The Regional Animal Protection Society is able to deliver individualized care to hundreds of animals thanks to the dedication of a small army of dedicated volunteers.
We always welcome new volunteers. If you can dedicate just a few hours of your week, we need volunteers to work directly with animals, to participate in vast amount of cleaning, assist in every area of operations and to help at our Thrift Stores.
Volunteering with RAPS is a meaningful way to make a tangible contribution to the lives of animals – whether you volunteer directly with the animals or not!
RAPS volunteers benefit from the social benefits of working together with like-minded humans and hundreds of animals. We are a community of diverse people with shared commitments to the reality that animals make our lives, families, neighbourhoods and communities safer, healthier and happier.
Seniors, young people, new Canadians, people with different abilities, and all people can find a special place to make a positive contribution at RAPS!
Email volunteer@rapsbc.com for inquiries.
See below for our current volunteer opportunities.
Cat Sanctuary
The RAPS Cat Sanctuary is Canada’s largest, a permanent home to hundreds of cats. With so many mouths to feed and look after, we rely on our volunteers to keep their home a sanctuary. This volunteer role includes: feeding, washing dishes, refreshing water, litter box scooping, changing bedding, sweeping, mopping, and laundry. Volunteers need to be 12+ to apply.
Adoption Centre
A temporary accommodation for animals looking to find their forever homes. This volunteer role includes: feeding, washing dishes, refreshing water, litter box scooping, changing bedding, sweeping, mopping, and laundry. Volunteers need to be 17+ to apply.
Thrift Stores
RAPS operates three thrift stores, two in Richmond and one in Cloverdale (Surrey). 100% of the revenues go towards the care of animals. The duties of this role include: assisting customers, sorting donations, restocking shelves, and maintaining the cleanliness of the store. Volunteers must be 14+ to apply.
Animal Hospital
RAPS runs a nonprofit Animal Hospital in the heart of Richmond. This role gives volunteers a birds-eye view into the operations and behind the scenes of a busy Animal Hospital. The duties of this role include: wiping down surfaces, sweeping, mopping, taking out garbage and maintaining the waiting room. Volunteers must be 19+ to apply.
Events
Help spread the word about RAPS by engaging with the public at different events such as Vancouver Pride, Farmers Markets, No Car Days and special events. Volunteers must be 16+ to apply.
Volunteer requirements:
- Youth between 12 and 15 years old must be accompanied by a parent/guardian (19+) while volunteering and must sign the volunteer agreement form to give consent.
- Youth between 16-18 must have a parent/guardian (19+) sign the volunteer agreement form to give consent.
- Volunteers must be willing to undergo a criminal record check.
- Volunteers must sign the Volunteer’s Agreement before their first shift.
- Volunteering at RAPS is a privilege, not a right. Our first priority is the animals. RAPS reserves the RIGHT TO REFUSE any applicants at RAPS’ SOLE DISCRETION.
- By agreeing to volunteer for RAPS, you give permission to RAPS to use any photographs and video taken of you on RAPS premises, including in print, online and any other medium, to promote RAPS and advance awareness of our activities.
- We require volunteers to commit to 6 months minimum. Requests for shorter durations may be permitted at the discretion of RAPS.
- Students fulfilling required volunteer hours must complete shifts to the satisfaction of the appropriate supervisor.
