Search Results
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.
If you're looking to complete hours for a Centrelink Agreement, please feel free to submit an application - we're happy to accommodate!
At present, we are unable to accommodate volunteers who require the support of a support worker due to current program capacity at this location.
Volunteer Orientations at this site are currently held on:
- Wednesday
- Saturday
General Interests
Gardener & Maintenance Assistant | Cairns
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
Op Shops & Retail
Ignite Change, Shop with Purpose, and Be a Hero!
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Looking for a fulfilling way to make a difference in the lives of animals? Our Op Shops and World For Pets stores are calling for passionate individuals like you to join our cause! By shopping, volunteering, or donating, you can become a hero for the animals we care for and support their well-being.
Volunteer Opportunities: Are you an animal enthusiast with a flair for retail, customer service, or simply want to be part of a fantastic team?
Join our Op Shop family as an Op Shop Assistant or Op Shop Driver Assistant. Make a tangible impact while gaining valuable experience and creating unforgettable moments. All of our current volunteer vacancies are linked below. Please have a look through and apply today!
Shop with Purpose: Discover amazing bargains and unique treasures while helping us raise crucial funds for over 50,000 animals we care for each year. Our Op Shops offer a wide range of clothing, homewares, accessories, and furniture. Your purchases directly support our mission of compassion.
Join the RSPCA movement today and be a catalyst for change! Click below to explore our Op Shop locations, discover volunteer opportunities, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of animals. Together, let's create a brighter future filled with love, compassion, and wagging tails.
Volunteer Positions Available
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.
Orientations are now being held online at this location.
Once you have been accepted into our program, you will be required to complete a series of online orientation modules. After finishing these modules, you will need to book an onsite Meet & Tour.
The Meet & Tour is approximately 1 hour and is currently held only on the following days:
- Mondays – 9am – 10am (Fortnightly)
Due to current staff shortages, we’re unfortunately unable to provide any other days at this time. Any new days we can provide, we will update this notice.
Volunteer Positions Available
Rescue Unit Driver and Assistant | Wacol/Brisbane
Are you passionate about helping animals and want to make a real difference? Our Rescue Volunteering Roles offer 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.
What to expect
RSPCA Queensland is seeking passionate volunteers to join our Rescue Unit as Drivers (going out independently) or Assistants (going out with a staff member). You’ll play a vital role in responding to animal rescue calls across Brisbane and beyond.
Based at our Brisbane Animal Care Campus, you’ll hit the road in an RSPCA vehicle (with iPhone and iPad provided) to assist animals in need. This is not your typical shelter role. We need independent, adaptable, reliable people who can stay calm under pressure, handle challenging situations, and love a drive.
We welcome drivers and assistants (both require a valid QLD P2 license in the 2nd year or higher). Friends or couples can volunteer together - one as a driver, the other as an assistant after training.
Help us make a real difference. Apply today and be part of the front-line saving lives!
Please note if you are applying for a Driver role, our fleet consists of larger vans, as shown in the photo above. Like all larger vehicles, these vans have blind spots and require more care to maneuver than a standard car. Applicants should therefore be comfortable and confident driving a vehicle of this size.
What are the benefits?
🐾 Opportunity to improve animal handling skills and gain a deeper understanding of how the RSPCA operates
🎓 Learn directly from experienced RSPCA Rescue Unit Officers
🦘 Increase awareness of native wildlife and the challenges they face
❤️ Make a meaningful difference by helping keep animals safe and comfortable
🤝 Become part of a friendly, supportive team and community
What are the tasks?
The position involves transporting injured or unwell animals as required and includes:
🗺️ Significant driving throughout the greater Brisbane area using an RSPCA vehicle
🏥 Collecting and transporting animals from veterinary clinics back to the Wacol Wildlife Hospital, or delivering animals to vet clinics for collection
👋 Interacting with members of the public while assisting animals or gathering additional information
What skills and characteristics do I need?
🐾 Confidence working with animals, or a willingness to learn to handle a variety of species
📱 Basic tech skills (emails, photos via iPhone/iPad)
✅ Reliable, committed, and physically fit (able to lift 10kg)
🔍 Strong attention to detail for paperwork and ability to accurately listen to and follow instructions
🤝 Enjoy working as part of a team
🔄 Flexible and adaptable to changing situations
🗣️ Excellent communication skills
- This role can sometimes be emotionally challenging. You may encounter animals in distressing or confronting conditions. Our mission is to help these animals in need and provide them with the care and support they deserve. Please keep this in mind when applying, as resilience and empathy are essential for this position.
- To help potential volunteers to fully understand the role requirements, we have created the Essential Capabilities of an RSPCA QLD Rescue Volunteer.
- It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up-to-date tetanus vaccination.
- Flexibility is important: Due to the nature of this role, shift lengths may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions
- A minimum commitment of one shift per fortnight for at least 3 months is required
- Full orientation and animal handling training will be provided
When can I volunteer?
Driver Assistants: Monday – Sunday (7am-3.05pm, 10am-6.05pm, 1pm-9.05pm)
Drivers: Monday – Sunday (7am-2.30pm, 3pm-9pm)
Shorter driver shifts: 8-12pm, 12pm-4pm, 4pm-8pm
Can be flexible to driver times and can be discussed at the time of applying
📝 Please indicate your available days and preferred shift times when applying
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.
Rescue Unit Driver | Toowoomba
Are you passionate about helping animals and want to make a real difference? Our Rescue Volunteering Roles offer 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 in Toowoomba and surrounds.
What to expect
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). 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.
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.
Please note if you are applying for a Driver role, our fleet consists of larger vans, as shown in the photo above. Like all larger vehicles, these vans have blind spots and require more care to maneuver than a standard car. Applicants should therefore be comfortable and confident driving a vehicle of this size.
What are the benefits?
🐾 Opportunity to improve animal handling skills and gain a deeper understanding of how the RSPCA operates
🎓 Learn directly from experienced RSPCA Rescue Unit Officers
🦘 Increase awareness of native wildlife and the challenges they face
❤️ Make a meaningful difference by helping keep animals safe and comfortable
🤝 Become part of a friendly, supportive team and community
What are the tasks?
The position involves transporting injured or unwell animals as required and includes:
🗺️ Significant driving throughout the greater Brisbane area using an RSPCA vehicle
🏥 Collecting and transporting animals from veterinary clinics, or delivering animals to vet clinics for collection
👋 Interacting with members of the public while assisting animals or gathering additional information
What skills and characteristics do I need?
🐾 Confidence working with animals, or a willingness to learn to handle a variety of species
📱 Basic tech skills (emails, photos via iPhone/iPad)
✅ Reliable, committed, and physically fit (able to lift 10kg)
🔍 Strong attention to detail for paperwork and ability to accurately listen to and follow instructions
🤝 Enjoy working as part of a team
🔄 Flexible and adaptable to changing situations
🗣️ Excellent communication skills
- This role can sometimes be emotionally challenging. You may encounter animals in distressing or confronting conditions. Our mission is to help these animals in need and provide them with the care and support they deserve. Please keep this in mind when applying, as resilience and empathy are essential for this position.
- To help potential volunteers to fully understand the role requirements, we have created the Essential Capabilities of an RSPCA QLD Rescue Volunteer.
- It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up-to-date tetanus vaccination.
- Flexibility is important: Due to the nature of this role, shift lengths may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions
- A minimum commitment of one shift per fortnight for at least 3 months is required
- Full orientation and animal handling training will be provided
When can I volunteer?
Shift times: Monday – Sunday 7am-3pm, 3pm-9pm
Can be flexible to driver times and can be discussed at the time of applying
📝 Please indicate your available days and preferred shift times when applying
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.
Rockhampton
Volunteer at our Rockhampton 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 sorting our generous donations, 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 ROCKHAMPTON ARE SEEKING VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE OPEN TO DRIVING TO OUR GRACEMERE LOCATION.
At present, we are unable to accommodate volunteers who require the support of a support worker due to current program capacity.
Animal Care & Animal Support roles
Animal Care Assistant | Rockhampton
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:
🧼 Hygiene control, including appropriate sanitisation and hand‑washing, preventing cross‑contamination, and ensuring animals have food, water, bedding and toys
🏡 Assisting with keeping the Adoption Centre clean, tidy and presentable
🚶 Providing enrichment by walking animals around the campus
🎾 Playing with and spending time with animals, supporting appropriate interaction with other animals, toys and people
🧺 Undertaking general laundry duties, including loading and unloading washing machines and dryers and folding clean items
❤️ Following RSPCA philosophy of positive reinforcement in all animal interactions
What skills and characteristics do I need?
🔊 Ability to cope with increased noise levels
✅ Ability to work independently and manage tasks autonomously
🏋️ Physically fit, able to lift up to 10kg and stand for long periods
🔍 Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately follow instructions
🤝 Enjoy working as part of a team
🗣️ Excellent communication skills
🔥 Hard‑working and committed to supporting the RSPCA
When can I volunteer?
📅 Monday to Saturday: 8:00am – 12:00pm or 12:00pm – 4:00pm
📅 Sunday: 10:00am – 2:00pm
🎓 Orientation and training in animal interaction, training and husbandry will be provided
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.
Wildlife Responders
Love Wildlife? Here's Your Chance to Make a Real Impact!
As a Wildlife Responder, you’ll be part of a passionate network helping injured, sick, or orphaned native animals get the care they need.
This flexible volunteer role lets you assist in your local area anytime, anywhere by transporting animals to safety and supporting simple rescues. It’s a hands-on way to protect Queensland’s wildlife and connect with your community while learning valuable skills.
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.
Volunteer Positions Available
Wildlife Responder
Answer the Call of the Wild!
Passionate about Australia’s native wildlife? Join our Wildlife Rescue network and make a real difference. This flexible role lets you help anywhere, anytime across Queensland.
What are the benefits?
💚 Ability to help your local wildlife
🌱 Connection with your local wildlife and community
🤝 Be part of a passionate rescue network
What are the tasks?
🦘 Wildlife Reunites: Help reunite juvenile animals with their parents
🌿 Community Engagement: Represent RSPCA QLD and provide advice & education to the public when appropriate
What skills and characteristics do I need?
🐾 Confidence around wildlife and/or willingness to learn
🗣️ Excellent communication and calm under pressure
🛡️ Commitment to safety, RSPCA guidelines, and what we stand for
💉 Up‑to‑date tetanus vaccination
When can I volunteer?
🌱 A great option to fit volunteering around your lifestyle while making a meaningful impact in your community
Important Information:
This role can sometimes be emotionally challenging. You may encounter animals in distressing or confronting conditions. Our mission is to help these animals in need and provide them with the care and support they deserve. Please keep this in mind when applying, as resilience and empathy are essential for this position.
Ready to make a difference?
For more information or to apply, email 1300animal@rspcaqld.org.au or complete the application form above.
