Volunteering with the RSPCA QLD

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?

• Increased awareness of our native wildlife and the issues they face.
• Native animal handling and identification skills.
• Get to know your local wildlife and community.
• Be part of the RSPCA QLD Wildlife Rescue network.

What are the tasks?

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

• Rescue and Transport: Attending wildlife transport and rescue requests in your local area and deliver animals to a nearby vet clinic or local Wildlife carer.
• Wildlife Reunites: Attempt to reunite juvenile birds and other animals with their parents.
• In this role you will only deal with common and non-dangerous species (Smal-Med Birds, Lizards, Turtles & Possums) and you will not be dealing with high-risk animals (Roo’s, Koalas, Bats, Goanna’s, Birds of Prey, snakes) and no rescue situations that involve high risk (on ladders, in a water body, at heights, in a confined space)
• Community Engagement: Engage with members of the public in a positive way and represent RSPCA QLD when responding to rescue and transportation requests and provide advice or education when appropriate. 

What skills and characteristics do I need?

• Confidence when interacting with a variety of wildlife species.
• Must be over 18 years of age, hold a valid Queensland driver's licence, and access to a suitable roadworthy and insured vehicle, you will be using your own vehicle and equipment.
• Willingness to learn about wildlife and rescue techniques.
• Adherence to RSPCA Queensland WH&S guidelines and code of conduct.
• Able to be flexible and adaptable but work in a safe manner and not put yourself or others at risk or harm.
• Excellent communication skills and able to stay calm and objective.
• Genuine interest in animal welfare and the objectives of RSPCA Qld.

When can I volunteer?

You can nominate the times and locations you want to carry out transports and rescues that suits you, this is a flexible volunteer role you can do to fit into your lifestyle.

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.