Animal care volunteer roles in edinburgh
Trustee
League Against Cruel Sports
Location: Remote, with one in-person Board meeting per year
Commitment: Approx. 1–2 days per month
Term: Three years (renewable for up to three consecutive terms)
Be part of a new era for animal protection
The League Against Cruel Sports is at an exciting point in its 100-year history. With a new Chair, a new CEO and a bold new strategy, we are entering the next chapter in our mission to end the persecution of animals for sport once and for all.
As Britain’s leading animal welfare campaigning charity, we expose cruelty, protect animals and drive legislative and cultural change. From helping to secure the landmark Hunting Act 2004 to tackling new and emerging forms of cruelty, our work is fuelled by compassion, evidence and impact.
We are now seeking new Trustees to join our Board at this pivotal time — people who can help guide our strategy, strengthen our governance and ensure the League continues to be a powerful voice for animals.
About the role
As a Trustee, you will:
- Share responsibility with fellow Trustees for the League’s governance, strategy, and financial oversight.
- Provide support, insight and constructive challenge to the CEO and senior leadership team.
- Help ensure the charity continues to deliver on its mission effectively, ethically and sustainably.
- Act as an ambassador for the League, promoting our work to supporters, partners and the wider public.
This is an exceptional opportunity to use your skills and experience to make a tangible difference for animals — and to help steer one of the UK’s most respected and influential campaigning charities into its next phase of growth and impact.
What we’re looking for
You’ll bring:
- A genuine commitment to animal welfare and to the League’s mission and values: Compassionate, Courageous, Credible, Collaborative and Connected.
- Strategic thinking, sound judgment and the ability to analyse complex information to make evidence-based decisions.
- Experience of operating at a senior or strategic level, ideally within a board or governance setting.
- A commitment to the principles of good governance and the Seven Principles of Public Life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership).
Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential – we value diversity of thought, background and experience.
Time commitment
- One in-person Board meeting per year and three virtual meetings, plus an Annual General Meeting.
- Additional engagement between meetings as needed (approximately 1–2 days per month).
Trustee positions are unremunerated, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
Join us
If you share our belief that cruelty to animals in the name of sport has no place in a modern society — and you’re ready to play a part in leading the League into its next chapter — we’d love to hear from you.
To apply, please send your CV and a short statement outlining your interest and relevant experience by 15 January 2026. Please see the Trustees Brief located on our website jobs page.
Together, we can create a kinder world for animals.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role Summary
Education Outreach Volunteers support the Reptile Centre by assisting with community education sessions, school visits, events, and public engagement activities. Volunteers help promote reptile welfare, conservation awareness, and responsible pet ownership. This role is ideal for people who enjoy working with the public, have an interest in animals, and want to make a positive impact in the community.
Key Responsibilities
Support Educational Sessions
-
Assist staff during school visits, workshops, and community outreach events.
-
Help set up and pack away educational materials, displays, and activity stations.
-
Support the delivery of interactive demonstrations (with or without live animals, depending on training).
-
Engage with visitors, answer basic questions, and help create a welcoming learning environment.
Animal Handling (Optional Based on Training)
-
Handle reptiles safely during sessions once trained and approved by senior staff.
-
Support welfare checks and ensure animals are comfortable during events.
-
Help maintain safe handling practices with the public.
Community Engagement
-
Represent the Reptile Centre positively at fairs, open days, fundraising events, and exhibitions.
-
Share information about the centre’s conservation work, rescue stories, and how people can get involved.
-
Encourage visitors to support fundraising campaigns and ongoing community initiatives.
Event Support
-
Assist with coordinating groups during onsite and offsite sessions.
-
Help manage queues, guide groups, and provide general visitor support.
-
Prepare craft materials, activity sheets, or demonstration equipment.
Practical Support
-
Help maintain the cleanliness and organisation of education and outreach equipment.
-
Support the preparation of educational resources and displays.
-
Assist with basic administrative tasks such as feedback collection or session records.
Skills & Qualities Needed
Essential
-
Friendly, reliable, and comfortable speaking with the public.
-
Enthusiastic about reptiles, wildlife, conservation, or animal education.
-
Willingness to learn and follow safety and welfare guidelines.
-
Good teamwork skills and a positive, helpful attitude.
Desirable
-
Experience working with animals, children, or in an educational setting.
-
Confidence handling reptiles (training will be provided).
-
Knowledge of reptile care, conservation, or science communication.
What We Provide
-
Full training in reptile handling, welfare, and safe educational practice.
-
Safeguarding and health & safety guidance.
-
Support from staff and fellow volunteers.
-
Opportunities to develop skills in public speaking, education, and animal care.
-
Experience that can support future employment or studies in animal care, conservation, or education.
Time Commitment
-
Flexible volunteer shifts available (weekdays, weekends, or event-based).
-
Volunteers can offer as much or as little time as they are comfortably able to.
-
Outreach events may require occasional travel with staff.
Additional Requirements
-
Minimum age (centre-specific, often 16+ or 18+).
-
Willingness to undergo basic training and follow centre policies.
-
Some roles may require a DBS check (depending on involvement with children).
Benefits of Volunteering
-
Make a meaningful contribution to reptile welfare and conservation education.
-
Gain confidence and skills in presenting and public engagement.
-
Work closely with a variety of reptiles and learn from experienced handlers.
-
Join a supportive team and become part of the centre’s community.
-
Opportunities to assist in fundraising that supports vital veterinary and rescue work.
Wild Welfare is an international animal welfare charity dedicated to ending the suffering of captive wild animals. We work with zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries around the world to improve animal welfare standards through training, capacity-building, and long-term collaboration.
Our Vision is to create a world where every captive wild animal is able to thrive and live a good life.
Becoming a trustee of Wild Welfare is a chance to make a real difference to hundreds of thousands of animals’ lives around the world. You’ll help guide the charity’s future, support progressive animal welfare reform, and work with an expert team.
We are seeking Trustees to join our Board of Trustees and support our mission by helping us grow sustainable income and strengthen our organisational resilience.
This is an exciting opportunity to bring your professional expertise in fundraising, legalisation, HR and Business Management, to a passionate and committed charity that is making a tangible difference to wild animals worldwide.
What you’ll do
- Contribute to the Board’s strategic oversight of Wild Welfare, providing leadership over the charity’s governance and financial sustainability.
- Provide expert guidance on income generation, fundraising strategy, charity management, and development.
- Support the charity in identifying and developing new fundraising opportunities (corporate partnerships, grants, major donors, and innovative income streams).
- Act as an ambassador for Wild Welfare, representing the charity and helping to expand our networks.
- Work collaboratively with fellow trustees and the senior leadership team to ensure the charity achieves its mission and long-term objectives.
What we’re looking for
We welcome applications from individuals with experience in any of the following areas:
- Fundraising (trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, or major donors).
- Charity and/or business development and strategic growth.
- Commercial or financial acumen, ideally with an understanding of not-for-profit income generation.
- Knowledge of the legal aspects of charity management and compliance.
- Strong networks and relationship-building skills.
- Commitment to Wild Welfare’s values and passion for improving the lives of captive wild animals.
Previous trustee experience or animal welfare experience is not essential – we welcome applications from people new to charity governance. Full induction and support will be provided.
Why join us?
- Play a vital role in shaping the future of an international charity.
- Contribute your skills to a cause which transforms lives for wild animals across the globe.
- Join a collaborative and supportive Board of Trustees with diverse expertise.
- Gain valuable governance and leadership experience.
Role Specification: Trustee
Main Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and oversight on matters relating to fundraising and income generation.
- Help shape and monitor the charity’s fundraising strategy, ensuring it is realistic, ethical, and aligned with organisational goals.
- Advise on diversifying income streams, with a focus on long-term sustainability.
- Open doors to new partnerships, networks, and opportunities that may benefit the charity.
- Support the Director and senior management team by offering constructive advice, feedback, and expertise.
- Overseeing the charity’s compliance with fundraising regulations and best practice standards.
- Uphold the Board’s collective responsibility for effective governance, safeguarding, and financial management.
Person Specification
- Essential
- Experience in fundraising, charity/business development, or income generation.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to analyse opportunities and risks.
- Willingness to use personal networks and expertise to further the charity’s fundraising potential and reach.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Commitment to Wild Welfare’s mission, values, and long-term sustainability.
- Desirable
- Knowledge of international development, or the animal welfare sector.
- Understanding of charity governance and the role of a trustee.
- Experience in developing sustainable income models.
Terms of Appointment
- This is a voluntary position; reasonable expenses will be reimbursed if required to travel for meetings.
- Trustees are expected to attend virtual Board meetings twice a year (usually June and December) and participate in occasional sub-committees or events (virtual or in-person). Online meetings are limited to 1.5-hours.
- The initial term is three years, with the option of renewal for a further three years.
- It is a criminal offence for an individual to serve as a Trustee if disqualified from doing so. Appropriate checks will be carried out to ensure that individuals who have been selected to become a Trustee are eligible. These checks will include references and Charity Commission/Companies House verification.
- There will be an initial probationary period of 1-year.
- Trustees are subject to our governing documents.
- Wild Welfare is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Lucas Helps Dogs
Lucas Helps Dogs is a volunteer run charity working in Sri Lanka to reduce the suffering of street and community dogs and cats. We run spay and neuter clinics, provide rabies vaccinations, emergency treatment, and daily meals to street dogs and cats. We also deliver educational programmes in schools to teach kindness to animals and responsible pet care.
We’re currently looking for a Volunteer Grant Writer to help us secure vital funding so we can continue and expand our work for animals in need.
About the Role
As our Grant Writer, you’ll help identify suitable grant opportunities and prepare well-researched funding applications to support our animal welfare projects. You’ll work closely with our founder to understand the charity’s goals, gather information, and develop strong proposals that demonstrate our impact and vision.
This role is perfect for someone who enjoys writing and research, wants to gain experience in fundraising, or is passionate about improving the lives of animals.
Key Responsibilities
-
Research potential grants, trusts, and foundations that align with our mission
-
Write clear, compelling funding proposals and supporting documents
-
Maintain a calendar of grant deadlines and track submissions
-
Help develop a case for support and collect information for applications
-
Review feedback from funders to improve future submissions
-
Collaborate remotely with our small, friendly team
What We’re Looking For
-
Strong writing, research, and communication skills
-
Attention to detail and good organisational skills
-
Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
-
Interest in animal welfare and compassion for dogs
-
Experience in grant writing or charity fundraising
What We Offer
-
The chance to make a direct impact for animals in need
-
Experience in grant writing and charity fundraising
-
A flexible, supportive, and friendly volunteer team
-
A reference after 3 months of volunteering
-
The opportunity to use your skills for meaningful change
Time Commitment: 2–5 hours per week, flexible schedule
Location: Remote – you can volunteer from anywhere
Commitment: Ideally 3 months or more
How to Apply
If you’d like to use your writing skills to make a real difference for dogs and cats in Sri Lanka, we’d love to hear from you!
Please send a short email outlining your interest and any relevant experience
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Purpose of the Role
Trustees share the ultimate responsibility for governing a charity and ensuring it is effectively managed. As a Trustee of The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre, you will help ensure the organisation is well-run, financially secure, and delivering its mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and care for reptiles in need.
Key Responsibilities
-
Ensure the charity fulfils its purposes and delivers public benefit
-
Comply with the governing document, charity law, and all relevant regulations
-
Act at all times in the best interests of the charity
-
Manage resources responsibly, ensuring financial sustainability
-
Safeguard the charity’s reputation, values, and integrity
-
Contribute to developing the charity’s strategy and long-term plans
-
Monitor performance against agreed objectives and targets
-
Prepare for and attend trustee meetings, contributing constructively
-
Represent the charity positively within the community and at public events
Skills & Experience
We welcome applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds. The following skills are particularly valuable to our Board:
-
Finance, accounting, or business management
-
Fundraising, income generation, or marketing
-
Animal welfare knowledge — particularly relating to reptiles
-
HR, governance, or legal expertise
-
Networking, partnership building, or community engagement
-
Strategic planning and organisational development
Personal Qualities
-
Commitment to the charity’s mission and values
-
Willingness to dedicate time, energy, and enthusiasm to the role
-
Ability to think strategically and make balanced, evidence-based decisions
-
Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
-
Integrity, reliability, and sound judgement
What You’ll Gain
-
The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to animal welfare in Sussex
-
A rewarding chance to apply your skills and experience to a vital cause
-
Insight and experience in charity governance and strategic leadership
-
Being part of a supportive, passionate, and dedicated team
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Farm Animal Sanctuary was established nearly 40 years ago. We have, since then, rescued animals from neglect, abuse, or offered a forever home to those who need it. The animals are cared for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The animals who live with us are more than just residents—they’re part of our family. They are cared for by a truly dedicated team of staff and volunteers. We are entering a new and exciting phase for the charity, where we are wanting to expand our reach, increase our visibility, and raise much needed funds for the charity to ensure the lives of our animals are supported for many many years to come. From Tiny the goat, Neville the sheep, Twiglet the pig, and Judy the chicken, they are all at the heart of what we do. Trustees play a vital role in supporting our residents, its rewards are vast, and you'll be making a real difference.
Meetings take place 1x per month and are expected to last no more than 2 hrs.
We have a long established board of trustees that are moving on and we have these new and exciting roles to fill. We would welcome CV's from anyone who feels they have skill and experience to share but we are looking for expertise and experience in the following areas:
- Finance
- Business
- Public Relations
We are recruiting at this time an experienced:
- Chair
- Co Chair
- Treasurer
- Secretary
The Sanctuary is based in Middleton Littleton in Evesham, Worcestershire and people are more than welcome to arrange a time to visit via Natalie Pulfer (Trustee)
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the Charity
The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre is a small, registered charity (Charity Number 1210189)
established to care for, rehabilitate, educate, and treat ill, injured, and unwanted reptiles in
Sussex County and its Surrounding areas.
Aims and Objectives
To improve public perception of reptiles and amphibians
To promote responsible pet ownership and exemplary animal welfare
To deliver education that is “inclusive for all.”
To promote positive values regarding companion animals and the responsibility of
pet care
What we do
Reptile Rescue and Rehoming Services
o Taking in Sick, injured and unwanted reptiles -Finding, vetting and rehoming
reptiles
Advice and Guidance
o Providing Advice and Guidance to reptile owners.
Outreach and Education
o Going to Youth Clubs, Schools and Clubs to educate children/young people
about Reptiles
o Hosting events for the community, which will raise awareness of the charity
and the work we do.
About the role
We are looking for a qualified veterinary surgeon/professional to support The Sussex
Reptile Rescue Centre as a trustee & advisor.
Our trustees play a vital role in ensuring the Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre achieves its core
charitable purpose, overseeing the charity’s overall management and administration.
By joining as a trustee, you will help determine the charity’s overall direction and development
as a strong advocate for The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre and our work.
As you champion our cause, you’ll continuously strive for best practice in all areas of your
role whilst effectively evaluating and mitigating risks, and ensuring compliance to legal
obligations under charity law.
To lean more about becoming a trustee with us (and your commitments as a trustee), please
Qualifications and accreditations
- A qualified veterinary professional, with a specialisation in reptiles
- Specialisation working with amphibians is a bonus, but not essential.
- Experienced committing to the requirements and expectations of a charity trustee
Skills and qualities
- Have excellent communication skills, with a willingness to participate actively in discussion and exercise sound independent judgement
- Able to offer well-informed and pragmatic advise regarding the animals in our care,
putting their wellbeing and quality of life at the forefront.
- A strong advocate for the charity’s work and what we do, with an enthusiasm for the
Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre’s vision and goal
- Be willing and able to attend regular trustee meetings (6 per annum, held remotely)
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
ROLDA UK is registered charity that is dedicated to rescuing stray dogs in Romania, caring for them and ultimately finding them a forever home.
Foster Carer's are crucial in our adoption process - they allow us to offer a seamless aftercare system that supports dogs if their initial adoptive home doesn't work out. As a foster carer, you will be on hand when you can to step in and offer our dogs a temporary home whilst they await their forever home - meaning we don't have to put our dogs in external kennels.
You will provide our special dogs a home away from home, be instrumental in their training and socialisation, assist in helping them meet their new, potential families. Our dogs come from a range of backgrounds so whilst experience with dogs is certainly useful, it is not necesarry as you will be guided and supported by our experienced team every step of the way.
We do ask that:
-You are over the age of 23
-You are based in the UK
-You have a car and are confident transporting dogs to the vets/onward home
-Secure garden access
-Ideally no other pets or children but get in touch and we can discuss this on a one to one basis
Fostering is an incredible way to give back, when you foster one dog you allow space for another dog in our shelter. We are here to help every step of the way, including covering all costs so you won't be out of pocket! If you are interested in changing a life, keen to learn about training, have the love and time to spare - we would love to hear from you.
Our mission is to ensure animals have a good life by advocating for them and by inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respect.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.
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
· Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
· Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and 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
● A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
● Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
● A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
● Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home ● You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website
Time expectation
Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.
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
· Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
· Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and 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
● A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
● Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
● A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
● Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home ● You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website
Time expectation
Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.
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
- Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
- Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunitie
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.
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
- Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
- Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a dog lover with room in your home to look after a dog during evenings and weekends? This could be the perfect role for you!
As a Training Dog Fosterer, you’ll provide a loving temporary home to a dog in training, typically for a period of 12 to 20 weeks, as they begin their journey to become a guide dog. You’ll get to see the progress your furry companion is making in their training and be a vital part of their journey, without the commitment of looking after a dog full time.
What you’ll be doing:
In this rewarding role, your support for a guide dog in training will include:
- Doing the school run for your dog in training! This will typically involve dropping them off and picking them up at an agreed time Monday to Friday at one of our regional centres or community teams, however, some sites may vary. There are some locations where we will be able to collect and return the training dog from your home.
- Caring for your dog in your home such as feeding, grooming, free running and playing, following the advice of our expert staff.
- Helping your dog keep up with their training by reinforcing the techniques at home from our first-class training programme.
- Making sure your dog is not left alone for more than four hours in a 24-hour period. If you’re planning on going on holiday, let us know at your initial phone call so we can plan alternative cover for your future life changer.
Can I foster a dog?
If you’re hoping to foster a guide dog in training, here’s what we ideally look for:
- Being close to one of our regional centres or community teams so that your dog can get to their training.
- The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in your home if you rent your home.
- A safe and secure area outside for the dog to go to the toilet.
However, we try to be flexible – for example, you’ll still be able to foster a dog if you live in London, even if you don’t have access to outside space.
What you’ll get:
- The opportunity to have a lovable canine companion!
- The satisfaction in knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
- The rewarding feeling of seeing your dog learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
- An insight into our bespoke world-class training programme so that your dog’s training stays consistent at home, which can also help you train your own dogs or advance in a future career in dog handling.
- The opportunity to be part of the Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people in your area.
- A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.
Training and support
You’ll attend a training workshop to understand the basics of our bespoke training techniques so you can confidently support your dog’s training at home. You’ll also receive ongoing guidance from your volunteer manager. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your initial phone call along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.
Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, dog food costs and other materials needed for your dog’s training.
Minimum age for volunteer is 18.
We also have a respite fosterer role available in some areas, where a dog would stay with you full time before moving on to the next stage of its journey.
Please check out our website to see what roles are available where you live.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a dog lover? Do you have the time to help raise a life-changing puppy? Would you like to make a difference to someone's life? If you've answered yes to these questions, then this role could be perfect for you!
As a Puppy Raiser, you'll provide a 6-8 week-old puppy with the vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. You'll be looking after a puppy for 12-16 months and will guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences while providing a loving home.
There might be the odd chewed slipper along the way, but nothing beats the rewarding feeling of loving and raising a puppy who will go on to make an enormous difference to someone living with sight loss.
What you'll be doing:
- Engaging with our world-class training programme to prepare your puppy for the next stages of becoming a guide dog.
- Providing care and support for your puppy at home e.g., loving, grooming and feeding him or her.
- Socialising your puppy and introducing him or her to a variety of environments to increase confidence – this can be as simple as taking your puppy with you to the shops, office or park as you go about your everyday life.
- Teaching your puppy to be comfortable alone - gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of four hours.
- Taking your puppy to monthly puppy classes, and interacting with other puppy raisers in your community whilst refreshing your training and sharing tips.
- Meeting with your volunteer manager as frequently as needed to discuss any changes or issues with your puppy.
- Completing short questionnaires about your puppy’s development.
You'll ideally have:
- A loving home with enough time to invest in raising a puppy and attending to their needs (e.g. toilet training). If you work from home or have hobbies, you'll need to be available to give the puppy regular attention alongside these.
- Someone at home who is physically able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg).
- Access to a car, so that you can get your puppy used to travelling.
- The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in the property if you rent your home.
- A safe secure area outside for your puppy to go to the toilet.
What you'll get:
- The satisfaction of knowing you're supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
- The rewarding feeling of watching a mischievous puppy learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
- The opportunity to participate in our bespoke world-class training programme – this can help you train your own dogs or advance a future career in dog handling.
- The opportunity to have a loveable, canine companion, proven to reduce feelings of stress and improve fitness – you’ll be out walking rain or shine!
- The chance to be part of the inspirational Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people and interacting with a community of puppy raisers in your area.
- A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.
s a volunteer you'll have access to our world-class training programme, to implement with your puppy in training, a great bonus for any dog owner! This is delivered in an interactive and engaging manner, using a mixture of different learning techniques virtually e.g., videos, documents and e-learning modules. Examples of the modules you'll have access to include:
- Food manners
- Greeting new visitors
- Being home alone
- Settling in new environments
You'll receive plenty of support from your volunteer manager who will help you work through these training modules with your puppy. We also offer puppy classes for puppy raisers in the local area to get together, share stories and provide refreshers on training techniques.
Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs for the puppy and other materials needed for the puppy’s training. We will also pay an optional allowance of up to £100 a year to offset additional costs, and we have working agreements with certain bus and train operating companies, letting you take your puppy on short training journeys free of charge.
Minimum age of applicant: 18.
To find out if this role is available in your area, please click 'Redirect to recruiter' at the top of the page, and use the postcode search function on the Guide Dogs website to explore local opportunities.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fundraising Volunteer
Thank you for your interest to become a Fundraising Volunteer at Cats Protection!
Our vision is a society where every cat has their best possible life because they are protected, cared for and understood by everyone.
We are a movement of people championing the welfare of cats. We lead society in a richer understanding of all cats and care for those that need our help.
Our Purpose is to to help people see the world through cats’ eyes
Our brand new Community Fundraising Hub is here to support you in this role, so there's never been a better time to get involved!
A bit about this role:
As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.
As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you!
What can you expect to be doing?
As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:
- face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, attending supermarket collections and monitoring collection boxes.
- online fundraising – assisting with online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised.
- bringing new ideas! We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life.
- engaging with your local branch and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team.
What are the benefits to you and the cats?
You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers. Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.
We're looking for someone with:
- Sympathetic to cats and our values
- Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees.
- Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities
- Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising
Time expectation
This role is very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule.
Support, guidance and keeping you safe
At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.
The well being of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.
Applicants will be asked to complete and application and provide details for two references
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.



