Guelph Humane Society

It is a very busy environment and you are expected to work as if you are receiving significantly more compensation. For most positions expect minimum wage or only slightly above. However, you are working for a not for profit so one should expect to earn less than one might in another type of workplace.

BUT what you lack in compensation and work life balance you may make up for in self satisfaction for helping animals in need. However this can become draining and burnout is a real thing. 

This is probably the best humane society to work for in terms of animal care, policies and unique community initiatives. Everyone’s heart is in the right place. This doesn’t mean you will agree with every decision directors make but ultimately they are great people to work with and extremely qualified. 

If you want to be apart of something great I highly recommend this shelter but be prepared for the emotional toll it can take. But you won’t make it if you go into it with a cold black heart either. You need to have your heart and soul in the job to be great but you need good coping skills to outlast a few years. It takes a level of maturity and professionalism 

As a Critter Camp Leader, I would set up the room like a classroom. I would sign-in the kids, help them take off their coats and boots, do presentations about the rules and GHS, lead tours, animal-related activities, etc. There was about 16 kids and you have a fellow employee and a volunteer to help. This job is manly working with kids, animal time typically falls on one of the Critter Camp leaders and its minimal interaction. You get lots of room to take initiative and personalize the schedule of activities for the day. Great boss, super friendly. They have guest speakers come in for hour long presentations.

Training was quick and thorough. Not much to learn. Note that the contract jobs are an unnecessary amount of paperwork (LOTS), and when the contract is up, they give you a record of employment. But when a new job comes up, they offer the previous employees a chance to get hired. 

Hardest part = long hours (full-time), not a lot of animal interaction, never really catch a break (still work will eating lunch), LOTS of cleaning
Best part = always new animals coming in, great boss, the campers keep it lively

Honestly, the Guelph Humane Society is a community leader in Animal Welfare. The leadership team in both management and directors are always striving to improving practices and care deeply about their staff. Any time I needed support, all I needed to do was ask and time was made for me. Management was very transparent in all decisions made, just needed to ask. 

As an animal shelter, there are obviously hard days but the fact that animal's lives and well-being are always the top priority, makes it all worth while. Maturity and professionalism are a must when working in that type of environment. 

There are many rescues and humane societies in Ontario but there's none that come even remotely close to the animal welfare standards and community support that GHS offers. 

Highly recommend working there!


This is a not-for-profit, so expect to be paid minimum wage or just a little above that. That being said most jobs at this shelter can be extremely rewarding, your hard work and determination can literally make the difference in an animals life. There are some of the most dedicated and hard working, compassionate and loving people at this place, but there are also some of the most narcissistic out of touch with reality management.

A lot of employees are left feeling under-valued and overworked which leads to huge turn over rates and burnout. I recommend for anyone taking a job here to make sure you are informed on policies regarding animal care at this shelter, as each humane society is individual and policies are not the same amongst them all. 


It was a good work environment. The employees are very nice and the best part was spending time with the animals that were taken, given up, or reported because they were lost. 

Volunteering here was really cool and the animals are so fun and absolutely love all the love they get from volunteers and employees.
I do think the small animals (rabbits, rats, mice, etc) should get more attention then what I seen them get which was as little as non when I was there and I usually went 2 hours everyday so I think other than the small animals not getting the attention they deserve then that this is a really great place

the life of anyone who works in a humane society is not quiet or simple or slow or easy! even the people who work the front desk get hit with mutipul kinds of negitivity, having no say in the matter, no matter what has happend ect...

we work with animals for the good of their lives and ours hearts.

i lasted 5 and half years, i will trsure them always.

its a hard life and we Love/Hate at all times.
 animal care is my passion still to this day
i will always be greatful for the chance i was given.

It was great to work there, you get to treat and feed cats and dogs, as well as any other pets that are present at the time. It is a fun and caring environment, where all volunteers are helpful of each other when around. The orientation prepares you for most of the challenges you'll be facing, and the staff is very helpful and approachable.

I looked forward to volunteering there everyday. Got to work with animals as I have always wanted to do. Went home everyday knowing I made a difference in the animals life and also gave back to my community. My co-workers were the best and at that time management was the best too. Enjoyed this time there very much.

I loved being a volunteer and getting stay felines used to people. The management and my co-workers were all amazing and were only there to help. Super Nice place to work.

The Guelph Humane Society is a nice place that has great people working there that really care about the animals that come through. Everyone is very kind, devoted and ready to help all types on animals.

Working at Guelph Humane Society: company overview and reviews

Guelph Humane Society

Guelph Humane Society ratings

Salary satisfaction

Job seeker tools

Employer Tools

Browse

Stay Connected