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.
Our final orientation dates are as follows:
- Monday 30th March @ 9am
- Monday 20th April @ 9am
We will be transitioning to a new orientation process over the coming weeks and will have more dates available soon. This notice will be updated when availability is changed. If you're unable to attend any of these sessions, please feel free to keep an eye on this space for updates!
I would like to volunteer
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!
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 | Logan
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 Logan and surrounds.
What to expect
RSPCA Qld provides a Volunteer Rescue Unit service in Logan dedicated to rescue any sick, injured or orphaned animals in the Logan City 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 logan area and is transferred between volunteers personal homes when it is your shift. It is a requirement that you live in the logan council area for this role. If you don’t, please consider our other roles.
We ask that all new Logan Drivers attend the Wacol Campus (Brisbane) to do 3 x training shifts with our Rescue Officers to gain an insight into the Department and on the road training with a Rescue Officer, prior to commencing permanent shifts.
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 8am-5pm, 5pm-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.
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.
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.
Rescue Support Volunteer | Wacol
Passionate about helping animals and making a real difference? Become an RSPCA Rescue Support Volunteer and play a vital role in our rescue operations across Queensland. From coordinating rescue jobs to assisting with logistics, this role is perfect for those who thrive on variety and want to share their administration skills.
Location: based at our Wacol Animal Care Campus
Key Responsibilities
🚚 Logistics Support: Coordinate vehicle repairs, maintain equipment, assist with inspections and inventory
🚑 Optional Field Support: Occasionally assist as a rescue driver or assistant
📞 Shift Coordination: Follow up on jobs, liaise with external rescuers, and update job details
📊 Project Support: Help create training materials, awareness campaigns, and research improvements
Why Volunteer With Us?
🤝 Connect with passionate animal lovers and professionals
🎯 Gain experience that could lead to specialised roles or careers
🕒 Flexible shifts to suit your schedule
🐾 Training provided in wildlife handling and RSPCA protocols
When Can You Volunteer?
⏰ Two shifts available daily:
08:00am – 12:00pm
02:00pm – 06:00pm
📆 We request a commitment of 1 × shift per fortnight for a minimum of 3 months
🎓 Orientation and animal training will be provided
Important Reminders:
🚗 Drivers must hold a valid QLD licence (automatic vehicles)
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.
Ready to Join Us?
Apply today! 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.
