Volunteer with SAAR

We are delighted that you’ve decided to dedicate your efforts to the animals in need within the Steinbach and area. SAAR relies on the dedication of our volunteers to carry out a host of essential tasks that have a daily impact on our community.
Please complete the fields provided, and our Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator will contact you to arrange a discussion about the volunteer roles you’re interested in.
Rest assured, your information will be exclusively used for SAAR’s purposes. We maintain strict confidentiality, and your details will not be distributed, sold, or disclosed to any other entity.
Feline Concierge
Duties
Join our Cat Care team, where we get down and dirty (in a good way) to make sure our feline friends feel like royalty. Here’s the “scoop” on what we do (haha scoop? Get it?):
change their bedding to ensure they’re lounging in comfort keep litter clean and fresh provide them fresh food and water…bon appetit!
Basically, you’re entrusted with their health, safety, and comfort! You’ll be working closely with our kitties, making sure they feel the love.
Requirements
Volunteers suited for this position are those who demonstrate efficiency and responsibility, capable of working both independently and with a partner.
Commitment
This role requires a commitment of a minimum of one weekly shift, times to be determined, Monday through Sunday (time frames can be flexible).
Cat Enrichment
Duties
Our Cat Enrichment volunteers come to the shelter to socialize with the cats! Some kitties like the gentle pats, while others might like a nice warm lap to snuggle on or a good play session. Volunteers provide the cats in our care companionship, affection, and comfort during their stay with us.
Requirements
Volunteers best suited for this position will have experience with cats and have an understanding of basic kitty body language…and not mind the “love sprinkles” (read: fur) that will be left on them when they leave!
Commitment
This role doesn’t have a set schedule, but a commitment of at least once a week would be beneficial to the cats. Available times are yet to be determined.
Barktenders
Duties
Our Dog Care crew rolls up their sleeves and makes tails wag with their top-notch cleaning skills. Let’s spill the tea on this role:
- keep the kennels squeaky clean (did someone say SQUEAKY??)
- make sure the floors are spotless enough to eat kibble off of
This is truly a role for those who love dogs, and are comfortable with the tiny terriers all the way to the gentle giants! It may get a bit rowdy back in the kennels, but we’ve got you covered with hearing protection.
Requirements
The ideal person for this role is one who has experience with dogs, their body language, and how they play. They should have the ability to redirect and maneuver large dogs.
Commitment
This role requires a commitment of time, on a schedule that is yet to be determined.
Dog Enrichment
Duties
In this role, volunteers come to play with our dogs! They can be taken out to the backyard for a good play session or relax to enjoy being outside, or they can be taken on walks around the neighbourhood. Volunteers play an integral part in helping them de-stress from the shelter environment and get them out to stretch their legs!
Requirements
The ideal person for this role is one who has experience with dogs, their body language, and how they play. They should have the ability to redirect and maneuver large dogs.
Commitment
This role doesn’t have a set schedule, but a commitment of at least once a week would be beneficial to the dogs.
Events Volunteer
Duties
Individuals with great ideas and a great personality wanted! These volunteers help us get the word out about the shelter and our role in the community by working with the Marketing and Public Relations team at festivals and events, or helping the Fundraising Team plan and execute events and initiatives to raise money for the shelter.
Some fundraising duties could include:
- Help plan our major annual fundraising events
- Staffing a public outreach & donation booth at a local store or summer festival
- Soliciting businesses for prize donations for a silent auction
- “Runner” to pick up donations in the community and/or deliver posters to businesses for upcoming events
Requirements
Volunteers suited for this position are those who demonstrate efficiency and responsibility, capable of working both independently and with a partner.
Commitment
- Varies
Goodnight Shift
Duties
This position is all about making sure our animals get tucked in all comfy cozy at night, because every cat & dog deserve a peaceful night’s sleep! Here’s what you’ll do:
- let our doggos out of their kennels for their final pee break of the night, and make sure any accidents are cleaned up
- make sure all dog and cat water bowls are full (because we all need that emergency glass of water next to the bed)
- ensure the boogeyman can’t get in…securely latch and fasten all kennel and cat room doors
Help our cat and dogs’ dreams come true by stepping into the Goodnight Shift, and apply to be a “Tuck-In Technician”!
Requirements
The ideal person for this role is someone who can work independently during late-night hours, and can handle various weather conditions. This would be a great opportunity for friends or couples to team up to send our animals off to dreamland!
Commitment
This role requires a commitment of one weekly shift, generally 9pm to 10:30pm, Monday through Sunday (time frames can be flexible).
Shelter Support
Duties
This position is a key role in helping the shelter run smoothly. This role is at the forefront of providing exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries, helping facilitate adoptions, and all-around support for our staff.
Requirements
Volunteers best suited for this role are those with outstanding customer service skills, a knack for computers, and the ability to communicate effectively.
Commitment
Our public hours are Tuesday through Saturday, and a commitment of 2-4 hours per week is required. Public hours will determine the shifts needed.
Housekeeping
Duties
These volunteers are the secret sauce behind the shelter’s sparkle and shine! It’s an important role filled with essential tasks to keep our animals happy and healthy, and keep the shelter looking tip-top. Helping with laundry, organization, and the cleanliness of the shelter are the primary aspects of this role.
Requirements
Volunteers best suited for this role are those who can follow instructions and work independently. Attention to detail and pride in their work is essential!
Commitment
This role requires a commitment of 1-2 weekly 2-hour shifts. Shifts will be determined based on the shelter needs and availability of the applicant.