Volunteering with the RSPCA QLD

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:

Get ready for an adventure that combines your passion for animals with hands-on experience and learning. Although it can get a little messy and smelly at times, the joy you'll feel is immeasurable. From cuddling cute kittens to playing fetch with playful pups, you'll be immersed in a world of furry friends. Whether it's rain or shine, summer or winter, you'll be out there making tails wag and hearts happy.

What are the Benefits?

• Plenty of quality time with lots of animals.
• An amazing opportunity to learn about the care and health requirements of our furry companions.
• Unleash your inner child and enjoy playtime and interactions with the animals in our care.
• Develop valuable skills and gain insights into the animal care industry.
• Become part of our warm and friendly community, where every wag and purr counts.
  
  

As a volunteer, you'll be an essential part of our team, with hands-on responsibilities that include:

• Giving the animals' pens a fresh start each day by cleaning up, replacing bedding, and ensuring everything is spick and span.
• Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment, because happy animals mean happy volunteers!
• Helping to keep our Animal Care Campus in tip-top shape, making it a welcoming haven for our furry residents.
• Taking our four-legged friends for a stroll around the campus, providing them with much-needed enrichment and exercise.
• Embrace your playful side by spending time with all our animals and facilitating social interactions with other animals, toys, and fellow humans.
• Handling laundry duties, ensuring that our animal friends have clean and cozy bedding.

Skills and Characteristics We're Looking For:

• Confidence in working with domestic animals or a willingness to learn more about animal care in a shelter setting.
• An ability to handle increased noise levels like a pro.
• Independence is key! We need volunteers who can work autonomously and take initiative.
• Physical fitness is a must! You should be able to lift up to 10kg and stand for extended periods.
• Attention to detail is crucial, as you'll be following instructions to ensure the well-being of our furry friends.
• Teamwork makes the dream work! Enjoy working collaboratively in a supportive environment.
• Excellent communication skills will help you connect with both animals and fellow volunteers.
• Show your dedication and hard work, as you'll be joining our passionate RSPCA team.

When Can You Join the Fun?

We have shifts either morning shifts, or afternoon shifts available Monday - Sunday with either our purr-fect Cats or our paw-some Dogs.
To ensure consistency and make a lasting impact, we kindly request a minimum commitment of one four-hour shift per week. Don't worry if you're new to this—our team will provide you with orientation and training on animal interaction, training, and husbandry.

Please note that due to our limited capacity as a smaller animal care center, vacancies are limited. Apply now to secure your spot!

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. Our Bundaberg Op Shop might also be an option to meet your obligations.

RSPCA BUNDABERG ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY AS WELL. IF THIS IS SOMETHING YOU ARE INTERESTED IN, PLEASE NOTE IN YOUR APPLICATION.

Need More Info?

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

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 Bundaberg, 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?

• Opportunity to further develop skills and experience in administration and customer service.
• Experience 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 customer enquiries.
• Assisting staff with adoptions, surrenders and boarding bookings.
• Various data entry tasks.
• Ensuring the reception waiting area is kept clean and tidy at all times.
• Other duties office duties as required.

What skills and characteristics do I need?

• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
  Confident, friendly nature and positive in meeting new people and making them feel welcome
• Prepared to be involved in some delicate and sometimes challenging situations
  Reliable, with the ability to work independently , take initiative and multitask
• Computer literate with a good knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
  Willingness to learn handling techniques and housing requirements for incoming animals

When can I volunteer?

Our current available shifts are:

• Wednesday and Thursday 10am -2pm or 10am - 5pm. 

• We request a minimum commitment of 1 x shift per week for a minimum of 3 months. 

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

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 are the benefits?

• Gain an understanding of a well-respected charity and be able to share this knowledge with others in order to help animals, enlighten people and change lives.
  

What skills and characteristics do I need?

• Gardening, handyperson or maintenance experience. When applying please highlight what part of the role you are interested in doing.
• Reliable, punctual, organised and professional.
• Able to work as a team member and individually.
• Need to be physically fit with the ability to lift 10kg when required.
  
  

When can I volunteer?

• This is a flexible role, Monday – Friday

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

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:

• 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.
• Assistance with ensuring the Adoption Centre environment is presentable, and general tidying up.
• Providing enrichment to the animals under your care by walking them around the campus
• Playing and spending time with all animals and providing them opportunities to interact with other animals, toys and people where appropriate.
• Undertake 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.
• 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
• Be able to work independently
• Be physically fit (able to lift 10kg) and able to stand for long periods
• Attention to detail and able to accurately follow instructions
• Enjoy working in a team environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Hard working and committed to the RSPCA

When can I volunteer?

• Monday to Saturday 8:00am – 12pm or 12pm – 4pm 
• Sundays 10am - 2pm

We request a minimum commitment of 1 x four hour shift per week for a minimum of 3 months to ensure consistency and continuity with the animals.   Orientation and training in relation to animal interaction, training and husbandry will be provided.

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 the Rockhampton Op Shop on 07 3637 0040 or volunteering@rspcaqld.org.au, or apply via the link above.

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

What are the tasks?

The position involves transporting wildlife and domestic patients as required and includes:

• Significant driving around the greater Brisbane/Gold Coast/Sunshine coast area, using an RSPCA vehicle.
• Transporting animals between animal care centres
• Collecting and transporting animals from vet clinics back to animal care centres

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 are looking for drivers who can volunteer on a regular basis, and those who can do on-call driving.
• 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
• We request a minimum commitment of one shift per week for a minimum of 3 months.  Orientation and animal training will be provided

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

For further information, please contact our Brisbane Volunteer Coordinator on 3426 9915 or volunteering@rspcaqld.org.au, or fill in the application above. 

What to expect

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 are the benefits?

• Gain an understanding of a well-respected charity and be able to share this knowledge with others in order to help animals, enlighten people and change lives.

What skills and characteristics do I need?

• Gardening, handyperson or maintenance experience. When applying please highlight what part of the role you are interested in doing.
• Reliable, punctual, organised and professional.
• Able to work as a team member and individually.
• Need to be physically fit with the ability to lift 10kg when required.

When can I volunteer?

• This is a flexible role, Monday – Sunday 8.30am - 5pm.
• We ask for a weekly commitment of one shift a week for a minimum of 3 months.

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

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; people who wish to experience hands-on work with native animals and want to learn about the care and health requirements for future work in the industry.  This is a great opportunity for people who want to help the RSPCA rehabilitate animals and send them back to their natural habitat. You will be outside in winter and summer weather and sometimes driving in the challenging conditions Queensland can offer, but the reward is knowing you are making a difference to the quality of life of all the native animals in our care. Applicants must be over 25 years old.

What are the benefits?

• Opportunity to gain new skills and learn about our Australian wildlife
• Increased awareness of our native wildlife and the issues they face
• Native animal handling and identification skills
• Becoming part of a friendly new community

What are the tasks?

The position involves transporting wildlife patients as required and includes:

• Significant driving around the greater Brisbane/Gold Coast/Sunshine coast area, using an RSPCA vehicle.
• Collecting and transporting animals from vet clinics back to the Wacol wildlife hospital, or delivering animals to vet clinics for collection by carers.
• Releasing wildlife 
• Liaising with registered wildlife carers and delivering animals along with the relevant paperwork and medications to them.
• Educating members of the public about wildlife species when releasing them or when generally interacting with the public at the wildlife hospital.
• In between driving jobs if required, assist with sweeping and mopping floors, removing rubbish, washing animals’ water and food bowls, replacing food and water.
• Transferring animals between Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, Australia Zoo and the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital
• Communication with RSPCA Wildlife Hospital Staff
• Taking bins full of soiled linen/towels/bedding to the laundry and collecting clean bedding/towels etc to take back to the hospital.
• Undertake 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.

What skills and characteristics do I need?

• Confidence in working with a variety of animals, including reptiles
• Willingness to learn, wildlife knowledge or experience an advantage
• A clean driver’s licence is required, and the ability to use GPS to navigate to unfamiliar places
• Be physically fit (able to lift 10kg) and comfortable in a wide variety of outdoor situations
• Attention to detail and able to accurately follow instructions
• Enjoy working in a team environment
• Able to be flexible and adaptable
• Excellent communication skills

When can I volunteer?

We currently have the below vacancies:

• Friday: 12pm-4pm or 1pm-5pm
• Saturday:4pm-8pm
• Sunday: 8am-12pm or 1pm-5pm

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 four hour shift per week for a minimum of 3 months.  Orientation and animal training will be 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

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?

• Opportunity to gain skills and experience with various administration responsibilities and further develop your customer service skills
• Experience in the day to day operations of a busy Wildlife veterinary clinic, including the opportunity to get an up-close look at a wide range of species from common animals to endangered species
• Learning more about Australian wildlife, including learning species ID techniques and natural behaviours
• Being part of a team of enthusiastic, hardworking individuals who will support you in learning new skills

What are the tasks?

• Greeting members of the public and registered wildlife carers as they bring animals into the hospital
• Recording the details of incoming and outgoing animals
• Assisting staff with animal handling as required
• Ensuring the reception waiting area and consult rooms are kept clean and tidy at all times
• Liaising with wildlife carers regarding the placement of injured/juvenile animals, birds and reptiles
• Answering general telephone enquiries from wildlife carers
• Other data entry tasks and general duties as required
• Assisting in other areas of the hospital if reception tasks are up to date

What skills and characteristics do I need?

• Reception volunteers must be over 18 years of age
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
  Confident, friendly nature and positive in meeting new people and making them feel welcome
• Prepared to be involved in some delicate and sometimes challenging situations
  Reliable, with the ability to work independently, take initiative and multitask
• Computer literate with a good knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
  Willingness to learn handling techniques and housing requirements for incoming animals

When can I volunteer?

We currently have the below shifts available only:

• Thursday: 4pm-8pm or 5pm-10pm
• Friday: 4pm-8pm or 5pm-10pm
• Saturday: 12:30pm-5pm
• Sunday: 4pm-8pm or 5pm-10pm

Orientation and animal training will be required.

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

There are a number of vacancies available in our busy Wildlife Hospital with various shifts across week days and weekends.  This position would suit applicants that have an interest in our native wildlife and a commitment to learn about the daily care required for them; are dedicated to improving their welfare and would like to gain exposure to a native animal hospital environment. Applicants will be involved with cleaning and the daily care of native wildlife (eg birds, possums, lizards and turtles) that are currently in care. In line with wild animal rehabilitation practices, please note that handling of wildlife will be minimal.

These can be challenging roles as you may be faced with situations where animals are sick, uncomfortable or in pain.  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!

Please note: we are unable to offer placements for Vet nursing students; please contact your course provider.

What are the benefits?

• Close encounters with native Australian wildlife!
• Learning about native wildlife and domestic bird care and husbandry
• Opportunity to gain new skills and learn about the vet care industry
• Becoming part of a friendly new community

What are the tasks?

• Providing enrichment for domestic birds
• The daily cleaning of animal enclosures which involves removing used leaf and food, plus soiled newspaper and towels, and replacing with fresh supplies
• Assist with stock control and re-stocking of supplies where appropriate.
• Sweeping and mopping floors, removing rubbish, washing animals’ water and food bowls, replacing food and water.
• Hygiene control – this is critical as a shelter environment is a high-risk area for diseases, some of which are communicable to humans or your own pets.  This means ensuring appropriate sanitisation and hand-washing after handling animals or enclosures, use of appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, etc, to prevent disease and avoid cross contamination.  
• Assistance with ensuring the hosptial environment and reception area is presentable, and general tidying up.
• Taking bins of soiled towels to the laundry and collecting clean towels etc to take back to your area.
• Undertake 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.
• Occasional minimal animal handling involved 

What skills and characteristics do I need?

• Confidence in working with animals
• Resilience – you will see and be required to care for animals with various illnesses or injuries and this can be confronting and upsetting
• Be able to work independently
• Be physically fit (able to lift 10kg) and able to stand for long periods
• Attention to detail and able to accurately follow instructions
• Enjoy working in a team environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Hard working and committed to the RSPCA

When can I volunteer?

• We currently have the following vacancies:
  • Tuesday - 12pm-4pm
  • Friday - 12pm-4pm
  • Saturday - 12pm-4pm
  • Sunday - 12pm-4pm
• Orientation and animal training will be provided.

If you could please specify in your application which shift you would ideally like to have, that would be much appreciated. 

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

Calling all wildlife enthusiasts and animal lovers!

Join our incredible team and embark on a rewarding adventure with Australia's native wildlife. If you're passionate about their well-being and eager to learn about their daily care, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Gain exposure to our native animal rehabilitation centre and make a real difference in the lives of our furry friends!

What to expect:

• Immerse yourself in the captivating world of native wildlife care.
• Embrace the challenge of caring for animals who may be sick or in discomfort.
• We understand it can be emotional, but the reward is priceless—you'll be making a positive impact on their lives and your own!
• Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer placements for Vet nursing students. Please reach out to your course provider for alternative opportunities.

Benefits that will make your heart flutter:

• Up-close encounters with adorable native Australian wildlife!
• Learn invaluable skills in native wildlife care and husbandry.
• Explore the fascinating field of veterinary care.
• Become part of a friendly and supportive community that shares your passion.

Tasks that will make you feel like a wildlife superhero:

• Prepare delicious meals and provide enriching activities for our animal pals.
• Keep their enclosures squeaky clean.
• Channel your inner cleanliness guru—sweep, mop, and banish rubbish.
• Master hygiene control and follow sanitization protocols diligently.
• Help maintain a presentable clinic environment and reception area.
• Be a laundry legend—wash, fold, and collect clean bedding and towels.
• Assist with stock control and ensure supplies are always in check.

Skills and characteristics that will make you a superstar:

• Be confident or willing to learn about working with native wildlife in a rehabilitation centre.
• Show your independent spirit—we believe in your ability to shine.
• Flex those muscles! Physically fit individuals who can lift 10kg.
• Pay attention to the smallest details and follow instructions flawlessly.
• Enjoy working in a team environment and unleash your excellent communication skills.
• Roll up your sleeves and show us your dedication to the RSPCA's mission.

When can you make a difference?

We offer a range of shifts from Monday to Sunday. Our current roles we need to fill urgently are:

Dawn Shift (6:30am – 10:30am) Tuesdays and Fridays
Morning Shift (8:30am – 12:30pm) Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays
Midday Shift (10:00am – 2:00pm) Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Afternoon Shift (1:30pm – 5:30pm) Thursdays and Saturdays

Don't worry—we'll provide orientation and training in animal interaction, training, and husbandry.

Please remember: An up-to-date Tetanus vaccination is mandatory before handling animals at the RSPCA.

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

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 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?

• Opportunity to gain skills and experience with various administration responsibilities and further develop your customer service skills
• Experience in the day to day operations of a busy Wildlife veterinary clinic, including the opportunity to get an up-close look at a wide range of species from common animals to endangered species
• Learning more about Australian wildlife, including learning species ID techniques and natural behaviours
• Being part of a team of enthusiastic, hardworking individuals who will support you in learning new skills

What are the tasks?

• Greeting members of the public and registered wildlife carers as they bring animals into the hospital
• Recording the details of incoming and outgoing animals
• Assisting staff with animal handling as required
• Ensuring the reception waiting area and consult rooms are kept clean and tidy at all times
• Liaising with wildlife carers regarding the placement of injured/juvenile animals, birds and reptiles
• Answering general telephone enquiries from wildlife carers
• Other data entry tasks and general duties as required
• Assisting in other areas of the hospital if reception tasks are up to date

What skills and characteristics do I need?

• Excellent communication and customer service skills
  Confident, friendly nature and positive in meeting new people and making them feel welcome
• Prepared to be involved in some delicate and sometimes challenging situations
  Reliable, with the ability to work independently, take initiative and multitask
• Computer literate with a good knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
  Willingness to learn handling techniques and housing requirements for incoming animals

When can I volunteer?

Mornings 8am-12pm: Saturdays and Sundays

Afternoons12-4pm: Saturdays and Sundays

There is a lot to learn in this role so we request a minimum commitment of 1 x shift per week for a minimum of 3 months. Orientation and animal training will be required.

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