Join Our Team

A career with HBSPCA is a joint commitment to our business and our animals. We champion innovative programs across our community, and we're always moving fast.

We're looking for strategic thinkers, animal lovers, and get-it-done teammates, to help us build the next decade of our Animal Welfare Charity.

We have a staunch commitment to ensure that we always prioritize pets first, aiming to deliver unrivalled care for both owned and unowned animals. 



Your passion and commitment to our shared cause will rejuvenate our mission daily. We look forward to learning more about you through the application process.

Warm Regards, 

ceo sign
John Gerrard
President & Chief Executive Officer

We're Currently Looking For...

Position: Humane Education Program Coordinator (1 Year Contract)

Hours: Full-Time Sunday thru Saturday Schedule (Up to 40 Hours), Evenings and Weekends will be required
Location: 245 Dartnall Road / Various Community Locations
Date Posted: November 11th, 2024
Date Closes: December 15th, 2024
Salary Range: $40K to $45K

The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA) is always Pet First. The HBSPCA is a leader in animal welfare in the Golden Horseshoe and one of Ontario’s most progressive animal welfare agencies. Our aspiration is keeping pets and their people together. Since 1887, we've advanced the humane treatment of animals through innovative and collaborative education, services, and partnerships. Our diverse programs support over one million animal interactions annually and provide vital resources to ensure the well-being of animals and their families in our community. We take care of animals because they take care of us. Join in at www.hbspca.com.

The HBSPCA is a not-for-profit animal welfare organization largely supported by donors and friends of the animals. Relations with donors are of top importance; donors make miracles happen every day for animals in the community and in care.

The Position


The Humane Education Program Coordinator is a new and pivotal role within our team. This is a hands-on position where you'll work closely with volunteers, manage scheduling, and ensure our presence and brand representation at each event. You'll be the driving force behind flawless execution of our programs, working with stakeholders to make a lasting impact in the community. This multifaceted role involves developing, implementing, and facilitating a variety of community programs for children, youth, adults, and seniors, including our beloved Pet Visiting Program, field trips to the HBSPCA, Pet First Aid courses, and more. This position reports to the Humane Education Manager.

This job is right for you if:

  • You are a strategic problem solver who enjoys tackling challenges and developing solutions.
  • You are naturally curious, innovative, and continuously seek ways to improve processes and outcomes.
  • You are creative and energetic, eager to bring new ideas and solutions to grow current and new programs.
  • You are friendly and professional with excellent customer service skills, comfortable with giving presentations and public speaking.
  • You are pet-first and humane-focused, aligning with the vision, mission, values, and strategic directions of the HBSPCA.
  • You are energetic and love working with people. Your enthusiasm inspires those around you, and you thrive in interactive settings.
  • You have experience working with children and animals, and are skilled in creating digital content.
  • Organization is your passion, and flawless execution is your output. You take pride in meticulous planning and delivering exceptional results.
  • You enjoy working hands-on with volunteers and stakeholders. Building relationships and collaborating with others comes naturally to you.
  • You love to plan and see projects through from conception to completion.
  • You want to grow within the organization, embracing new opportunities for professional development.
  • You are creative and energetic, eager to bring new ideas and solutions to grow current and new programs.

As the successful candidate, you will bring your “can do” attitude to fulfill the following responsibilities:


Position Responsibilities Include:

  • Implement, and facilitate community programs for various age groups, including the Pet Visiting Program, Animal Yoga at the HBSPCA, Pet First Aid Courses, Birthday Parties, Field Trips, and more.
  • Coordinate schedules and client engagement with the customer, internal staff, and external partners.
  • Collect, report, and analyze program data to assess effectiveness and impact.
  • Engage with community members and stakeholders to expand program outreach and participation.
  • Train and supervise program volunteers, ensuring a high standard of delivery.
  • Work collaboratively with internal and external parties from diverse backgrounds in a positive and respectful manner.
  • Handle department administration and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • Relevant field or equivalent work experience.
  • Proven experience as a program coordinator and/or facilitator.
  • Experience working with and handling animals is an asset.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with experience speaking to groups of 5-30 people.
  • Demonstrated critical thinking skills and adaptability to changing priorities.
  • Passionate about humane education and community engagement.
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
  • Must be willing to complete a criminal background check.
  • Competent computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and Teams.
  • Knowledge of the Ontario curriculum and principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion is an asset.
  • Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive fleet vehicle is an asset.

The HBSPCA offers:

  • Paid vacation
  • Professional development
  • Extended health care benefits
  • A pension plan with matching contributions

What We Offer

  • An Impactful Role: Be part of a passionate team committed to enhancing the lives of animals and the community, using your skills to teach the next generation of animal advocates.
  • A Chance to Drive Change: The opportunity to make a tangible impact on the organization’s future, working creatively to build relationships that drive our mission forward.
  • Collaboration & Growth: Work closely with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who share a love for animals and a drive to make a difference.
If you are passionate about applying your knowledge, skills, and experience to make a tremendous difference in our organization and expand your career growth, then this role is for you! Please send your letter of interest, resume, and your available start date in confidence to careers@hbspca.com.


The HBSPCA is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, as well as individuals of all abilities. Should you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact us at careers@hbspca.com or 905-574-7722.

We thank all applicants for applying; however, only qualified candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Do you dream about working in shelter medicine and dabbling in outreach? Love the idea of working in a multi-shelter environment supporting homeless and owned pets? Does it excite you to make a difference in their lives? Our Registered Veterinary Technician role might be exactly what you’re looking for!

Who You Are


·You’re outgoing and energetic.

·You’re an animal AND people advocate.

· You thrive when you’re helping animals but are a natural talent in customer service

· You like to dive into your role and support your team however possible

·You’re not afraid to get messy, know how to handle that ferocious feral cat, and can wrap a surgery pack like nobody can

· Your favorite part of the day is surgery (or administering medications, or vaccinating a dog, or trying to figure out if that rabbit really is fixed)

· You are a medical triage champ and are cool as a cucumber doing it

· You are a whiz at animal handling (including those spicy kittens!)

· You think giving IV fluids or placing urinary catheters is THE best, and waiting for bloodwork results is the highlight of the day

· You are prepared and understanding that we can see hard things every day, but focus on the incredible lives we impact long the way

· You thrive in a fast-paced environment, and can excel at any challenge thrown your way – multi-tasking? Easy! Prioritizing tasks? You can do it in your sleep. Adapt to change well? Absolutely! Time management skills? You were born with them!

· You work best when collaborating in a team with volunteers and staff

· You are a self-starter who is innovative and team oriented

· You are highly organized – your to-do lists are a work of art

What You'll Be Doing


·Performing daily rounds of all animals to identify any medical or behavioral concerns

·Medication administration, vaccination and microchipping as required

·Assisting the veterinarian on daily medical rounds and administering prescribed treatments

·Wellness examinations of new intakes, basic recheck examinations

·Triage of any emergency or urgent patients to ensure timely medical treatment is provided

·Anesthesia and post-operative care of all surgical patients

·Medical care of any hospitalized patients in clinic, including IV fluids, urinary catheters

· Inhouse laboratory work including urinalysis, fecal testing and cytology (bloodwork sent off site)

·Working with foster families, PAWS, shelter staff and volunteers

·Supporting clinic volunteers in their training and duties, as well as engaging and building relationships with them

·Fostering relationships with colleagues, volunteers, customers

·Other duties as required

Qualifications

·Diploma or Degree from a Veterinary Technology or Veterinary Technician program and in good standing with the OAVT.

·Ability to build effective relationships with staff, volunteers, customers, and community partners.

·Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.

·Excellent interpersonal skills to manage varying behaviors of staff, customers, and contacts.

·Compassionate and humane treatment of animals, both on and off the job.

·Ability to function effectively under stress and ambiguity and accept direction.

·Organizational skills to manage time and multiple duties.

·Capability to handle multiple priorities and deliver timely results.

·Willingness to work weekends and meet center requirements.

·Proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Word, and basic office equipment.

Working at HBSPCA

· We are a growing team of animal lovers

· We get things done at a fast pace, and love tackling new and exciting ideas

· We believe in empowering people – we want to empower you to do your job and watch you lead your team

· We do best when collaborating, and it’s important that everyone’s voice is heard

The Perks

·Hourly wage $25-$27 depending on years of experience

·Comprehensive health and dental benefits

·Annual OAVT Renewal Fee

·Employee Assistance Program

·Access to staff pet food program (discounted retail prices)

·Access to staff veterinary services program

· An environment always filled with adorable animals

·Annual Scrub allowance

The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA) is a leader in animal welfare in the Golden Horseshoe and oneof Ontario’s most progressive animal welfare agencies. Our aspiration is keeping pets and their people together. Service to community supports pet parents, delivers early intervention for pet health and wellness where pet families live, and is guided by the benefits of the human animal bond.

The HBSPCA is a not-for-profit animal welfare organization largely supported by donors and friends of the animals. Relations with donors are of top importance; donors make miracles happen every day for animals in the community and in care.

The Position

The Major & Planned Giving Officer is a new role within the organization. The Major & Planned Giving Officer is a self-starter, excellent communicator and is sophisticated and diplomatic when dealing with existing and new donors in our community and abroad. The Major and Planned Giving Officer assists in planning and implementing activities to meet the long-term goal of building HBSPCA planned gifts, as well as raising current support for operations. The Major and Planned Giving Officer meets with donors and prospects to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward planned and major gifts, working as part of a collaborative team across the Giving Division. This position reports to the Director of Individual Giving. As much time as possible is expected to be spent visiting with, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors and prospects.

You will work with third party organizations like lawyers, funeral homes, estate professionals as the lowhanging lead generation opportunities. You recognize that prospecting is both corporate and individual. The compensation is $60K to $70K.

This job is right for you if...

·       You enjoy researching and prospecting.

·       You enjoy meeting people one on one.

·       You enjoy listening to our stakeholders needs and wants, can translate those into outcomes.

·       You enjoy developing relationships with current and new donors.

·       You enjoy the opportunity to demonstrate your leadership and strength directly by your success in numbers and value.

·       You have exceptional organizational and prioritization skills with high attention to detail.

·       You are an idea person, creative and responsive.

·       You are able to work with your peers and other departments to understand their needs and match or build related partnership funding models.

Responsibilities

·       Identify with the Director of Data, Privacy & Architecture a portfolio of potential donors to cultivate and steward along with new and ongoing identified prospects.

·       Lead the development and implementation of a leadership circle of cause champions and higher $2,500. + annual gift donors

·       Identify the potential of a HBSPCA endowment fund.

·       Identify and build a Potential Campaign (i.e. Inspired by you Campaign)

·       Manage a portfolio of up too 150 major and planned giving prospects and donors to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward supporters, including:

o   Planned giving prospects and donors to secure and formalize their planned gifts and to deepen their relationships with HBSPCA.

o   Potential and current major gift and restricted gift donors to support current operations.

·       Conduct face to face visits with Legacy prospects and major planned gift prospects – approximately 50% planned giving, 50% major donors.

·       Develop written proposals, illustrations, gift agreements, renewal letters, and other donorcommunications.

·       Develop strategies and execute marketing plans to promote planned gifts among HBSPCA constituents through mail, surveys, on-air spots, web, e-mail, and print media.

·       Participate in major and planned gift donor events for HBSPCA, including planning, execution, and speaking roles, as required.

·       Serve as the lead of HBSPCA Major & Planned Giving Team and larger Giving Team, including participating in planning meetings, retreats, task forces, and as liaison to HBSPCA content areas.

·       Document donor contacts in donor management / Raisers Edge system following established protocols.

·       Provide regular reports on prospect management and fundraising results.

·       Regularly travel to serve donors across Hamilton and occasionally travel provincially.

·       Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

·       Must be a team player

·       Proven problem solver abilities

·       Strong ability to listen and observe

·       Ability to build partnerships and successful pitch documents

·       Must have a valid driver’s license

·       Employment conditional on ability to work around pet companions

·       Comfortable speaking/presenting in front of groups of people

·       Enjoys working with all types of pets

·       Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

·       Proficient in Microsoft Office and related programs

·       Ability to work independently or part of a team.

·       You want to grow within the organization

The HBSPCA offers paid vacation, pet discounts, and extended health care benefits.

The HBSPCA is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, as well as individuals of all abilities. Should you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact the shelter.

We thank all applicants for applying, however, only qualified candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Calling All Animal Lovers, Photographers, and Videographers!
Become HBSPCA's Pet Storyteller & Visual Communications Lead – Create compelling stories to help pets find their forever homes!

Are you passionate about animals and creative storytelling through both photography and videography?
The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA) is seeking a Pet Storyteller & Visual Communications Lead – a visionary who can capture the essence of our animals, creating beautiful stories through images and videos that inspire people to adopt and care for pets in need.

Why This Role Matters


Powerful imagery and storytelling have the potential to save lives. Just last month, Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) broke a 48-year adoption record using captivating photos and videos. Now, we’re looking to do the same at HBSPCA, elevating how we showcase our animals and improving their chances of adoption.

Who We Are Looking For


We’re seeking a creative and passionate individual who can use both their camera and video equipment to tell the heartwarming stories of our animals. The Pet Storyteller & Visual Communications Lead will have the unique role of developing a compelling visual narrative through both photography and videography, helping potential adopters connect with our animals before they even step foot in the shelter.

You are:

  • A Creative Storyteller: You craft compelling visual stories that show the personality and soul of each animal through stunning images and engaging videos.
  • A Skilled Videographer & Photographer: You capture animals’ playful sides and their journeys to find a home, making every frame count.
  • A Visual Strategist: You align your work with the broader communications strategy, ensuring the visuals serve the goal of improving adoptions and engaging the community.
  • Patient & Compassionate: You understand that some animals may need extra time, patience, and love to come out of their shell for that perfect moment.
  • Collaborative & Inspiring: You work well with a diverse team, inspiring volunteers and staff, and coordinating with marketing for a unified storytelling approach.

What You'll Do

  • Photograph and Film Animals: Capture still images and videos that showcase the best features and personalities of each animal, helping tell their unique stories.
  • Create Engaging Visual Content for Campaigns: Develop visual content for social media, websites, newsletters, and other digital platforms to drive adoptions and community involvement.
  • Produce Compelling Videos: Tell the story of our animals through heartwarming videos that highlight their journeys and provide insight into their personalities for potential adopters.
  • Mentor & Train Volunteers and Staff: Share your skills with volunteers and team members to grow the shelter’s visual storytelling capacity, improving photography and videography techniques.
  • Visual Brand Development: Work with the team to maintain a consistent visual brand across all content, driving engagement and positive perceptions of the HBSPCA.

Preferred Skills & Experience

  • Experience in both photography and videography, with a focus on animals, wildlife, or action.
  • Proficiency in photo and video editing software to create high-quality, emotionally compelling content.
  • Leadership skills to drive visual storytelling efforts and collaborate across teams.
  • Knowledge of equipment ranging from smartphones to professional cameras, with the ability to adapt to different visual content needs.

Why Join HBSPCA?


As the Pet Storyteller & Visual Communications Lead, your work will directly influence adoption rates and the lives of our shelter animals. Your creativity will spotlight each pet’s unique journey, helping them find loving homes and making a positive impact on animal welfare in our community.

Apply Today!


If you’re passionate about storytelling through photography and videography, and ready to make a difference in the lives of shelter animals, we want to hear from you!

Please send your resume, portfolio (including both photo and video work), and a brief statement on what inspires your storytelling. Join us in making every pet’s story one that ends with a happily-ever-after!

Salary: $55K - 75K
Submit Resume and Photography Portfolio to: Careers@hbspca.com

Join Our Team as the HBSPCA's Community Animal Control Leader!


Help us expand our TNVR Services for our Community.

We are excited to announce a new full-time, flexible hourly position at the HBSPCA: Community Animal Control Leader, focusing on feral cats and their welfare. This role is specifically designed to support the HBSPCA’s leadership in Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) programming. As the primary organization in the region providing community animal welfare services for over 137 years, we are committed to reducing feral cat overpopulation humanely and effectively.


As a Community Animal Control Leader, you will work closely with the TNVR Manager and the Director of Animal Services to manage feral cat populations, ensure public safety, and educate the community on compassionate animal control. You will play an essential role in the ongoing success of the HBSPCA’s TNVR program, helping to reduce overpopulation and improve the welfare of feral cats.

Responsibilities & Duties

  • Full-time focus on feral cats through the implementation and management of the HBSPCA's TNVR program.
  • Set humane traps in areas identified for feral cat management, checking them regularly to ensure timely care and treatment.
  • Coordinate spay/neuter, vaccination, and return of feral cats to their colonies, ensuring compliance with TNVR best practices.
  • Educate and assist community members with TNVR efforts, promoting responsible colony management and humane care for feral cats.
  • Maintain accurate records of cats trapped, treated, and returned, contributing to the organization’s long-term impact data.
  • Work closely with veterinarians and shelter staff to ensure feral cats receive necessary medical care.
  • Respond to urgent calls regarding feral cats in distress or situations requiring immediate attention.
  • Ensure all equipment is maintained in good working order, including traps and transport cages.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Animal Services and TNVR Manager on public education initiatives and community outreach.
  • Assist with the development of strategies and reports related to feral cat population control, contributing to the ongoing growth of HBSPCA’s TNVR program.

Qualifications & Skills

  • Experience in animal control, TNVR, or related field, with a strong focus on feral cat management.
  • Knowledge of humane trapping techniques and best practices in TNVR.
  • Strong understanding of local, provincial, and federal animal control laws pertaining to feral cats and companion animals.
  • Excellent communication and public outreach skills, with a focus on education and community engagement.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with shelter staff and volunteers.
  • Physical stamina and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
  • Certification in animal handling or TNVR management is preferred.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; additional qualifications in animal welfare or behavior are a plus.
  • Valid driver’s license and flexibility to travel locally for trapping and community outreach.

Why Join the HBSPCA?

  • Be part of a pioneering team dedicated to reducing feral cat overpopulation and improving community animal welfare.
  • Gain professional experience in the leading TNVR program in the region.
  • Work with a compassionate and skilled team that has been dedicated to animal welfare for over 137 years.
  • Enjoy flexible full-time hours as part of a dynamic and growing organization.

Reporting to:


TNVR Manager and Director of Animal Services.

If you're passionate about improving the lives of feral cats and contributing to a humane approach to animal control, apply now to join the HBSPCA team!

How to Apply:


If you’re ready to help HBSPCA bring our TNVR vision to life, we want to hear from you! Please send your resume, cover letter, and any community references to us.

Salary: $55 - 75K

Submit Resume and any Trapping Experience to: careers@hbspca.com

It takes a lot of heart to make a difference. You can help.