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Cairns
Volunteer at our Cairns Shelter and Experience the Joy of Making a Pawsitive Difference!
At RSPCA Qld, we offer a range of volunteer roles that put you right at the heart of animal care.
From hands-on work with dogs & cats to helping behind the scenes, there’s something for everyone.
These roles are rewarding - but they’re not all cuddles! Keeping animals happy and healthy means plenty of cleaning and physical work. Rain or shine, weekday or public holiday, we need dedicated volunteers every single day.
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and make an impact, check out our current vacancies and apply today!
RSPCA CAIRNS IS URGENTLY SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR MONDAYS & FRIDAYS.
At present, we are unable to accommodate volunteers who require the support of a support worker due to current program capacity.
General Interests
Administration Assistant & Receptionist | Cairns
What to expect
This rewarding role would suit applicants who are passionate about animal welfare, are outgoing and enjoy meeting new people, and have great computer and administration skills. In this role you will provide vital help to all creatures great and small by being the ‘face’ of the RSPCA Cairns, greeting people as they bring animals in, entering critical data onto the RSPCA systems, answering telephone calls and other general administrative tasks as required.
Please note: In this role, you will be the first point of call for members of the public, staff and volunteers bringing in injured animals. As such you will need to possess a certain level of resilience when handling these situations.
What are the benefits?
🏢 Experience hands‑on involvement in the day‑to‑day operations of a busy animal shelter
🤝 Being part of a team of enthusiastic, hardworking individuals who make a difference in the lives of animals every day
What are the tasks?
📞 Answering phone calls and responding to customer enquiries
🐾 Assisting staff with adoptions, surrenders and boarding bookings
⌨️ Completing a variety of data entry tasks
🧹 Ensuring the reception waiting area is clean, tidy and welcoming at all times
📝 Undertaking other office duties as required
What skills and characteristics do I need?
😊 A confident, friendly and positive manner when meeting new people and making them feel welcome
🤍 Preparedness to be involved in delicate and occasionally challenging situations
✅ Reliable, with the ability to work independently, take initiative and multitask
💻 Computer literacy, including a good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
🐕 Willingness to learn animal handling techniques and housing requirements for incoming animals
When can I volunteer?
📅 Current available shift:
🕙 Monday to Sunday, 9am – 12:30pm and 12:30pm - 4pm
⏳ A minimum commitment of one shift per week for at least 3 months is requested
🎓 Full orientation and training is provided.
PLEASE NOTE: It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination.
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
Mackay
Sign up today to volunteer at our Mackay shelter!
At RSPCA Qld, we offer a range of volunteer roles that put you right at the heart of animal care.
From hands-on work with dogs & cats, to helping behind the scenes, there’s something for everyone.
These roles are rewarding - but they’re not all cuddles! Keeping animals happy and healthy means plenty of cleaning and physical work. Rain or shine, weekday or public holiday, we need dedicated volunteers every single day.
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and make an impact, check out our current vacancies and apply today!
RSPCA MACKAY ARE URGENTLY SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR ADMINISTRATION OR GARDENING & MAINTENANCE.
General Interests
Administration Assistant & Receptionist | Mackay
Welcome Wagging Tails and Happy Humans
If you are a friendly, welcoming, outgoing person who is passionate about supporting the RSPCA in finding animals their ‘forever’ homes, this rewarding volunteer position could be for you. As a Volunteer Administration Assistant, you are the ‘face’ of RSPCA, the first person people see when they visit the shelter. In this role, you are responsible for coordinating our very busy reception desk at the shelter; tasks include meeting and greeting customers, assisting with data entry, answering enquiries in person and by phone or email, typing in correspondence and other general office administration tasks.
What are the benefits?
🧑💼 Opportunity to further develop skills and experience in administration and customer service
🏢 Experience hands‑on involvement in the day‑to‑day operations of a busy animal shelter
🤝 Being part of a team of enthusiastic, hardworking individuals who make a difference in the lives of animals every day
What are the tasks?
👋 Greeting members of the public as they enter the shelter
📞 Answering phone calls and responding to customer enquiries
🐾 Assisting staff with adoptions, surrenders and boarding bookings
⌨️ Completing a variety of data entry tasks
🧹 Ensuring the reception waiting area is clean, tidy and welcoming at all times
📝 Undertaking other office duties as required
What skills and characteristics do I need?
🗣️ Excellent communication and customer service skills
😊 A confident, friendly and positive manner when meeting new people and making them feel welcome
🤍 Preparedness to be involved in delicate and occasionally challenging situations
✅ Reliable, with the ability to work independently, take initiative and multitask
💻 Computer literacy, including a good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
🐕 Willingness to learn animal handling techniques and housing requirements for incoming animals
When can I volunteer?
📅 Availability any days from Wednesday - Sunday between 10am - 2pm (flexible).
🕙 We request a minimum commitment of 1hr x shift per week for a minimum of 3 months to ensure consistency and continuity with the animals.
⏳ Full orientation and training is provided.
Important Reminders:
It is also a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up to date Tetanus vaccination.
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
Rescue
Answer the Call of Compassion: Unleash Your Heroic Spirit with RSPCA QLD's Inspectorate & Rescue Team!
Currently recruiting volunteers for Rescue Driving!
Embark on a heroic journey that will touch your soul!
Join our Inspectorate & Rescue team and become a lifeline for animals in need. In 2025 alone, a staggering 23,144 creatures received our life-saving assistance through our dedicated Rescue Units. Among them, an astonishing 77% were the magnificent treasures of Australian wildlife - our native birds, possums, koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies. As a Rescue Unit Driver or Rescue Unit Assistant volunteer, you'll be at the forefront of these daring missions, making a tangible impact on the lives of animals in distress.
If being out on the road and rescuing animals is appealing to you, the Rescue Unit Driver or Rescue Unit Assistant volunteer roles might suit you!
These roles are also perfectly suited to people who want to volunteer together, such as teaming up with a friend or partner.
At present, we are unable to accommodate volunteers who require the support of a support worker due to current program capacity.
Volunteer Positions Available
Rescue Support Volunteer Role | Wacol
Are you passionate about helping animals and want to make a real difference? Our Rescue Support Volunteer Role offers a unique opportunity to support RSPCA’s vital rescue operations across Queensland. From supporting the rescue team with coordinating rescue jobs to assisting with logistics, this role is perfect for those who thrive on variety and have skills to share.
Please note this role will be based at our Wacol Animal Care Campus.
Key Responsibilities
🗂️ Rescue Administration:
Managing rescue records, responding to enquiries, updating job details and compiling statistics
🚗 Logistics Support:
Coordinating vehicle servicing and repairs, maintaining rescue equipment, and assisting with inspections and inventory
🚨 Rescue Drivers & Assistants (Optional):
Providing transport support during emergencies and assisting with rescue operations when required
📞 Shift Coordination:
Following up on rescue jobs, sourcing external rescuers when needed, and assisting with job updates
📣 Project Support:
Creating training materials, contributing to awareness campaigns, researching service improvements, and updating citizen science databases
Why Volunteer With Us?
🧠 Build Valuable Skills:
Develop experience in administration, logistics, teamwork and animal rescue
🤝 Expand Your Network:
Connect with fellow animal lovers and industry professionals
🚀 Unlock Opportunities:
Gain experience that may lead to specialised roles or a career in animal welfare
🕒 Flexible Commitment:
Roles tailored to suit your availability, skills and interests
💬 Collaborative Environment:
Work closely with a passionate team of staff and volunteers
🎓 Learn & Grow:
Receive training in wildlife handling, RSPCA protocols and rescue operations
When Can You Volunteer?
📅 Shifts available seven days a week
🌞 Morning shift: 8:00am – 12:00pm
🌇 Afternoon shift: 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Whether you’re an animal lover looking for a rewarding way to give back or someone keen to support rescue efforts, this role offers something for everyone. Together, we can change lives – for animals and the people who care about them.
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.
Ready to Join Us?
Apply today! 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.
Toowoomba
Join the Fun and Make a Pawsitive Difference at our Toowoomba Animal Care Centre!
At RSPCA Qld, we offer a range of volunteer roles that put you right at the heart of animal care.
From hands-on work with dogs & cats, to helping behind the scenes, there’s something for everyone.
These roles are rewarding - but they’re not all cuddles! Keeping animals happy and healthy means plenty of cleaning and physical work. Rain or shine, weekday or public holiday, we need dedicated volunteers every single day.
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and make an impact, check out our current vacancies and apply today!
At present, we are unable to accommodate volunteers who require the support of a support worker due to current program capacity.
General Interests
Administration Assistant | Toowoomba
Be the Friendly Face of Animal Care!
What to expect
This rewarding role would suit applicants who are passionate about animal welfare, are outgoing and enjoy meeting new people, and have great computer and administration skills. In this role you will provide vital help to all creatures great and small by being the ‘face’ of the RSPCA Toowoomba, greeting people as they bring animals in, entering critical data onto the RSPCA systems, answering telephone calls and other general administrative tasks as required.
Please note: In this role, you will be the first point of call for members of the public, staff and volunteers bringing in injured animals. As such you will need to possess a certain level of resilience when handling these situations.
What are the benefits?
🏢 Experience hands‑on involvement in the day‑to‑day operations of a busy animal shelter
🤝 Being part of a team of enthusiastic, hardworking individuals who make a difference in the lives of animals every day
What are the tasks?
📞 Answering phone calls and responding to customer enquiries
🐾 Assisting staff with adoptions, surrenders and boarding bookings
⌨️ Completing a variety of data entry tasks
🧹 Ensuring the reception waiting area is clean, tidy and welcoming at all times
📝 Undertaking other office duties as required
What skills and characteristics do I need?
😊 A confident, friendly and positive manner when meeting new people and making them feel welcome
🤍 Preparedness to be involved in delicate and occasionally challenging situations
✅ Reliable, with the ability to work independently, take initiative and multitask
💻 Computer literacy, including a good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
🐕 Willingness to learn animal handling techniques and housing requirements for incoming animals
When can I volunteer?
Our current available shifts are:
📅 Saturday and Sunday 9:30am-3:00pm
🕙 The successful candidate may have to attend training during the week
⏳ We request a minimum commitment of 1 x shift per week for a minimum of 3 months.
Important Reminders:
PLEASE NOTE: It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination.
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
Wacol Animal Care Campus
Volunteer at our Wacol Shelter and Experience the Joy of Making a Pawsitive Difference!
At RSPCA Qld, we offer a range of volunteer roles that put you right at the heart of animal care. From hands-on work with dogs, cats, and farmyard friends to helping behind the scenes, there’s something for everyone.
These roles are rewarding—but they’re not all cuddles! Keeping animals happy and healthy means plenty of cleaning and physical work. Rain or shine, weekday or public holiday, we need dedicated volunteers every single day.
If you're keen to volunteer in an animal care role, please have a look at our current vacancies below and submit an application.
Due to high demand, our Volunteer roles are currently closed to new applications.
Please check back on this page regularly — we will reopen applications as soon as placements become available.
Please note we are unable to provide work experience or offer any student placements (exceptions being placements organised through university or tertiary programs).
Orientation dates are currently only being held on Mondays, due to staff constraints. We understand how this may affect your ability to begin volunteering and apologise that we can not open weekends up at this stage.
Animal Care & Shelter Support
Corporate Experience Day Volunteer | Wacol
RSPCA QLD Corporate Partnerships team are on the hunt for superstar volunteers to assist with the expanding Corporate Experience Program.
What to Expect
At RSPCA Queensland, we believe that humane education is the most powerful way to change people’s attitudes and behaviours towards animals. As a Corporate Experience Day Volunteer, you will work alongside our Partnerships Coordinator and assist participants with various tasks, such as creating enrichment for the animals and walking dogs.
Tasks:
- Assist in supervising corporate participants and facilitating different activities across the shelter.
- Liaise and communicate with the Corporate Experience Program Officer, as well as setting up and packing down the day.
- Collect animals from their pens and return them as required.
- Answer questions about animal welfare and the work done by the RSPCA, and actively promote RSPCA principles and ideas.
- Host hospital and/or campus tours if comfortable (not a necessity).
- Follow RSPCA philosophy of positive reinforcement with all animal interactions.
Skills and Characteristics Needed:
- Strong animal handling skills, preferably dog handling skills, level 2 if possible or willingness to obtain.
- Confidence in working with domestic animals and/or willingness to learn more about working with animals in a shelter situation.
- Willingness to learn about our partnerships program.
- Excellent communication skills (this is an essential requirement)
- Physical fitness (able to lift 10kg) and ability to stand for long periods.
- Ability to think on your feet and handle a variety of general enquiries and situations.
- A passion for animal welfare and education, with excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
If you are interested in this rewarding opportunity, please email partnerships@rspcaqld.org.au for further details.
When Can I Volunteer?
- We ask for a minimum commitment of one shift per week for at least three months.
- The weekly shifts are available between the hours of 8:15am - 4:30pm, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday.
- This role is located onsite at our Brisbane Animal Care Campus in Wacol.
How Can I Apply?
To apply, please complete the volunteer application form by clicking the 'fill in an application' button.
Please note, candidates may be asked to complete a short phone interview to discuss their experience and suitability for the role as part of the selection process.
Wildlife
Join us in making a wild difference!
Step into the heart of wildlife care at our RSPCA Qld Wildlife Hospital and discover an experience like no other. As a volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in supporting the daily operations that help injured and sick native animals get back to the wild where they belong.
From assisting with essential tasks to learning about the unique needs of our incredible wildlife, every shift offers something new. You’ll gain hands-on insight into animal care, work alongside passionate professionals, and see firsthand the impact your efforts make.
It’s not always easy—wildlife care can be challenging and fast-paced—but the reward is immense. Every animal you help is a life changed, and every moment spent here is a chance to grow your skills and make a real difference.
With flexible shifts and the opportunity to meet a variety of native species, this is your chance to turn compassion into action.
Ready to help us protect and care for Queensland’s wildlife? Apply today and be part of something truly wild!
At present, we are unable to accommodate volunteers who require the support of a support worker due to current program capacity.
Wildlife Opportunities
Wildlife Reception | Wacol
Help Us Welcome Every Wild Guest
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Currently we only have capacity for the following reception shifts:
Wednesdays 5pm - 10pm
Fridays 5pm - 10pm
Wednesdays 5pm - 10pm
What to expect
This rewarding role would suit applicants who are passionate about Australian wildlife and dedicated to improving their welfare, who are outgoing and enjoy meeting new people, and have great computer and administration skills. In this role you will provide vital help to all creatures great and small by being the ‘face’ of the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital, greeting people as they bring animals in, entering critical data onto the RSPCA systems, answering telephone calls from wildlife carers, local vet surgeries and other RSPCA departments, and other general administrative tasks as required.
Please note: In this role, you will be the first point of call for members of the public, staff and volunteers bringing in injured or deceased wildlife. As such you will need to possess a certain level of resilience when handling these situations.
What are the benefits?
🏥 Experience the day‑to‑day operations of a busy wildlife veterinary clinic
🦜 Enjoy up‑close exposure to a wide range of wildlife species, from common to endangered
📚 Learn more about Australian wildlife, including species identification and natural behaviours
🤝 Be part of a supportive team of enthusiastic, hardworking individuals who will help you grow and learn
What are the tasks?
📋 Record accurate details for incoming and outgoing animals
🐾 Assist staff with animal handling as required
🧹 Ensure reception waiting areas and consultation rooms are clean, tidy and welcoming at all times
📞 Liaise with wildlife carers regarding placement of injured or juvenile animals, birds and reptiles
☎️ Answer general telephone enquiries from wildlife carers
⌨️ Complete additional data entry tasks and administrative duties as required
🔄 Assist in other areas of the hospital when reception tasks are up to date
What skills and characteristics do I need?
🗣️ Excellent communication and customer service skills
😊 A confident, friendly and positive nature, making people feel welcome during difficult moments
🤍 Willingness to support people through delicate and sometimes challenging situations
✅ Reliable, with the ability to work independently, take initiative and multitask
💻 Computer literacy, including a sound working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
🐾 Willingness to learn animal handling techniques and housing requirements for incoming wildlife
When can I volunteer?
We currently have the below shifts available only:
- Mondays: 8am-12:30pm, 4pm-8pm or 5pm-10pm
- Fridays: 4pm-8pm or 5pm-10pm
- Saturdays: 8am-12:30pm, 12:30pm-5pm, 4pm-8pm or 5pm-10pm
- Sundays: 8am-12:30pm, 12:30pm-5pm, 4pm-8pm or 5pm-10pm
Orientation and animal training will be required.
Important Reminders:
It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up to date Tetanus vaccination.
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
