BCSPCA

Small Animal Enrichment Support

This role supports rabbits and other small animals in the behaviour program by providing enrichment and stress-reduction activities that improve their overall wellbeing. Volunteers prepare and deliver enrichment, lead calming interactions, and document how each activity supports the animal’s quality of life.

Responsibilities

Volunteers provide enrichment and enhance animal welfare through activities designed to support behavioural health and wellbeing. The role includes leading stress-reduction activities, preparing and delivering enrichment for the animals, and documenting whether enrichment strategies are effective.

Requirements & Training

Volunteers must be 19 years of age or older and must already be trained as a Level 1 Behaviour Support Volunteer. Completion of the enrichment training module is required, along with task-specific sign-off by an Animal Behaviour Specialist or designate. Applicants should have experience handling small animals and be able to follow detailed instructions consistently.

Volunteers must be comfortable working with animals showing fear, stress, and/or uncertainty. Strong observational skills and an understanding of animal body language are essential. Volunteers should also be in philosophical harmony with the BC SPCA’s mission, vision, values, and strategic directions.

Volunteering Conditions

The role may require lifting and moving supplies, equipment, or animals and therefore may require physical strength and stamina. Many duties involve extended periods of standing and walking, particularly when interacting with animals or the public.

Working directly with animals may involve low-stress handling and care, requiring patience and attention to detail. Volunteers must adhere to safety protocols that protect both themselves and the animals, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary.

Potential hazards include bites, scratches, and exposure to zoonotic diseases. Training is provided to help volunteers understand and minimize these risks.

Time Commitment

Approximately two hours of online training is required before entering the volunteer program. Volunteers are expected to complete a weekly two-hour shift.

Animal centres often prefer volunteers who can commit for an extended period to provide stability and continuity for the animals and the centre. A minimum commitment of three months is required, although four to six months is considered ideal.

Benefits of Volunteering

This role provides an opportunity to apply existing animal care skills in an advanced position while learning advanced low-stress animal-handling techniques. Volunteers support animals on behaviour modification plans, work directly with small animals, and contribute to the BC SPCA’s mission of protecting vulnerable animals.

Questions?

Email volunteers@spca.bc.ca

Mission

Protecting vulnerable animals and mobilizing communities so animals and people thrive together.