Students from Ancaster High and Bishop Tonnos are taking the volunteer challenge and making some furry new friends along the way.

To commemorate national volunteer week, students Hannah Hong, Sadif Ali, Emily Beaton, Colin Whyte and Alix Nikulka spent time at the SPCA of Hamilton and Burlington. Students walked dogs and visited some of the cats currently available for adoption at the SPCA's east mountain facility.

Hannah Hong, a Grade 11 student at Bishop Tonnos, recently started volunteering at the SPCA and encouraged her friends to join. She said the experience is ideal for animal lovers.

"They're cute and really friendly," Hannah said, describing the various dogs and cats at the shelter. "You get so attached to them. They're like people."

The volunteer experience was facilitated by Michael Gustar, manager of volunteer resources for Volunteer Hamilton. The non-profit organization helps groups like the SPCA attract and retain volunteers.

Through the Ontario Youth Challenge, an initiative of the provincial Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, students are encouraged to volunteer and share their experience on Facebook.

Mr. Gustar, a former volunteer manager at the Hamilton SPCA, said Hamilton has an estimated 180,000 volunteers who contribute an average of 150 hours each year.

But current trends indicate there could be a lack of volunteers among the baby boom population, Mr. Gustar said.

"There is a fear that (the numbers) could be going down," he said. "The only way to combat that is by engaging youth."

By using Facebook, and joining the Ontario Youth Challenge group, students can find out about different volunteer opportunities and find something that's right for them, Mr. Gustar explained.

Glorina White, manager of adoptions and animal care for the Hamilton-Burlington SPCA, said the shelter typically cares for about 80 dogs and 150 to 200 cats.

Last year, the organization secured 2,400 adoptions, up from an estimated 1,400 in 2003.

Ms. White estimates adoptions for the first four months of 2008 have jumped 35 per cent from last year. The average stay for a kitten is four days and about two weeks for an adult cat.

The SPCA accepts animals surrendered by their owners or rescued from neglect and abuse. Animals are never euthanized, except under extreme circumstances.

"We're one of the few organizations that promises a loving home," Ms. White said.

She credits improved public awareness for the shelter's rising adoption numbers.

As the SPCA continues to take in more animals, volunteers are needed to walk dogs, tend to cats and assist with day to day operations. The Hamilton-Burlington SPCA has an apprentice training program for youth 13 to 15 and a junior humane club for children seven to 12.

To inquire about volunteer opportunities, call 905-574-7722 or visit www.hamiltonspca.com.