Volunteering with the RSPCA QLD

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:

As a vital part of our large organisation, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of over 50,000 animals each year. Your mission will involve safely transporting animals locally and regionally, as well as collecting donated food. Whether you're shuttling animals between campuses, rehoming centres, vet surgeries, or caring for wildlife, every trip will be an adventure filled with furry passengers. Don't worry, we'll provide you with all the necessary equipment, including an RSPCA vehicle, during your shift. Please note that drivers must have an open licence.

Benefits of Being on the Road:

📖 Gain a deeper understanding of RSPCA operations and our mission to protect and care for animals 
🤝 Join a friendly, supportive team while making a meaningful contribution to animal welfare 

As an RSPCA driver, you'll hit the road and tackle a variety of tasks, including:

🚐 Driving an RSPCA vehicle throughout the greater Bundaberg area while transporting animals safely 
🐕 Transporting animals between animal care centres, ensuring their comfort and wellbeing at all times 
🏥 Collecting and transferring animals from veterinary clinics back to animal care centres 

Skills and Characteristics We're Looking For:

😊 Courteous and considerate driving style to ensure smooth, low‑stress journeys for animals 
🚚 Confidence driving a large van and/or towing a trailer 
🗣️ Strong communication skills to coordinate effectively with RSPCA staff and volunteers 
🪪 A clean, manual open driver’s licence 
🏎️ Excellent driving skills and confidence navigating a range of traffic conditions 
🏋️ Physically fit and able to lift up to 10kg 
🐾 Confidence or willingness to assist with basic animal handling to ensure stress‑free transport 

When Can You Volunteer?

📆 We’re seeking drivers who can commit to regular shifts, as well as volunteers available for on‑call driving 
⏱️ Flexibility is essential, as trip lengths may vary due to traffic or weather conditions 
✅ A minimum commitment of one shift per week is required 
🎓 No experience? No problem—comprehensive orientation and animal handling training will be provided 

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

Plant, Prune, and Make a Difference

This rewarding volunteer role would suit applicants that wish to spend their spare time giving back to the local community and who enjoy being outdoors.
The role can vary in the type of work required. Jobs can include anything from general maintenance around the centre to working in the grounds doing mowing, whipper snipping, watering to keep our grounds looking good.

What to expect

🌞 A rewarding volunteer role suited to people who enjoy giving back to their local community and spending time outdoors 
🛠️ A varied role with tasks ranging from general maintenance around the centre to grounds work such as mowing, whipper snipping and watering to keep the grounds looking their best 

What are the benefits?

❤️ Gain an understanding of a well‑respected charity and be able to share this knowledge with others to help animals, educate the community and change lives 

What skills and characteristics do I need?

🌱 Gardening, handyperson or maintenance experience (please indicate which aspects of the role interest you when applying) 
✅ Reliable, punctual, organised and professional 
🤝 Able to work both independently and as part of a team 
🏋️ Physically fit with the ability to lift up to 10kg when required 

When can I volunteer?

📆 Flexible availability, Monday to Friday 
⏳ A commitment of one shift per week is requested 

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

Join the Fun and Make a Pawsitive Difference!

What to expect

If you are passionate about animals and animal welfare and looking for a unique and worthwhile way to contribute, this rewarding volunteer position could be for you.  

As a Volunteer Laundry and Donations Assistant, you are responsible for ensuring all areas of the shelter have clean linen, bedding, towels and anything else required to provide a clean and comfortable environment for our animals.  Whether it is an animal that has been subjected to abuse and cruelty, a stray or lost or recently surrendered animal, this role is truly pivotal to the effective operation of the shelter. Whilst this role is not the most exciting in comparison to some of the other roles available, it is essential.  In addition, part of this role also includes bringing appropriate items that have been donated from the donations area down to the laundry to be sorted and put neatly away so the stock is constantly replenished as damaged items are discarded.

What are the benefits?

What are the tasks?

What skills & characteristics do I need?

When can I volunteer?

Important Reminders:

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

For further information, please contact volunteering@rspcaqld.org.au, or fill out the application above.

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?

What are the tasks?

What skills and characteristics do I need?

When can I volunteer?

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 

Join the Fun and Make a Pawsitive Difference!

What to expect

If you are passionate about animals and animal welfare and looking for a unique and worthwhile way to contribute, this rewarding volunteer position could be for you.  

As a Volunteer Laundry and Donations Assistant, you are responsible for ensuring all areas of the shelter have clean linen, bedding, towels and anything else required to provide a clean and comfortable environment for our animals.  Whether it is an animal that has been subjected to abuse and cruelty, a stray or lost or recently surrendered animal, this role is truly pivotal to the effective operation of the shelter. Whilst this role is not the most exciting in comparison to some of the other roles available, it is essential.  In addition, part of this role also includes bringing appropriate items that have been donated from the donations area down to the laundry to be sorted and put neatly away so the stock is constantly replenished as damaged items are discarded.

What are the benefits?

What are the tasks?

What skills & characteristics do I need?

When can I volunteer?

Important Reminders:

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

If you're fulfilling mutual obligation requirements with Centrelink, let us know, and we'll work together to find the best opportunity for you. 

Need More Info?

For further information, please contact our Dakabin Volunteering Team at volunteering.dakabin@rspcaqld.org.au, or fill in the application above.

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 

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 or Recue Unit Assistant. 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.

Working from our Brisbane Animal Care Campus (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.  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 both Assistants to the Rescue Officers and Drivers (both roles require 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.

What are the benefits?

What are the tasks?

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

What skills and characteristics do I need?

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?

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.

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?

What are the tasks?

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

What skills and characteristics do I need?

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.

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 tasks?

The position is hands-on and includes:

What skills and characteristics do I need?

When can I volunteer?

CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE OPEN TO DRIVING TO OUR GRACEMERE LOCATION
If you have your driver's licence and are open to traveling to our Gracemere location to our dogs there, please note this on your application!

Important Reminders:

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

For further information, please contact the Rockhampton Shelter/Op Shop on 07 3637 0040 or volunteering@rspcaqld.org.au, or apply via the link 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?

😊 Courteous and considerate driving style
🗣️ Good communication skills
🪪 A clean, manual open driver’s licence
🚗 Sound driving skills and confidence managing traffic conditions
🏋️ Physically fit and able to lift up to 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.
🎓 Orientation and animal handling training will be provided

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

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?

What are the tasks?

What skills and characteristics do I need?

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 

What to expect

What are the tasks?

What skills and characteristics do I need?

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. Our training is extensive and highly detailed, with our team investing significant time to ensure you have all the knowledge and support you need. Because of this commitment, we’re looking for volunteers who are dedicated to continuing with us after training.

Where can I volunteer?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• You will be required to attend a trial shift before you commence with your regular weekly shift.
• Due to the nature of the work, you may occasionally overhear distressing calls or incidents. While volunteers do not handle these calls directly, they can occur within the call centre environment. Please consider this carefully when applying for the role.

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.

Help Us Welcome Every Wild Guest

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Currently we only have capacity for the following reception shifts:
Wednesdays 5pm - 10pm
Fridays 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?

What are the tasks?

What skills and characteristics do I need?

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

Answer the Call of the Wild!

What to expect

This rewarding volunteer role would suit applicants who are passionate about Australia’s native wildlife and are committed to improving their welfare. This is a great opportunity for people who want to help their local Wildlife. This program is available across Queensland and is flexible, allowing participants to help anywhere, anytime.

What are the benefits?

What are the tasks?

The position involves very basic rescuing and transporting injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife as required and includes:

What skills and characteristics do I need?

When can I volunteer?

Important Information:

• As an RSPCA Volunteer you can only attend to animals that have been tasked to you by RSPCA Staff and once you accept a job you will be required to regularly check in with RSPCA staff when out doing a job for your safety and to be covered by our insurances.
• It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination, and this will be your responsibility to obtain and keep up to date.
• If you do wildlife rescues already, please email us on the below email and we can add you to our rescue list so we can refer rescues to you or your organisation.

For further information, please contact our Wildlife Responder Coordinator via email on 1300animal@rspcaqld.org.au or fill in an application above.