Volunteering with the RSPCA QLD

What to expect

RSPCA Queensland are currently seeking volunteers who would like to be part of our Rescue Unit as a Volunteer Rescue Unit Driver. Rescue Unit Drivers form an integral part of our front line rescue team. RSPCA Qld have several Rescue Units  on the road in such areas as Brisbane, Logan, Gold Coast, Townsville, Toowoomba and Rockhampton.

RSPCA Qld provides a Volunteer Rescue Unit service in Toowoomba dedicated to rescue any sick, injured or orphaned animals in the Toowoomba Council area (in a vehicle that we provide with iPhone and iPad). You would be responsible for actioning jobs that come in via the Call Centre that are dispatched via the Rescue Unit. This shift works slightly different from our Wacol positions as the car stays in the Toowoomba area and is transferred between volunteers personal homes when it is your shift. It is a requirement that you live in the Toowoomba council area for this role. If you don’t, please consider our other roles.

Your duties in these situations would vary depending on your level of skill and experience. This is not your typical role volunteering at a shelter environment, as we need people who are independent and can be flexible to accommodate needs on a daily basis. An ability to deal constructively with stressful situations, and to remain calm in confronting situations, is of high importance.

We recruit only Drivers for the Toowoomba rescue unit(the role requires a valid QLD P2 drivers license and above).

Couples/friends are eligible to work together in this role with one being a Driver and the other an Assistant once training is completed.

We ask that all new Toowoomba Drivers attend the Wacol Campus (Brisbane) to do 2 x training shifts with our Rescue Officers to gain an insight into the Department and on the road training with a Rescue Officer, and 1 shift in Toowoomba, prior to commencing permanent shifts. 

What are the benefits?

• Assisting animals in need on the front line
• The opportunity to improve animal handling skills and gain knowledge of the how the RSPCA operates
• The opportunity to learn from RSPCA Rescue Unit Officers
• Increased awareness of our native wildlife and the issues they face
• The opportunity to make a difference and know you are keeping our animals comfortable
• Becoming part of a friendly team and community

What are the tasks?

The position involves transporting injured or unwell animals as required and includes:

• Locating, handling and rescuing injured or unwell animals
• Significant driving around the Toowoomba area using an RSPCA vehicle
• Collecting and transporting animals to vet clinics
• Liaising with veterinarians at clinics regarding the animals and delivering animals along with the relevant paperwork and medication

What skills and characteristics do I need?

• Have a valid and clean driver's license and the ability to use a GPS to navigate
• Good driving record
• Confidence or willingness to learn in handling a variety of animals
• Proficient in emails and sending and receiving photos via iPhone or iPad devices
• Committed and reliable
• Be physically fit (able to lift 10kg) and comfortable in a wide variety of outdoor situations
• Attention to detail for paperwork admissions, and able to accurately listen and follow instructions
• Enjoy working in a team environment
• Able to be flexible and adaptable
• Excellent communication skills

It is also important to mention that you will witness animals in distress that may sometimes be injured. The capacity to constructively deal with this both at the time and after the event is crucial. To help potential volunteers to fully understand the role requirements, we have created the Essential Capabilities of an RSPCA QLD Rescue Volunteer. 
Please read this before you apply to ensure you understand what we look for when reviewing applications. If an applicant is not able to meet these essential requirements, unfortunately, we are unable to progress their application any further. 

When can I volunteer?

• Shifts available: Monday - Sunday Day (7am-5pm) or Night (5pm-10pm) Please indicate your available days when applying.
• Please be aware that due to the nature of this role we ask you to be flexible to an extent with your shift time – it can be difficult to judge the length of a particular trip due to changeable traffic or weather conditions
• We request a minimum commitment of 1 x shift per fortnight for a minimum of 3 months. Orientation and animal training will be provided.

Important Reminders:

It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up to date Tetanus vaccination.

Due to the time involved in training new Volunteers to become Rescue Unit Drivers, we are looking for those who will be able to maintain their commitment ongoing and are reliable. All of our vehicles are automatic and we recruit volunteers who hold a Queensland Drivers Licence. 

If you have any questions about this role, please contact the Volunteer Ambulance Coordinator via email on: animalambulance@rspcaqld.org.au or fill in the application above.

Hit the Road and Be a Hero for Animals!

If you have a passion for animal welfare and a love for the open road, we have an exciting volunteer opportunity just for you! Join our team at RSPCA Qld as a driver and embark on a journey of compassion and impact. Get ready to transport adorable furry friends, both domestic and wild, and lend a helping hand in collecting donations. It's time to put the pedal to the metal and make a difference!

What to expect

If you are passionate about animal welfare and looking for a rewarding volunteer role then perhaps consider becoming a driver for RSPCA Qld.  Being a large organisation, responsible for the care of over 50,000 animals annually, we are looking for reliable individuals to help transport both domestic and wild animals locally and regionally, and help with other tasks, such as collecting donated food. 

Every day we need assistance moving animals between campuses, pounds facilities, rehoming centres, vet surgeries and carers. You would be provided with all the necessary equipment, including an RSPCA vehicle, during your shift.  Please note drivers must have an open licence.

What are the benefits?

• Gain a greater understanding of the RSPCA operations.
• Becoming part of a friendly new team and making a great contribution to the ability of the RSPCA to raise much needed funds and care for animals in need.

What are the tasks?

The position involves transporting wildlife and domestic patients as well as collecting donations and includes:

• Significant driving around the Toowoomba area, using an RSPCA vehicle.
• Travelling between Toowoomba shelter, vet clinics, pet barns, council and our Toowoomba Op Shop.

What skills and characteristics do I need?

• Be a courteous and considerate driver.
• Good communication skills.
• Hold a clean, manual open drivers license.
• Sound driving skills and the ability to cope in traffic.
• Physically fit and able to lift 10kg.
• Good animal handling skills.

When can I volunteer?

• We have a vacancy for Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 8:00am - 3:00pm. 
• Please be aware that due to the nature of this role we ask you to be flexible to an extent with your shift time – it can be difficult to judge the length of a particular trip due to changing traffic and weather conditions.

Important Reminders:

Please note: It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination.

For further information, please contact us at volunteering@rspcaqld.org.au

Join the Fun and Make a Pawsitive Difference!

Looking for a rewarding way to spend your time? Love animals and want to make a meaningful impact on their lives? Look no further! We have an exciting volunteer opportunity that's perfect for animal enthusiasts like you. Get ready for an amazing experience that will leave you with a wagging tail!

What to expect

This rewarding volunteer role would suit applicants that love animals and are committed to improving their welfare; people who wish to experience hands-on work with animals and want to learn about the care and health requirements for future work in the industry; and anyone looking for a worthwhile way to spend their time. It can be physically demanding and sometimes smelly, and you’ll be outside in winter and summer weather.  You might feel emotional about the animals you’re working with and may find this difficult, but ultimately the reward is that you’re making a huge, positive difference to their lives – and yours!

What are the benefits?

• Positively impacting the lives of many animals in care
• Animal handling experience with domestic animals including dogs, cats, puppies, kittens and also livestock (large and small), pocket pets and domestic birds
• Hands on training from our shelter team
• Opportunity to gain new skills and learn about the animal care industry
• Becoming part of a friendly and passionate new community

What are the tasks?

The Animal Care Assistant can be a very physical, hands-on volunteering role and every single task, no matter how big or small, makes a big difference to the animals in care. Although you do get time throughout the shift to interact with animals, a typical shift includes all of the below tasks:

• The daily cleaning of the animals' pens which involves removing dirty bedding, hosing or wiping out enclosures, sweeping and scooping up of poop, cleaning litter trays, and providing clean bedding and toys
• Hygiene control – ensuring appropriate sanitisation and hand-washing, and avoiding cross contamination – and ensuring that the animals remain stocked up with food, water, bedding and toys.
• Assisting with socialising, enrichment and exercise of animals in care - you will be trained by shelter staff before you can work independently with animals.
• Taking bins full of soiled linen/towels/bedding to the laundry and collecting clean bedding/towels etc to take back to your area.
• Assisting with general laundry duties as part of each shift, including loading dirty laundry into the machines, loading and/or taking clean washing out of the dryers, and folding all clean items.
• Assistance with ensuring the Animal Care Campus environment is presentable, and general tidying up.
• Following RSPCA philosophy of positive reinforcement with all animal interactions.

What skills and characteristics do I need?

• Confidence in working with domestic animals and/or willingness to learn more about how to work with animals in a shelter situation
• Able to cope with increased noise levels and have the ability to hear if an animals is in distress or giving warning signs of fear
• Be able to fulfil all of the above tasks independently
• Be physically fit (able to lift 10kg) and able to stand for long periods. This role can be very fast-paced, due to this our volunteers need to able to manage their own time effectively 
• A high level of manual dexterity with the ability to multitask
• Attention to detail and able to accurately follow instructions with the ability to comprehend these independently 
• Enjoy working in a team environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Hard working and committed to the RSPCA
  

To help potential volunteers to fully understand the role requirements, we have created the Essential Capabilities of an Animal Care Volunteer  document. Please read this before you apply to ensure you understand what we look for when reviewing applications. If an applicant is not able to meet these essential requirements, unfortunately, we are unable to progress their application any further.

When can I volunteer?

We are seeking reliable volunteers who will be able to commit to a minimum of 1 x four hour shift per week for a minimum of 3 months to ensure consistency and continuity with the animals. Due to the variety of animals we work with and the level of training involved, your first 3 months will be considered a probationary period. This is so we can ensure the role is a good fit for you and so we can ensure you feel confident with the tasks involved.

• Monday to Sunday Dog shifts (7.45am - 11:45am or 12:15pm - 4.30pm)
• Monday to Sunday Cat shifts (7.45am - 11:45am or 12:15pm - 4.30pm)
• Monday to Sunday Pocket Pet & Farmyard shifts (7:45am - 11:45am or 12:15pm - 4.30pm)

Please note - If you are applying for a role that involves working with Dogs or Cats, you will be required to attend a 'first day' training shift before you commence with your regular weekly shift. We currently run these training sessions every Tuesday and you will be automatically assigned to one of these once you confirm your onsite orientation date. 

Important Reminders:

Before handling animals at the RSPCA, please ensure you have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination. Safety first!

If you are ready to join the RSPCA Qld team, please click "Fill in an application" above. For further information, please contact us at volunteering@rspcaqld.org.au