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Unleash your passion for animal welfare and be the catalyst for change!
Join the RSPCA in their mission to make a real difference in the lives of animals. With a range of engaging volunteer opportunities, you can be part of their community and education initiatives that shape hearts, minds, and behaviours. Your contribution will fuel the RSPCA's vital work, touching countless lives.
Step into the spotlight as you assist in community action days and deliver captivating presentations to schools and community groups. Share the vital message of responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, igniting a spark of empathy and compassion in young minds.
Experience the power of collective action as RSPCA rallies local communities through proactive People & Pets activations, creating thriving animal welfare networks. Embark on education visits to schools and communities, leaving an indelible mark on hearts and minds.
Together, let's transform communities into beacons of compassion and build a future where every animal receives the love and care they deserve.
Volunteer with the RSPCA and ignite change in the world, one paw at a time!
If you are interested in becoming a part of a team of passionate people making a proactive and positive difference in your community, please click one of the available roles below to join the team.
Together we change lives!
At present, we are unable to accommodate volunteers who require a support person due to current program capacity at this location.
Volunteer Positions Available
Volunteer Education Assistant
Share Knowledge, Inspire Change!
Unleash your passion for animal welfare and be the catalyst for change! Join the RSPCA in their mission to make a real difference in the lives of animals. With a range of engaging volunteer opportunities, you can be part of their community education initiatives that shape hearts, minds, and behaviours. Your contribution will fuel the RSPCA's vital work, touching countless lives.
Join us as a Volunteer Education Assistant! Step into the spotlight and deliver captivating presentations to schools and early learning centres. Share the vital message of responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, igniting a spark of empathy and compassion in young minds.
Or experience the power of delivering our on-campus Youth 4 Paws program that engages young people at risk of involvement in the Youth Justice system, aimed at sparking human-animal connection and a passion for animal welfare.
Together, let's transform communities into beacons of compassion and build a future where every animal receives the love and care they deserve.
Volunteer with the RSPCA and ignite change in the world, one paw at a time!
At RSPCA Queensland, we believe in the power of education to inspire kindness and respect towards animals, people, and our environment. As a Volunteer Educator, you'll play a crucial role in spreading this message of empathy and compassion.
What to Expect
What are the Benefits?
🎤 Presentation Skills: Enhance your public speaking and presentation skills while delivering engaging talks on animal welfare. Develop skills in engaging with students of varying ages and working in the classroom
🤝 Community Engagement: Gain insight into RSPCA's vital role in our community as part of our education team
💚 Fulfillment: Experience the satisfaction of knowing you're helping animals well into the future by creating a welfare‑conscious generation
What Skills and Characteristics Do I Need?
🐶 Passion for Animal Welfare: A genuine love for animals and a commitment to promoting their well‑being
🗣️ Effective Communication: Good public speaking skills and the ability to connect with diverse audiences, particularly children and young people
🗓️ Flexibility: Willingness to adapt to varying schedules and locations, with shifts primarily on weekdays during school hours. Although we don't always have shifts every week, this role suits someone who wants to stay involved in the work we do but can't commit to a regular weekly shift
💻 Access to Resources: Basic computer skills and access to necessary transportation for travel to different locations
📋 Commitment to Policies: Adherence to RSPCA policies and procedures, including obtaining and maintaining a valid Blue Card.
When Can I Volunteer?
Shifts are typically scheduled between Monday and Friday, fitting around school hours and booking requests – you tell us when you can help, and we will find classes in those windows!
Where Can I Volunteer?
🌏 Statewide Connection: While we currently only deliver education programs in the Brisbane region, we’re hoping to reach out to schools and early learning centres across Queensland to encourage passionate individuals from any community to volunteer
📍 Priority Locations: We are particularly seeking volunteers in Brisbane, Logan, Moreton Bay, Toowoomba, Mackay, Gympie, Noosa, Bundaberg, Cairns and Townsville who can deliver our programs independently. Our Youth 4 Paws program is delivered on campus at Wacol.
What Training and Support Do We Offer?
📚 Comprehensive Training: We provide full training for every presentation, ensuring you feel confident, supported, and well‑prepared for your role. All lessons follow a structured lesson plan aligned with the national curriculum
🌱 Support & Development: Our supportive team works with your individual strengths and preferences, offering opportunities for growth and development within the organisation
PLEASE NOTE: You must hold a valid Blue Card for this position, RSPCA Qld can help you to obtain this.
Join our growing team of passionate volunteers and help us create a more compassionate world through education. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of animals and our community.
Foster Care
Become a Foster Carer with RSPCA Queensland
Foster a Life. Change a Life.
Foster carers play a vital role in the lives of vulnerable animals. By providing a temporary home, you’re giving animals the time, care, and space they need to recover, grow, or simply escape the stress of the shelter environment—until they’re ready for their forever families.
Whether it's a kitten too young for adoption, a dog recovering from surgery, or a pet escaping a crisis, you can be the difference that saves a life.
Why Foster?
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Make a real difference—help animals get their second chance
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Short-term commitment with life-changing impact
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All supplies and support provided by RSPCA
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Perfect for animal lovers who can’t adopt long-term
How to Become a Foster Carer
Getting started is easy—and you can complete the process from home!
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Submit an application form so we can get to know you
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Complete our short, online foster training
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Send in photos of your property for a virtual safety check
Once approved, you’ll receive weekly foster lists and can let us know when you're available. We’ll then match you with animals who need your help.
Who Needs Foster Care?
Animals come into our care for many reasons. You may be asked to foster:
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Puppies and kittens too young for rehoming
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Animals recovering from illness or injury
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Animals needing behavioural support and socialisation
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Pets seeking safety due to domestic violence situations
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Animals displaced by natural disasters like floods or bushfires
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Home Ever After pets whose owners are in hospital or have passed away
📍 Foster needs vary by location.
Please check the foster regions below for current priority animals near you.
Things to Know Before You Apply
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our animals, please keep in mind:
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Foster carers must be 18+ and have access to reliable transport
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Landlord/body corporate approval is required if you rent
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Existing pets must be up to date on vaccinations
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Flexibility with the type of animal you foster increases your chances of being matched
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Foster placements typically range from 2 weeks to 6 months, depending on the animal’s needs
Ready to Open Your Heart and Home?
Explore your local foster region below to begin your application and join a compassionate community of carers helping animals in need—one foster at a time.
Fostering Regions Available
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!
If you're looking to complete hours for a Centrelink Agreement, please feel free to submit an application - we're happy to accommodate!
Volunteer Orientations at this site are currently held on Mondays
General Interests
Animal Transfer Driver | Mackay
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 our friendly team and make a significant contribution to raising much-needed funds for animal welfare.
As an RSPCA driver, you'll hit the road and tackle a variety of tasks, including:
🚐 Cruising around the greater Mackay area in an RSPCA vehicle, transporting our precious animal passengers.
🐕 Safely moving animals between our animal care centres, ensuring they reach their destinations with comfort and care.
🏥 Collecting and transporting animals from veterinary clinics back to our animal care centres, because their well-being is our top priority.
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!
Join our team of compassionate drivers and become a superhero for animals on wheels. Apply today and let's drive change together!
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.
