Volunteer roles for the Animal sector

Do you enjoy greeting people and making them feel welcome? Recently retired and want to give a few hours for a good cause? Or perhaps you’re starting out on your employment journey but need experience to help you land a future job? Becoming a Volunteer Retail Assistant is the perfect opportunity for you!

As one of our valued Volunteer Retail Assistants in our Selby shop, you will be at the heart of our retail experience, welcoming members of the public and serving at the till. It will be a varied role with no two shifts being the same. From helping someone find a perfect gift or finishing touch to an outfit, to putting through cash and card sales at the till, we’d love you to come and join our busy, friendly shop.

Volunteer Retail Assistants will be located primarily on the shop floor, dealing with queries, pricing items, using the till, and ensuring our shops are the best on the high street. Without you, we couldn't provide needed support to the York Animal Home, so we want to ensure you feel welcomed and supported. You will receive full training in all retail areas, with continued development available in your volunteer journey. If you’re looking to gain confidence to get back into work, or simply want to find somewhere to make connections, we have a role for you.

Every single penny raised in our charity shop goes directly to the York Animal Home and gives vital funds to ensure they can continue helping animals in need. Without your help our shops could not run; volunteers are what make us special and we would love to have you join our team.

Your duties:

These may involve (on any given day):

• Giving a warm and friendly welcome as people enter our shop
• Helping with queries about items
• Putting cash and card sales through our till
• Engaging visitors about our charity and promoting the York Animal Home and our links to it
• Processing Gift Aid donations
• Restocking our shelves and making them look eye-catching

And much more…

If you’re interested please don’t hesitate to hit the apply button. Alternatively if you’d like to find out more, please email our Selby manager, Kimberley, who will be more than happy to answer any questions you have.

We operate a volunteer led scheme, where our minimum requirement is 2 hours a week, and the maximum is whatever you would like it to be! If you are looking to add experience to your CV we ask that you commit to six months with us.

Due to insurance restrictions we are sorry that we cannot accept anyone under the age of 16

Do you enjoy greeting people and making them feel welcome? Recently retired and want to give a few hours for a good cause? Or perhaps you’re starting out on your employment journey but need experience to help you land a future job? Becoming a Volunteer Retail Assistant is the perfect opportunity for you!

As one of our valued Volunteer Retail Assistants in our York Goodramgate shop, you will be at the heart of our retail experience, welcoming members of the public and serving at the till. It will be a varied role with no two shifts being the same. From helping someone find a perfect gift or finishing touch to an outfit, to putting through cash and card sales at the till, we’d love you to come and join our busy, friendly shop.

Volunteer Retail Assistants will be located primarily on the shop floor, dealing with queries, pricing items, using the till, and ensuring our shops are the best on the high street. Without you, we couldn't provide needed support to the York Animal Home, so we want to ensure you feel welcomed and supported. You will receive full training in all retail areas, with continued development available in your volunteer journey. If you’re looking to gain confidence to get back into work, or simply want to find somewhere to make connections, we have a role for you.

Every single penny raised in our charity shop goes directly to the York Animal Home and gives vital funds to ensure they can continue helping animals in need. Without your help our shops could not run; volunteers are what make us special and we would love to have you join our team.

Your duties:

These may involve (on any given day):

• Giving a warm and friendly welcome as people enter our shop
• Helping with queries about items
• Putting cash and card sales through our till
• Engaging visitors about our charity and promoting the York Animal Home and our links to it
• Processing Gift Aid donations
• Restocking our shelves and making them look eye-catching

And much more…

If you’re interested please don’t hesitate to hit the apply button. Alternatively if you’d like to find out more, please email our Goodramgate manager, Holly who will be more than happy to answer any questions you have.

We operate a volunteer led scheme, where our minimum requirement is 2 hours a week, and the maximum is whatever you would like it to be! If you are looking to add experience to your CV we ask that you commit to six months with us.

Due to insurance restrictions we are sorry that we cannot accept anyone under the age of 16.

Do you enjoy greeting people and making them feel welcome? Recently retired and want to give a few hours for a good cause? Or perhaps you’re starting out on your employment journey but need experience to help you land a future job? Becoming a Volunteer Retail Assistant is the perfect opportunity for you!

As one of our valued Volunteer Retail Assistants in our Malton shop, you will be at the heart of our retail experience, welcoming members of the public and serving at the till. It will be a varied role with no two shifts being the same. From helping someone find a perfect gift or finishing touch to an outfit, to putting through cash and card sales at the till, we’d love you to come and join our busy, friendly shop.

Volunteer Retail Assistants will be located primarily on the shop floor, dealing with queries, pricing items, using the till, and ensuring our shops are the best on the high street. Without you, we couldn't provide needed support to the York Animal Home, so we want to ensure you feel welcomed and supported. You will receive full training in all retail areas, with continued development available in your volunteer journey. If you’re looking to gain confidence to get back into work, or simply want to find somewhere to make connections, we have a role for you.

Every single penny raised in our charity shop goes directly to the York Animal Home and gives vital funds to ensure they can continue helping animals in need. Without your help our shops could not run; volunteers are what make us special and we would love to have you join our team.

Your duties:

These may involve (on any given day):

• Giving a warm and friendly welcome as people enter our shop
• Helping with queries about items
• Putting cash and card sales through our till
• Engaging visitors about our charity and promoting the York Animal Home and our links to it
• Processing Gift Aid donations
• Restocking our shelves and making them look eye-catching

And much more…

If you’re interested please don’t hesitate to hit the apply button. Alternatively if you’d like to find out more, please email our Malton manager, Emily who will be more than happy to answer any questions you have.

We operate a volunteer led scheme, where our minimum requirement is 2 hours a week, and the maximum is whatever you would like it to be! If you are looking to add experience to your CV we ask that you commit to six months with us.

Due to insurance restrictions we are sorry that we cannot accept anyone under the age of 16.

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 
• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations
• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  
• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats

 Fundraising Volunteer – Isle of Wight

 Our Vision for Volunteering

 Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful, inclusive, and rooted in partnership. Together, we transform the lives of cats, people, and communities.

 The Difference You Will Make

 With thousands of cats relying on our care each year, the generosity of the public is vital. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise essential funds that help cats and kittens in need. Whether you enjoy engaging with the public, organising events, managing stock, or supporting behind the scenes, there is a place for you in this flexible and rewarding role.

What You Can Expect From Us

• A warm, inclusive, and respectful welcome, aligned with our values and behaviours.
• Support to have a positive, meaningful, and enjoyable volunteering experience.
• Reimbursement of agreed out‑of‑pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy.
• Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities.

Role Responsibilities

You can choose the areas that best suit your skills and interests. The role is flexible, and volunteers may opt to support one area or several.

1. Stock & Donations Management

• Sort donated items to ensure they are appropriate for sale or event use.
• Organise and manage stock ahead of upcoming events.
• Monitor stock levels and identify when outreach or additional donations are needed.

2. Event Support

• Attend fundraising events, engaging confidently with the public and sharing information about our work.
• Assist with setting up equipment and displays and help with packing away after events.
• Ensure stalls are well presented, welcoming, and visually engaging.
• Support sales of merchandise and the running of games/activities.
• Take photographs throughout the event for promotional use and reporting.
• Observe and record visitor numbers, engagement levels, and which stall features attract attention.
• (Optional) Act as a Stall Leader, taking the lead on the day to coordinate volunteers and ensure a smooth event.

3. Transport & Logistics

• Transport equipment, displays, and stock to and from event venues (using your own vehicle if appropriate).
• Help with stall setup upon arrival at the venue.

4. Admin Coordination

This is a key support role that helps keep the fundraising function organised and running smoothly.

• Booking events and completing relevant forms.
• Maintain a current contact list of volunteers.
• Manage and update volunteer availability rotas.
• Keep the fundraising project spreadsheet accurate and up to date.
• Update the “cat book” or event information pack ahead of each event.

What We’re Looking For

• Friendly, confident communicators who enjoy speaking with the public.
• Organised, reliable volunteers who can work both independently and as part of a team.
• Individuals happy to support practical tasks such as setting up stalls or sorting stock.
• Volunteers with basic administrative skills (for those taking on admin coordination).
• A willingness to try new things and get involved in a variety of event activities.
• Ability to carry light–moderate items for event setup (helpful, but not essential).

Time Commitment

This is a highly flexible role and can fit around your other commitments. Whether you can spare occasional hours for events or prefer a regular admin-based role, your contribution will make a meaningful difference.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a friendly, compassionate team raising vital funds while having fun and supporting a cause you care about. Cats Protection is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and help make a better life for cats — because life is better with cats.

We are the Lincs Mid, NE and Lincoln Branch of the RSPCA. Our Branch rehabilitates and re-homes animals rescued by National RSPCA Inspectors, as well as taking in animals from members of the public who can no longer care for them. We have three charity shops as well as other fundraising activity and local partnership to raise funds for our animal care activities.

We are a passionate and ambitious team seeking a new Chair of our Board. We are currently 9 Trustees with a wide range of experience. As Chair, you will lead our monthly committee meetings as well as AGM. We are hands on as a board, with a great team of staff and volunteers who deliver our core activity.

If the Chair role isn't for you, we also have opportunities on our Board to take the lead on our Charity Retail Operations or Health & Safety. We already have Trustees with specific expertise in e.g. HR and finance, and would love you to join us if you have experience in either charity retail management or health & safety. 

Please contact me to find out more.

Cats Protection in Poole are looking for a Volunteer Cashier in our charity shop.

Ideally you'll enjoy fashion, and the fun of a charity shop - you'll help shoppers find hidden gems. You'll help keep us looking beautiful - maintaining the shop floor, filling up our clothing rails, and using your creativity to help create exciting displays. You'll also be meeting our customers and helping them shop, as well as our kind donors, supporters, and cat-lovers!

Your kindness and hard work will help us care for cats and kittens in the Dorset area, with links to our Ferndown homing centre.

Full training will be provided, so experience is not necessary - but enthusiasm is a must!

Does this role sound like you? Please apply here, drop us a line, or simply pop into the shop and ask for a manager.

We are unable to accept volunteers who are under 16.

We are looking for friendly volunteers to support our Attleborough charity shop by working behind the scenes to sort and prepare donated items ready for sale. The time you dedicate will help us to make the most of the incredible donations to our charity shops and raise more funds for our vital animal welfare work.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Preparing donated items for sale by steaming and hanging
• Attaching price labels and tags
• Identifying unsaleable goods and ensuring that they are accurately recycled
• Recognising high value or collectible items
• Ensuring that all eligible Gift Aid donations are processed and labelled correctly
• Keeping the stock room tidy and well organised

Relevant training and support will be provided.

What we are looking for:

• No retail experience is necessary just a helpful and friendly attitude
• Good listening skills and able to follow instructions
• Happy to work as part of a team

Flexible days and hours to be agreed.

What we can offer you:

• Join a friendly team and meet new people
• Gain new skills and experience

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and taster sessions. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Job description:

We are unable to accept volunteers who are under 16.

We are looking for volunteers to support our Sheringham charity shop by helping to keep the sales floor clean, tidy, well stocked and organised and offering a helping hand to customers. The time you dedicate will help us to make the most of the incredible donations to our charity shops and raise more funds for our vital animal welfare work.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Helping customers to find what they need and delivering great customer service
• Ensuring that the shop is clean, tidy and well organised
• Creating eye-catching window and shop displays
• Replenishing and rotating stock
• Promoting our campaigns and instore sales

Relevant training and support will be provided.

What we are looking for:

• Friendly, helpful and confident when working with the public
• Happy to work as part of a team
• Retail experience would be ideal but is not necessary as full training will be given

Flexible days and hours to be agreed.

What we can offer you:

• Join a friendly team and meet new people
• Gain new skills and experience

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and taster sessions. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

We are unable to accept volunteers who are under 16.

We are looking for volunteers to support our Attleborough charity shop by helping to keep the sales floor clean, tidy, well stocked and organised and offering a helping hand to customers. The time you dedicate will help us to make the most of the incredible donations to our charity shops and raise more funds for our vital animal welfare work.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Helping customers to find what they need and delivering great customer service
• Ensuring that the shop is clean, tidy and well organised
• Creating eye-catching window and shop displays
• Replenishing and rotating stock
• Promoting our campaigns and instore sales

Relevant training and support will be provided.

What we are looking for:

• Friendly, helpful and confident when working with the public
• Happy to work as part of a team
• Retail experience would be ideal but is not necessary as full training will be given

Flexible days and hours to be agreed.

What we can offer you:

• Join a friendly team and meet new people
• Gain new skills and experience

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and taster sessions. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

We are unable to accept volunteers who are under 16.

We are looking for friendly volunteers to support our Magdalen Street charity shop by providing a warm welcome to our customers and processing sales through the till and card machine. The time you dedicate will help us to make the most of the incredible donations to our charity shops and raise more funds for our vital animal welfare work.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Greeting customers and serving them in a friendly, helpful and courteous manner
• Answering questions from customers, donors and supporters
• Processing sales through the till and card machine
• Helping with administration and reception duties around the till area
• Promoting Gift Aid and instore sales campaigns

Relevant training and support will be provided.

What we are looking for:

• Friendly, helpful and confident when working with the public
• Good communication and numeracy skills
• Previous customer service or retail experience would be beneficial but not necessary as full training will be given

Flexible days and hours to be agreed.

What we can offer you:

• Join a friendly team and meet new people
• Gain new skills and experience
• Your time will help us to make a difference to the welfare of the animals in your area

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and taster sessions. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

We are unable to accept volunteers who are under 16.

We are looking for friendly volunteers to support our Dereham charity shop by providing a warm welcome to our customers and processing sales through the till and card machine. The time you dedicate will help us to make the most of the incredible donations to our charity shops and raise more funds for our vital animal welfare work.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Greeting customers and serving them in a friendly, helpful and courteous manner
• Answering questions from customers, donors and supporters
• Processing sales through the till and card machine
• Helping with administration and reception duties around the till area
• Promoting Gift Aid and instore sales campaigns

Relevant training and support will be provided.

What we are looking for:

• Friendly, helpful and confident when working with the public
• Good communication and numeracy skills
• Previous customer service or retail experience would be beneficial but not necessary as full training will be given

Flexible days and hours to be agreed.

What we can offer you:

• Join a friendly team and meet new people
• Gain new skills and experience
• Your time will help us to make a difference to the welfare of the animals in your area

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and taster sessions. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.