands-on role is intentionally structured to support learning, confidence-building, and skill development while prioritizing volunteer safety. When appropriate—based on the situation, task, or individual comfort level—volunteers may work in pairs or alongside an experienced team member to ensure adequate support and safety at all times.

Activities may include outreach support, Care Closet preparation, Frosty Paws builds, event assistance, or other program-based work.

​

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.

​

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

​

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.

​

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

​

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.

​

Visit Volunteer Lethbridge to apply or apply below!