Volunteer.

Join our team!

Based in Southern Ontario, Fetch + Releash is proud to be a volunteer run, not-for-profit dog rescue. There are many ways to get involved in our community. Don’t live un the GTA? No problem! Many of our volunteer opportunities are remote allowing you to contribute from anywhere in Canada!. Visit our Available Volunteer Opportunities to learn more!

Available volunteer
positions.

Volunteer application
form.

 

Volunteers Testimonies

 

“I volunteer with Fetch + Releash because I am truly blessed that so much joy, happiness, love, unity and passion comes from volunteering. I have had the absolute pleasure to be involved in so many different aspects of the dog rescue world; mission trips, events, intakes, dog sitting, fostering, airport pickups, fundraising, etc and the best part is, I got to meet some amazing people (and dogs, duh) along the way.⁣

The truth about volunteering is you will never find a better atmosphere than when you’re with volunteers, why? Because they all want to be there! To everyone I have met this past year, thank you. You will never know how much your kindness means to me.”

— Chantelle

“I started volunteering with Fetch + Releash in 2016 because I was looking for a way to put my photography degree to good use! I eventually moved into the role of Photography Manager and adopted Fetch + Releash alumni Charlie Brown. This rescue has given me infinitely more than I could ever give back - a wonderful group of volunteers who have become close friends, the most amazing dog in Charles, and a real sense of accomplishment. One of my absolute favourite things is being able to photograph our new Canadian pups with their foster-to-adopt families at intake. The joy is absolutely contagious! I honestly cannot even put into words how grateful I am to Fetch + Releash for all that they have given me!”

— Tori

“I knew adopting a dog would be a big life change and a huge responsibility. However, I never in a million years could have grasped just how much my life, and myself as a person would change - for the better. Shortly after adopting Pepita, I felt a strong need to give back. My volunteer work with Fetch + Releash has led me to newfound friendships with some of the kindest and hard working women I’m lucky to know and has quickly become a very important and meaningful part of my life. It has made me into a stronger, more motivated, and humble person. I discovered the power of my voice, something I knew was always within me but didn’t know how to bring about, or was too afraid or insecure to do so. Turns out, a passionate and worthy cause was all I was missing……and a three legged companion.”

— Michelle

 

Available Volunteer Positions

We’re currently looking for the roles listed below, but we’d be happy to keep your application on our waitlist for future opportunities. Have an idea for how you’d like to help? Reach out anytime at volunteer@fetchandreleash.ca

If you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, please let our team know when you're contacted for an interview.

We appreciate your enthusiasm and hope to work with you soon!

Volunteer Commitment
Fetch + Releash is powered by dedicated volunteers. Communication, accountability, commitment, and reliability are key to our success in finding dogs their forever homes. Before applying, please ensure volunteering fits into your commitments.

Your support makes a difference!

 
  • Position Summary:

    Fetch + Releash is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs in need, and fostering plays a crucial role in that mission. As a Foster Dog Caregiver, you’ll provide a safe, loving, and temporary home for dogs, helping them adjust to home life and prepare for adoption into their forever families.

    Many of our dogs need behavioral support to overcome challenges such as anxiety, sensitivity to noise, fearfulness around people, or other stress-related behaviors. Experience with behavior training is essential to help foster dogs build confidence and develop positive habits that will set them up for success in their forever homes.

    PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    • Provide a nurturing environment for a foster dog and ensure proper care, including feeding, exercise, and socialization

    • Transport the dog to vet appointments (if req’d), adoption events, and meet-and-greets

    • Communicate regularly with a foster coordinator at Fetch + Releash about the dog’s progress and needs

    • Help with basic training and behavioral support as needed

    • Support adoption efforts by sharing updates, photos, and observation

    • Once approved for adoption, craft a fun and honest bio showcasing the dog’s personality, needs, and quirks to find the perfect match

    • Engage with potential adopters to coordinate home visits and introductions with the foster dog, ensuring their needs align for a successful transition.

    •  Share visit details and observations with the foster coordinator to help determine if the adopter is the right match for the dog.

    SUPERVISION EXERCISED

    Number of direct reports: 0

    SUPERVISION RECEIVED

    As part of the Foster team and under the guidance and direction of the Foster Coordinator and Foster Manager, works independently as well as part of a team.

    WORKING CONDITIONS

    ·         Remote

    ·         Training provided

    ·      Foster Dog Caregiver – Time Commitment
    Caregivers must commit to fostering a dog for at least two months or longer, depending on the dog's needs, to provide stability and support for their well-being and transition to a permanent home.

    QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES 

    ·         Experience with Dogs – Prior experience caring for dogs is required, including knowledge of feeding, exercise, and general care. 

    ·         Basic Training & Behavior Support – Understanding of canine behavior and training techniques, particularly for dogs needing behavioral support (e.g., anxiety, fearfulness, socialization).

    ·         Positive Reinforcement Training – Commitment to using positive reinforcement-based training methods only, including reward-based techniques to encourage good behavior, without use of shock, prong collars or other aversive techniques.

    ·         Crate Training Experience – Ability to support crate training as a tool for safety, structure, and comfort for the foster dog.

    ·         Secure & Quieter Outdoor Space – A fully fenced backyard or access to a safe outdoor space is required. Quieter outdoor environments are preferred to assist with decompression and fear management. Outside GTA ONLY

    ·         Strong Interpersonal & Communication Skills – Ability to engage effectively with adopters, rescue coordinators, and fellow volunteers.

    ·         Reliability & Commitment – Dedicated to fulfilling fostering responsibilities and supporting the dog's transition.

    ·          Ability to Handle Multiple Tasks – Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and balancing various responsibilities.

    ·         Calm & Positive Demeanor – Able to remain composed and solution-focused, even in stressful situations.

    ·         Dynamic Personality & Passion for Rescue – Enthusiasm for animal rescue and advocacy, with a proactive attitude toward helping dogs in need.

    ·         Organizational Skills & Attention to Detail – Able to keep track of the dog’s progress, appointments, and important documentation.

    ·         Team Player Attitude – Willingness to collaborate with others in a supportive and constructive way.

    ·         Proficiency in Google Suite – Familiarity with Google Meet, Google Sheets/Docs, and Gmail for communication and tracking foster-related details. 

    ·         Proven Ability to Build Relationships – Skilled at establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with adopters, rescue coordinators, and volunteers.

    What Fetch + Releash offers:

    Joining a community of supportive dog lovers.

    • Training, resources, and continuous guidance for foster caregivers.

    • Flexible volunteering that fits your schedule and lifestyle.

    • Rewarding experience of helping a dog find their forever home.

    • Exclusive virtual and in-person events for active volunteers only

    We ask that only those who can make a serious long term commitment of 1yr+ to volunteering with Fetch +Releash  apply for this role.

  • Position Summary:

    The Donor Relations Administrative Coordinator supports the Major Gifts Team by managing donor engagement, communication, and stewardship. This role ensures that major donors receive timely recognition, meaningful updates, and personalized interactions. The coordinator facilitates donor outreach, tracks engagement activity, and ensures that leadership is equipped with materials to cultivate strong relationships. This position plays a vital role in enhancing donor experience and supporting fundraising success.

    PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    • Coordinate donor outreach—manage follow-ups, updates, and gift recognition.

    • Maintain strong relationships with prospective and existing major donors.

    • Ensure major gifts coordinator is equipped with materials to effectively communicate with donors.

    • Oversee donor communications, including thank-you letters and impact reports.

    • Track all donor engagement activity in the CRM system.

    SUPERVISION EXERCISED

    Number of direct reports: 0

    SUPERVISION RECEIVED

    As part of Fundraising team and under the guidance and direction of the Fundraising Manager, works independently as well as part of a team.

    WORKING CONDITIONS

    • Remote

    • Training provided; a computer with a camera is required

    QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES

    • Commitment to building positive relationships with donors and supporting fundraising success.

    • Strong communication skills—clear, professional, and engaging in written and verbal outreach.

    • Reliability in tracking donor interactions and maintaining consistency in follow-ups.

    • Ability to take accountability for assigned tasks, ensuring donors receive timely updates and recognition.

    • Detail-oriented and organized in managing donor records and engagement tracking.

    • Basic proficiency with email, spreadsheets, and donor management tools (training provided).

    • Ability to work independently while collaborating with the Major Gifts Team.

    What Fetch + Releash offers:

    • Join a community of supportive dog lovers.

    • Training, resources, and guidance.

    • Flexible volunteering that fits your schedule and lifestyle.

    • Rewarding experience of fulfilling our mission to helping dogs find their forever homes.

    • Exclusive virtual and in-person events for active volunteers only

    We ask that only those who can make a serious long term commitment 1yr+ to volunteering with Fetch +Releash  apply for this role.

  • Position Summary:

    The Events/Fundraising Admin Support is a passionate volunteer looking for an opportunity to make an impact in the world of dog rescue. Working closely with the Fundraising Lead and Events Team, they will maintain, update, and develop documents and web pages for adoption, fundraising, and other events; as well as, assist in the planning and executing of events and fundraising. 

    PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    • Collaborate with Fundraising, Events, and Storage teams

    • Attend monthly planning meetings

    • Manage Donations and Events inboxes

    • Coordinate and update donation needs across platforms

    • Maintain event and dog care listings weekly

    • Promote events in targeted Facebook groups

    SUPERVISION EXERCISED

    Number of direct reports: 0

    SUPERVISION RECEIVED

    As part of the Events team and under the guidance and direction of the Fundraising Manager, works independently as well as part of a team.

    WORKING CONDITIONS

    • Hybrid

    • Participate in monthly event planning meetings

    • Completion of comprehensive training divided into sessions

    • The ability to volunteer 3-5hrs per week

    QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES

    • Strong Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities to interact effectively with team members and stakeholders.

    • Dynamic & Passionate: A vibrant personality with a strong passion for both event planning and rescue initiatives.

    • Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster a collaborative team environment.

    • Problem-Solving Under Pressure: Skilled at troubleshooting, managing multiple tasks in fast-paced settings, and remaining calm in stressful situations.

    • Proactive & Accountable: A self-starter capable of working autonomously while understanding the importance of accountability and reliability.

    • Organized & Detail-Oriented: Excellent organizational skills with keen attention to detail, ensuring efficient management of tasks.

    • Tech-Savvy: Proficient in Google Suite (Google Meet, Google Sheets/Docs, Gmail) and other digital tools essential for communication and event coordination.

    • Administrative Experience: A minimum of 2+ years of administration experience is required to support the operational needs of the team.

    What Fetch + Releash offers:

    • Join a community of supportive dog lovers.

    • Training, resources, and guidance.

    • Flexible volunteering that fits your schedule and lifestyle.

    • Rewarding experience of fulfilling our mission to helping dogs find their forever homes.

    • Exclusive virtual and in-person events for active volunteers only

    We ask that only those who can make a serious long term commitment 1yr+  to volunteering with Fetch +Releash  apply for this role.

  • Position Summary:

    The Events Coordinator – Foster Dog Recruitment is a passionate and mission-driven volunteer who helps rescue dogs find hope and healing. By coordinating their participation in adoption drives, fundraising events, and community engagements, this role becomes a vital link between animals in need and the people eager to help them. Collaborating closely with the Fundraising Lead and Events team, the Coordinator ensures each event not only runs smoothly but also furthers the organization’s vision of giving every dog a second chance at a better life.

    PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    • Attend monthly meetings to help plan and coordinate adoption and fundraising events

    • Communicate with fosters to match dogs to appropriate events

    • Share event details and best practices with foster families

    • Maintain group chats for event coordination and updates

    • Support events on-site and build relationships with fosters

    • Collect feedback to improve future events

    SUPERVISION EXERCISED

    Number of direct reports: 0

    SUPERVISION RECEIVED

    As part of Event team and under the guidance and direction of the Fundraising & Event Manager, works independently as well as part of a team.

    WORKING CONDITIONS

    • Hybrid

    • Training provided; a computer with a camera is required.

    • Volunteer hours may fluctuate based on the number of scheduled events each month. From May through October—our peak event season—volunteers can expect to contribute approximately 4 to 6 hours per week, with events often taking place on weekends.

    QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES

    • Passion for Animal Welfare- A heartfelt commitment to dog rescue and a drive to make a difference in the lives of animals and the people who care for them.

    • Exceptional Communication Skills- Clear, compassionate, and timely communication across multiple platforms (e.g., Gmail, Slack, WhatsApp, Facebook Groups) ensures fosters and coordinators feel supported every step of the way.

    • Demonstrated Relationship-Building Skills- Able to foster trust and collaboration with volunteers, foster coordinators, and team members. Relationships are at the heart of rescue work, and this role helps create a positive, inclusive experience for all.

    • Ability to Multitask in a Fast-Paced Environment- Juggles tasks like event planning, communication, and tracking dog placements with ease and calm. Keeps things moving—even when the unexpected happens.

    • Proactive and Self-Motivated- A self-starter who works independently while staying accountable to the broader mission. Identifies gaps, takes initiative, and follows through with care and consistency.

    • Strong Organizational and Planning Abilities- Can set goals, manage schedules, implement action plans, and document learnings. Attention to detail is key when tracking dog availability, coordinating event schedules, and briefing fosters.

    • Deadline-Oriented and Adaptable- Thrives under time constraints and isn’t afraid to troubleshoot or pivot as needed. Keeps composure while solving problems in the moment.

    • Technical Comfort- Working knowledge of Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Forms, Drive), and ease with digital communication platforms supports such as Whatsapp, Slack, Face Book for smooth coordination and clear record-keeping.

    • Reliable, Accountable, and Consistent- Delivers on commitments and maintains regular communication with the Fundraising Lead, Events team, and fosters. Reliability builds trust—and trust builds community.

    • Positive, Solution-Focused Attitude- Approaches challenges with curiosity and confidence. A “can-do” mindset fuels both morale and meaningful progress.

    What Fetch + Releash offers:

    • Join a community of supportive dog lovers.

    • Training, resources, and guidance.

    • Flexible volunteering that fits your schedule and lifestyle.

    • Rewarding experience of fulfilling our mission to helping dogs find their forever homes.

    • Exclusive virtual and in-person events for active volunteers only

    We ask that only those who can make a serious long term commitment 1yr+ to volunteering with Fetch +Releash  apply for this role.

  • Position Summary:

    Our volunteer foster families are the backbone of the Rescue. Behind this amazing community though is a team of equally amazing Foster Coordinators and Managers!

    As the Assistant Foster Manager, Foster Coordinator Support (AFM) , you will provide leadership to our foster coordinator team.

    This is a core team role and requires a committed individual that has flexibility to participate in daily communication within a reasonable time frame and occasional urgent situations.

    PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    • Manage the Foster Coordinator Team: Ensure foster coordinators are completing all their daily responsibilities.

    • Guidance & Decision-Making: Provide support to foster coordinators, answering all questions that they bring forward.

    • Manage the Foster Coordinator WhatsApp Chat: share any important information in our foster coordinator WhatsApp chat. Respond to any questions or inquiries that come up in the chat.

    • Clear & Professional Communication: Engage directly with foster applicants when clarification or further details are required for decision-making.

    • Urgent Foster Placement Assistance: Occasionally assist the Foster Manager in finding emergency foster placements for rescue dogs

    SUPERVISION EXERCISED

    Number of direct reports: 10-15

    SUPERVISION RECEIVED

    As part of the Foster Team and under the guidance and direction of the Foster Team Manager, works independently as well as part of a team.

    WORKING CONDITIONS

    • Remote

    • Completing 4 hours of comprehensive training divided into sessions.

    • Training is delivered virtually; a computer with a camera is required.

    • 3-7 hours per week

    QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES

    • Extensive Dog Experience: Hands-on experience with dogs is essential. A strong understanding of dog behavior, training techniques, and positive reinforcement methods is required.

    • Management & Leadership Expertise: Minimum of 2 years of management experience, proven ability to guide teams.

    • Exceptional Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal abilities to engage effectively with foster families, volunteers, and team members.

    • Reliability & Accountability: Consistently follows through on responsibilities, showing dedication and dependability in a fast-paced environment.

    • Sound Judgment & Decision-Making: Ability to assess applications and interview screenings with a keen eye for selecting high-quality foster candidates.

    • Empathy & Compassion: Demonstrates care and sensitivity toward foster families and rescue dogs, ensuring a positive experience for all involved.

    • Multitasking & Adaptability: Capable of managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously in a high-energy, rescue setting.

    • Resilience & Composure: Maintains a calm, positive, and solution-focused approach, even in challenging or high-stress situations.

    • Passion for Rescue Work: Brings enthusiasm and commitment to the mission, inspiring others to actively support dog rescue efforts.

    • Strong Organizational Abilities: Highly detail-oriented with excellent coordination skills to keep on boarding processes streamlined and efficient.

    • Team-Oriented Mindset: Works collaboratively with a supportive, proactive attitude, ensuring a strong and cohesive foster program.

    • Problem-Solving & Conflict Resolution: Skilled in handling sensitive conversations, asking the right questions, and providing clear guidance.

    • Technical Proficiency: Comfortable using Google Suite (Google Meet, Google Sheets/Docs, Gmail) to manage communications and documentation.

    • Relationship-Building & Professionalism: Proven ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships within the rescue network.

    What Fetch + Releash offers:

    • Join a community of supportive dog lovers.

    • Training, resources, and guidance.

    • Flexible volunteering that fits your schedule and lifestyle.

    • Rewarding experience of fulfilling our mission to helping dogs find their forever homes.

    • Exclusive virtual and in-person events for active volunteers only.

    We ask that only those who can make a serious long term 1yr+ commitment to volunteering with Fetch +Releash  apply for this role.

  • Position Summary:

    Our volunteer foster families are the backbone of the Rescue. Behind this amazing community though is a team of equally amazing Foster Coordinators and Managers!

    As the Assistant Foster Manager, Onboarding (AFM) , you will provide leadership to everyday administration jobs to support the Foster Manager.

    This is a core team role and requires a committed individual that has flexibility to participate in daily communication within a reasonable time frame and occasional urgent situations.

    PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    • Manage Foster Social Media: Share foster and dog sitting updates to help connect dogs with homes.

    • Approve New Members: Verify and add approved fosters to Facebook and WhatsApp groups.

    • Assist with Urgent Placements: Help find last-minute foster homes for rescue dogs.

    SUPERVISION EXERCISED

    Number of direct reports: 10-15

    SUPERVISION RECEIVED

    As part of Foster team and under the guidance and direction of the Foster Team  Manager, works independently as well as part of a team.

    WORKING CONDITIONS

    • 100% Remote

    • Completing 4 hours of comprehensive training divided into sessions.

    • Training is delivered virtually; a computer with a camera is required.

    • 3-7 hours per week

    QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES

    • Extensive Dog Experience: Hands-on experience with dogs is essential. A strong understanding of dog behavior, training techniques, and positive reinforcement methods is required.

    • Management & Leadership Expertise: Minimum of 2 years of management experience, proven ability to guide teams.

    • Exceptional Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal abilities to engage effectively with foster families, volunteers, and team members.

    • Reliability & Accountability: Consistently follows through on responsibilities, showing dedication and dependability in a fast-paced environment.

    • Sound Judgment & Decision-Making: Ability to assess applications and interview screenings with a keen eye for selecting high-quality foster candidates.

    • Empathy &  Compassion: Demonstrates care and sensitivity toward foster families and rescue dogs, ensuring a positive experience for all involved.

    • Multitasking & Adaptability: Capable of managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously in a high-energy, rescue setting.

    • Resilience & Composure: Maintains a calm, positive, and solution-focused approach, even in challenging or high-stress situations.

    • Passion for Rescue Work: Brings enthusiasm and commitment to the mission, inspiring others to actively support dog rescue efforts.

    • Strong Organizational Abilities: Highly detail-oriented with excellent coordination skills to keep on boarding processes streamlined and efficient.

    • Team-Oriented Mindset: Works collaboratively with a supportive, proactive attitude, ensuring a strong and cohesive foster program.

    • Problem-Solving & Conflict Resolution: Skilled in handling sensitive conversations, asking the right questions, and providing clear guidance.

    • Technical Proficiency: Comfortable using Google Suite (Google Meet, Google Sheets/Docs, Gmail) to manage communications and documentation.

    • Relationship-Building & Professionalism: Proven ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships within the rescue network.

    What Fetch + Releash offers:

    • Join a community of supportive dog lovers.

    • Training, resources, and guidance.

    • Flexible volunteering that fits your schedule and lifestyle.

    • Rewarding experience of fulfilling our mission to helping dogs find their forever homes.

    • Exclusive virtual and in-person events for active volunteers only

    We ask that only those who can make a serious long term commitment 1yr+ to volunteering with Fetch +Releash  apply for this role.

     

  • Position Summary:

    As a Dog Bio Coordinator, you'll be the caring connection between our dogs in care and their future forever families. Your thoughtful updates ensure that each pup’s personality and progress shine through in their bios—helping adopters see the magic in every wagging tail.

    This volunteer role is perfect for someone who is detail-oriented, proactive, and loves working collaboratively with fosters and fellow team members. You'll play a key role in making sure our rescue dogs’ stories are always up to date, accurate, and heartwarming.

    PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    • Review dogs in care monthly for bios needing updates.

    • Contact fosters to check for any new developments (training, behaviors, support needs).

    • Ensure responses: fosters must confirm “no changes” or provide updates—follow up as needed.

    • Escalate issues to the Foster Manager if responses aren’t received.

    • Collaborate with the team to keep bios accurate and current.

    SUPERVISION EXERCISED: 0

    Number of direct reports: 0

    SUPERVISION RECEIVED

    As part of Foster Team and under the guidance and direction of the Foster Team Manager, works independently as well as part of a team.

    WORKING CONDITIONS

    • Remote

    • Training; a computer with a camera is required

    • 3 hours per week

    QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES

    • Strong Communication Skills
      You'll be reaching out to foster caregivers regularly and following up when needed. Clear, friendly, and professional communication helps build trust and encourages responsiveness.

    • Dependable and Self-Motivated
      This role involves monthly check-ins and follow-ups without direct supervision. Being consistent and proactive ensures updates aren’t missed and dogs’ bios stay current.

    • Detail-Oriented
      Small updates—like changes in training or behavior—can make a big difference for adopters. You’ll need a good eye for tracking what needs attention and what’s been completed.

    • Comfort with Gentle Accountability
      Fosters must confirm updates or clearly indicate no changes. You'll need to feel comfortable sending kind reminders and escalating when necessary to the Foster Manager.

    • Team Collaboration
      Working closely with foster and bio teams means being cooperative, respectful, and open to feedback. A supportive attitude helps maintain smooth communication and accurate storytelling.

    • Basic Tech Comfort
      While this isn’t a tech-heavy role, using shared documents, email, or spreadsheets may be required. Familiarity with these tools is helpful for staying organized.

    What Fetch + Releash offers:

    • Join a community of supportive dog lovers.

    • Training, resources, and guidance.

    • Flexible volunteering that fits your schedule and lifestyle.

    • Rewarding experience of fulfilling our mission to helping dogs find their forever homes.

    • Exclusive virtual and in-person events for active volunteers only

    We ask that only those who can make a serious long term commitment 1yr+ to volunteering with Fetch +Releash  apply for this role.

Volunteer Application