Volunteering with the Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS) offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of animals in need. By dedicating your time and care, you’ll help provide a loving environment for animals awaiting their forever homes. Each moment you spend supporting LAPS contributes to their well-being and happiness, fostering a brighter future for countless furry friends.
Your compassion and effort can transform lives, making every day a step closer to finding these deserving animals the loving homes they’ve been dreaming of. Join us in creating a community where every animal feels valued and cherished.
Age limits:
13 years to 18 years - can volunteer with cats only, with a parent/guardian in attendance for the training and all shifts.
18+ years - can volunteer alone and with both dogs and cats.
Time Commitment:
You will be assigned a 2 hour shift, that aligns with your availability, that you will attend every week. We ask for a 6 months minimum commitment.
For group or corporate day volunteer opportunities, please email us directly:
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with LAPS! We are thrilled that you’re considering joining our dedicated team to help the vulnerable animals of Langley.
Please note, you must be 18 years of age or older to volunteer at LAPS without a parent in attendance. If you'd like to volunteer with a parent, you must be at least 13 years of age.
How It Works:
1.Submit an application – Let us know about your interests and availability by clicking the button below. If you're between 13 and 17 years of age, both parent and child must submit separate applications.
2. We review your application – Our team will go over your submission to find the best fit.
3. Attend a volunteer orientation – When our next orientation evening is scheduled, we’ll reach out to get you signed up - OR, if your availability is what we're in need of immediately, we may send you the orientation to review online.
4. Start volunteering! – If/ when a weekly shift becomes available for your preferred activity that fits your schedule, we’ll bring you in for training—and then you’re off and running! (Note: this can take some time depending on your availability).
Volunteers like you make an incredible difference in the lives of our shelter animals, and we truly appreciate your willingness to help. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We can’t wait to welcome you to the LAPS family!
Please include your interests in your application so we can be sure to offer you a shift that suits you best!
Our Volunteer Kennel Cleaning Assistant is a behind-the-scenes hero who helps keep our shelter dogs healthy, comfortable, and feeling safe. With just 2 hours a week at the LAPS Shelter in Langley, you’ll support daily care by keeping kennels spotless and sanitary—working alongside our Animal Care Attendants to create a calm, clean space where dogs can rest and recover while they wait for their next chapter.
Keep dog kennels clean, dry, and comfortable through daily and deeper cleaning routines
Follow established sanitation and safety protocols to protect both people and pets
Work collaboratively with LAPS staff (Volunteer Coordinator + ACAs) to maintain a safe environment
Do hands-on, active tasks (lifting up to ~20 lbs, scrubbing, bending, standing)
Our program has four levels and training is provided in shelter through classroom and buddy training. LAPS Dog Walking Volunteers give shelter dogs something priceless: safe, one-on-one time outside their kennel—sniffing, exploring, and decompressing with a caring human. Following LAPS’ dog-walking framework helps keep everyone safe while providing the physical and mental stimulation that supports confidence, reduces stress, and can improve adoptability.
Provide structured, level-appropriate walks using LAPS protocols (you’ll be assigned dogs that match your training level)
Use safe walking practices: one dog at a time, maintain space from other dogs, and follow trail rules (leashed, one-way walking, etc.)
Handle equipment properly (harness/collar/leash) and practice secure leash handling
Walk with a radio + treats and use positive reinforcement while reading dog body language
Report incidents promptly by completing an Observation Report (context + body language details)
Our Cat Care Volunteers are the steady, gentle hands that keep our shelter cats comfortable, healthy, and emotionally supported every single day. This role is all about creating a clean, calm environment—fresh food and water, tidy litter boxes, cozy bedding—and then spending time socializing and enriching cats and kittens so they stay confident, connected, and adoptable while they wait for home.
Support daily cat wellness through feeding, fresh water, litter box care, and tidying cat spaces
Follow health protocols like hand hygiene between rooms to help prevent illness spread
Prep and sanitize supplies/carts and help with dishes, laundry items, and toy rotation as needed
Provide socialization and enrichment time with cats and kittens after care tasks are complete
Monitor and report concerns to Animal Care Attendants
Our Cat Enrichment Volunteers help shelter cats feel safe, seen, and loved—through simple, meaningful moments like playtime, gentle cuddles, brushing, or even just quietly sitting with them. This role supports cats’ emotional wellbeing and confidence while they wait for home, and it’s one of the most heart-forward ways to make an immediate difference in their day.
Provide calm, positive enrichment through play, grooming, petting/cuddling, catnip, and treat-based engagement
Follow health and safety protocols like hand hygiene between cat rooms and checking updates (e.g., Staff Only cats)
Watch for and report concerns to Animal Care Attendants
Complete the Cat Enrichment log for each cat to support consistent care and communication
Help with light tidying only as needed (spot clean, swap bedding, rotate toys, restock supplies)
Our Shelter Assistant Volunteers help keep LAPS running smoothly by making the shelter clean, organized, and welcoming for both animals and the people caring for them. This is a hands-on, behind-the-scenes role—laundry, dishes, light cleaning, tidying, and general upkeep—that directly supports daily operations without needing to handle animals.
Help with laundry and organization: fold/put away towels & blankets, beds, mop heads, and toys
Support safe shelter hygiene by washing and disinfecting dishes and hard toys using LAPS protocols
Assist with litter box cleaning/sanitizing and proper storage of clean boxes
Do general upkeep: sweeping, windows, walls/baseboards, and tidying as needed
Pitch in where needed: donation sorting, event prep, yard cleanup, and checking in with Animal Care Attendants for priority tasks
Our Volunteer Reception Assistants are the warm, steady welcome at LAPS—helping create a friendly, organized front desk where community members feel supported and animals get the care they need. This role supports daily reception and admin tasks, helps with adoptions and lost & found reports, and strengthens community programs like our Pet Food Bank through donation organization and distribution.
Greet visitors and provide excellent customer service at the shelter front desk
Complete assigned data entry and support admin tasks like filing and records updates
Support adoptions with post-adoption tasks, Adoption Kits, and follow-up calls
Help with lost & found pet reports and maintain accurate records
Assist with Pet Food Bank donations (organizing, recording, distributing) and public supply donations
Our Volunteer Donation Coordinator helps turn community generosity into real, daily support for animals—and for families working hard to keep their pets. By sorting, organizing, and tracking donated supplies (food, blankets, toys, towels, cleaning items), this role keeps our donation flow running smoothly and ensures surplus items get shared with trusted local partners who can use them right away.
Sort, categorize, and store incoming donations (pet food, blankets, toys, towels, cleaning supplies)
Maintain a clean, organized donation area so supplies stay accessible for staff and clients
Coordinate redistribution of surplus supplies to community partners (e.g., Kim’s Angels, Langley Food Bank, Critter Care, Penny Pinchers)
Keep accurate records of items received and distributed (quantity/type/date + where items went)
Transport excess donations as needed (valid BC driver’s license + vehicle required; lifting up to ~25 lbs)
Our Veterinary Transport Volunteer – is a true lifeline for animals in our care—making sure cats and dogs get to vital vet appointments safely, calmly, and on time. By transporting animals from the Patti Dale Animal Shelter in Aldergrove to LAPS' partner veterinarians in Langley, you help ensure timely medical care and better outcomes—one trip at a time.
Safely transport assigned cats and dogs between the shelter and partner vet clinics in Langley
Follow strict safety protocols: animals must be secured in carriers/crates, never transported loose, and never left unattended in a vehicle
Handle clinic check-in/out, confirm appointment details, and communicate updates back to LAPS staff
Maintain a clean, sanitized transport setup (carriers, blankets/towels, seat covers as needed)
Typical schedule is drop-off ~8:30am and pick-up ~4:30pm (varies); may help with emergencies or occasional extra transport tasks when available
Our Grounds Maintenance Volunteers help keep the LAPS shelter property safe, welcoming, and beautiful for the animals, visitors, and staff who rely on it every day. From mowing and trimming to keeping the trail clear and gardens cared for, this role makes an immediate, visible difference—and all tools and materials are supplied.
Mow lawns and trim back overgrowth to keep outdoor areas tidy and accessible
Keep the trail cleared and safe by removing debris and managing seasonal buildup
Tend gardens and potted plants with basic watering and care as needed
Do seasonal cleanup like leaf blowing, gutter cleaning, and general yard tidying
Support curb appeal with outside window cleaning and light exterior upkeep
Our Repair Volunteer is the go-to “resident handy human” who helps keep the Patti Dale Animal Shelter running smoothly. This as-needed role supports staff by fixing small issues as they pop up—everything from quick equipment repairs to assembling furniture—so the team can stay focused on caring for animals. No set shift, just meaningful help when it’s needed most.
Be on-call as needed (no set weekly shift) to help with small repairs and fixes
Tackle general equipment repairs and light maintenance tasks around the shelter
Assemble furniture and help with basic setup needs (shelving, small fixtures, etc.)
Troubleshoot minor issues and communicate what you fixed (or what may need a pro)
Use shelter-supplied tools/materials when available and follow safety-first practices