We are in need of additional volunteer support for a few of our volunteer programs:

Foster Volunteer: The OHS is currently at capacity with limited room to house new animals. We are in desperate need of more foster volunteers to help provide temporary care for animals in homes until they are ready to be adopted. If you think this program might be for you and or you’re interested in learning more about what it takes to become a foster volunteer, please visit ottawahumane.ca/foster or email our foster team at foster@ottawahumane.ca.

MSN Office Volunteer: The MSNS program addresses the problem of cat overpopulation in Ottawa by providing subsidized spay/neuter services to qualified pet owners who are not otherwise able to afford traditional veterinarians. This is a great volunteer opportunity to help pets stay with their owners while building administrative/customer service skills. For more information about this program, please visit: http://www.ottawahumane.ca/get-involved/volunteering/volunteer-opportunities/administration-mobile-spayneuter-clinic-scheduling-volunteer/.

Joann Gulliford has volunteered with the OHS since 2014, traveling all over Ottawa to teach awareness, empathy, and advocacy to children and youth in our community. She brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to the eyes and ears of her audiences, while bringing along furry friends from the OHS for kids to meet. She's also a volunteer with the OHS Leadership Education with Adolescents and Dogs (LEAD) program. Since 2014, Joann has donated more than 190 hours as an OHS volunteer!

Joann has always loved animals, particularly cats and dogs. Growing up, her family had a cat adopted from the OHS.

Joann always had an interest in working with animals but her work schedule never permitted the extra time. When she retired in 2014, Joann had the time to consider volunteering. The OHS Humane Education Program was recruiting for volunteers at that time. Initially, she thought that it would be a lot of fun to go into schools to teach children and youth about responsible pet ownership. After three years of volunteering with the program,she says she particularly enjoys presentations with the younger grades.

“It is quite rewarding going into a classroom where there are some children who have never met a dog, and over the course of the presentation watching them become less fearful while patting the dog," Joann said.

After one year of volunteering with the Humane Education Program, she joined the LEAD program. When asked about her participation in the LEAD program, she says, “I cannot say enough good things about this program. The bond that develops between the youth and their dog is incredible and so beneficial for both the dog and the youth. The youth have a sense of accomplishment knowing that they trained their dog. The dog develops trust in humans and benefits from the training.”

On behalf of the staff, animals, and the children/youth in our community, we would like to thank Joann and our entire Humane Education volunteer team for the important job they have in schools and youth programs throughout the community.

Last year, the humane education team reached 11,000 children and youth in the community through this important and rewarding program. This year, the OHS strives to reach 12,500. In order to make this possible, we need to grow this volunteer team. If you’re interested in positively impacting the lives of the next generation of pet owners and want to make a difference the way Joann has, please visit http://www.ottawahumane.ca/get-involved/volunteering/volunteer-opportunities/humane-education-program/.

The foster department hours have changed since our last update. We are now open late on Monday through Wednesday.

The volunteer department is excited to celebrate our hard working animal care volunteer team and their dedication to the animals this year. We will be hosting a Summer BBQ event on Thursday, Aug. 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the OHS. This is an opportunity to get together with fellow volunteers who work in similar roles and OHS staff who support these programs. Volunteers who attend can look forward to:

• Hot dogs and hamburgers (vegan options will be available);
• Sides, salads and desserts;
• Pop and water;
• Door prizes;
• Appreciation slideshow;
• Staff speeches;
• Group photo.

For more information, or to RSVP, please email volunteering@ottawahumane.ca.

A huge thank you goes out to all BLAV and event volunteers who helped make this year’s Garden Party a huge success! The Garden Party saw 20 of Ottawa’s top chefs and mixologists take over the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park, turning it into a true gourmet utopia for an indulgent evening of culinary masterworks. This event attracted more than 300 guests, and thanks to the help of all our dedicated volunteers, we were able to raise more than $80,000 for animals in our care. This is a huge accomplishment. We are so grateful to everyone who volunteered their time — this would not have been possible without your enthusiasm and support!

Our 29th annual Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run for the Animals presented by Escape Manor is taking place on Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Lansdowne Great Lawn. This event is the our biggest annual fundraiser and there are still many ways to get involved!

Visit the event website to register or sponsor a walker. Signing up is quick and simple — you can start helping the animals today by asking your friends and family to sponsor you.

Is volunteering more your style? You’re in luck! We are currently in need of volunteers to support this event. There are a variety of important roles available, including water stations, Fido’s Finds, barricades, registration, bag check and so much more. In addition to a fun filled day at supporting the OHS, all volunteers who participate can enjoy the following FREE incentives:

• Morning coffee;
• OHS T-shirt;
• Boston Pizza lunch;
• Parking on-site.

If you are interested in signing up to volunteer at this event, please email volunteer@ottawahumane.ca.