LAWS depends on the generous help of volunteers both in-shelter and off-site.

If you are interested in volunteering for LAWS please download our volunteer application and send the completed form by mail to: PO Box 156 Smiths Falls, ON K7A 4T1; or by FAX: 613-283-0982; or drop it off in person at the shelter 253 Glenview Rd.

For insurance and safety reasons, all volunteers MUST be at least 16 years of age to volunteer in-shelter as a Cat Room or Dog Kennel Assistant. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to volunteer as a Dog Socializer or Dog Handler/Trainer.

There are many volunteer opportunities to choose from, including the following:

• Morning Dog Kennel Assistant (3 hours once a week 7 to 10 a.m. or 8 to 11 a.m. kennel shift where the most dog help is required)
• Morning Cat Room Assistant (3 hours once a week 8 to 11 a.m. cat shift where the most cat help is required)
• Afternoon Cat Room Assistant - 3 hours once a week tidying cat rooms, laundry, dishes, dusting, grooming and socializing etc (1 - 4 p.m.)
• Dog Socializer (once a week; any 2 hours or more between 8 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. depending on daylight hours)
• Dog Handler/Trainer (once a week, any 2 hours or more between 8 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. depending on daylight hours)
• Education (help teaching an educational program promoting awareness of and kindness to animals)
• On Call or Seasonal Maintenance (lawn care, snow and ice removal, painting, facility upkeep, etc)
• Office help (confidentiality agreement required)
• Fundraising (at LAWS Events)
• On Call Driver (picking up donations and supplies)

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at LAWS. Your completed application will be reviewed by our volunteer coordinator. Volunteers whose interests and skills fit our needs and available openings will be contacted by email to arrange a phone or in-person interview. Attendance is then required at an Orientation session for in-shelter volunteers accepted into the volunteer program. Volunteer applications will be kept on file for 3 months.