HELPING PAWS:
A GROUP VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
This group volunteer experience is an excellent choice for a variety of groups to bond in an informal environment, build teamwork and communication skills and enjoy all the perks of volunteerism! Studies even show that employees who engage in volunteer projects experience a 90% boost in morale and greater job satisfaction (Volunteer Canada).
This experience can accommodate:
- Corporate groups
- Bachelor/bachelorette groups
- Family gatherings
- School groups (ages 12+, please stay tuned for future educational opportunities!)
- And more!
Through the Helping Paws Group Volunteer Experience, your group will tour our shelter and meet our animals in care; learn about animal welfare from the people involved in saving lives every day; have the opportunity to provide positive socialization experiences for homeless animals; and more.
Please note, there is a donation associated with group volunteer experiences. This ensures resources can still be adequately provided to the animals while also providing your group with a positive experience. This donation is eligible for a tax receipt.
“We loved our time with the animals! We also really enjoyed making enrichment toys that we got to give to cats and watch them have fun!
The facility is so well run. There were so many people volunteering to ensure the health and happiness of the animals and it was such a fulfilling experience for the girls. Alex was amazing and super knowledgeable. He helped make the experience top notch. Thank you AARCS for all you do.”
BOOK YOUR GROUP VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
STEP 1: Select an available date from the calendar in the dropdown for your selected location below.
STEP 2: Complete the booking and payment form in your email confirmation.
STEP 3: Wait for further instruction from the AARCS team!
See Calgary Availability
Our Safe Haven shelter in Calgary has group availability Thursdays and Fridays from 10am-3pm. Maximum 1 group per day.
AARCS Safe Haven in Calgary is located at:
5060 74 Avenue SE, CALGARY, AB T2C 3C9
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
See Edmonton Availability
Our North Haven shelter in Edmonton has availability Tues-Thurs from 12pm-4pm. Maximum 1 booking per day.
AARCS North Haven in Edmonton is located at:
8108 Coronet Rd NW, EDMONTON, AB T6E 4P1
Hours of Operation: Tues-Fri 12pm-7pm, Sat-Sun 11am-6pm
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What size of group can you accommodate?
Our Helping Paws Experience can accommodate groups of up to 15 individuals.
How long is a group volunteer experience?
A typical group volunteer experience takes 2.5-3 hours depending on the size of the group and the activities involved.
General itinerary:
- Introductory tour (30-40 minutes)
- Activities (1-1.5 hours), including coffee/snack break
- Animal snuggles/playtime (30-45 minutes)
What activities can I expect?
Your group volunteer experience will begin with a safety briefing and introduction to the work that AARCS performs in the community. Next, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of our facility and meet some of the animals in our care. You’ll then have the opportunity to assist with some of our daily tasks around the shelter!
Activities will vary based on the animals in our care and tasks needed at the time of your experience.
What is the cost to participate?
Our Group Volunteer Experiences start at a minimum $500 donation for up to 10 participants, and an additional $25 per person up to 15 people.
Why do I have to pay to volunteer?
A Group Volunteer Experience is not just a volunteer opportunity; it is an event. It takes significant resources to coordinate a large group within the shelter environment. A donation ensures resources can still be adequately provided to the animals while also providing your group with a positive experience.
