Animal volunteer volunteer roles

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

Unfortunately cats can occasionally stray or get lost, which can be extremely distressing for their owners. Our lost and found volunteers are passionate about reuniting lost cats and bringing families back together. They help cats and their owners by advertising lost cats and providing support, advice and guidance to people searching for their cats.

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

You’ll be:

• Responding to enquiries from the public about lost and found cats
• Keeping up to date records of lost and founds cats
• Matching cats that are reported lost with those reported found
• Advertising lost and found cats
• Providing help and information to owners about their lost cats

Time expectation 

Our lost and found volunteers usually spend between 2 to 3 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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.

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

Unfortunately, thousands of cats each year are abandoned or have strayed and rely on charities like Cats Protection for help. Becoming a trap, neuter and return (TNR) volunteer is one way you can make a real difference to cats in your local area. Our TNR volunteers help reduce the number of feral cats by raising awareness of our TNR programmes, setting humane traps to safely capture cats, taking them to local vets to be neutered, and hopefully returning them back to their territory. Local TNR programmes are crucial, as feral and abandoned cats present a huge challenge for communities across the UK.

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

You’ll be:

• Trapping cats using humane methods
• Taking cats to local vets to be neutered 
• Returning cats to their territory or finding a suitable alternative

The role might also include:

• Regular feeding of feral colonies
• Promoting neutering by building relationships with farmers, land owners and local businesses
• Liaising with vets to promote and arrange neutering 

Time expectation 

This is a flexible role and the hours will vary depending on the number of cats identified for specific TNR campaigns. Our current TNR volunteers spend about 2 to 3 hours per week in this role which can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. 

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.

We are unable to accept volunteers who are under 16.

We are looking for friendly volunteers to support our Queens Road 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.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Our social media volunteers use their passion and knowledge of social media to promote the activities of local volunteer teams though various channels. They directly help cats by raising awareness of Cats Protection. A higher profile can help us raise the funds we need for our work, ensure people know they can adopt a cat from us, help promote neutering and help as many people as possible learn more about feline welfare.

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

You'll be:

• Promoting the work of Cats Protection through various social media channels, for example, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
• Gathering information from across the organisation and locally within your team or volunteer group
• Writing and creating social media content, ensuring it complies with policies and guidelines
• Scheduling and posting social media content
• Monitoring activity and responding to comments on social media channels

Time expectation

Our social media volunteers can expect to spend between two to five hours per week in this role. This role is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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.

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.

Are you interested in helping to save wildlife? We are Swan Lifeline, based on Cuckoo Weir Island in Eton Berkshire, and our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release sick and injured waterfowl.

We’re dependant on Volunteers to manage our site operation and offer a very rewarding experience where you will learn lots and share amazing experiences as we transform lives. The work includes cleaning indoor and outdoor enclosures, food prep & feeding, site maintenance and assisting with rescues (if you are interested).

We do have a few simple requirements for the on-site team Volunteer role:

· You have a passion for Swans and helping wildlife.

· You make a regular commitment that fits with our shift system (ideally once a week but a minimum of 2 half days a month)

· You can work hard (active physical work), as part of a team.

· You can work independently once fully trained (full training will be given)

· Are over the age of 18 (sadly, our insurance doesn’t cover Minors).

We are also very interested in Volunteers who can offer time at weekends, and people who could do an early evening shift in the months of July & August when we’re especially busy.

If you have space in your home and heart, for a guide dog mum who will be bringing the next generation of guide dogs in the world, then this could be the role for you! A role where you can care and nurture for a guide dog mum and plenty of little puppies when they arrive. 

This role is available in areas of Berkshire, South Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.

What you’ll be doing: 

• Providing a loving home for a guide dog mum who will be at least 12 months old, for around six years whilst they are in the breeding programme (with the option to re-home after this, once the guide dog mum retires at around 7 years-old.) 
• Giving a guide dog mum the care and support that our canine companions need, like feeding and grooming.
• Creating a safe environment for the guide dog mum when they are giving birth within your home and helping with the birth of future guide dogs, which usually happens once a year. (You don’t need any previous experience of breeding or having dogs – we have expert staff who will help you!) 
• Providing care and support for the newborn puppies for at least 6 weeks while they are still in the nest, including socialising them to the new sounds and first-time experiences in your home.

Can I care for a guide dog mum? 

If you want to care for a guide dog mum, here's what we ideally look for:

• A loving home with a secure garden.
• Access to a car, to support with any appointments needed for the guide dog mum.
• Live within an hour’s drive of the National Centre in Leamington Spa.

Guide dog mums can happily live with other dogs or children, however we wouldn’t place them with a male dog that has not been neutered. To determine whether you are suitable, we will conduct a home visit as part of the application process. 

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to have a lovable canine companion!
• The satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding experience of bringing the next generation of guide dogs in the world and caring for their mum.
• Our volunteers have access to our bespoke training techniques to implement with their guide dog mum a great bonus for any dog owners! 
• 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

Our volunteers also receive lots of support from their volunteer managers to help them implement the training modules, as well as managing the birth of new-born puppies. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your interview 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 the litter or your volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs or any specialist breeding equipment.  All you may need to buy is a bed and grooming equipment.

Minimum age of volunteer: 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. 

 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 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.

Fundraising team leader 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 team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

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

You’ll be:

· supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· keeping financial records from fundraising events

· encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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

About The Stray Cat Charity (TSCC)

The Stray Cat Charity is a newly established UK-registered CIO working to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome stray cats in Greece, starting in Patras. Our current priority campaign is to raise £35,000 to build a dedicated stray cat shelter in Patras, Greece, which will provide safe housing, veterinary care, and a pathway to adoption for vulnerable cats. As a growing new charity, we are building our fundraising and outreach network across the UK.

Role Purpose

We are looking for a motivated volunteer to support the growth of our charity by helping identify and connect with potential supporters in their local area. This includes community groups, schools, corporates, and potential major donors who may be interested in supporting or fundraising for stray cats in Greece. The aim of this role is to help generate awareness, build relationships, and support fundraising activity for our current and future campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

The volunteer may support with:

• Researching local community groups, schools, faith groups, and businesses
• Identifying potential corporate partners and supporters in their region
• Contacting organisations to introduce The Stray Cat Charity and its mission
• Encouraging groups to support the charity through donations or fundraising
• Promoting our current campaign to raise £35,000 for a stray cat shelter in Patras, Greece
• Supporting or initiating community fundraising activities where appropriate (e.g. sponsored events, school fundraisers, awareness campaigns)
• Helping to raise awareness of stray cat welfare issues in Greece through local outreach

Fundraising Options

Volunteers may either:

• Focus on outreach and relationship-building, or
• Actively support or lead local fundraising efforts for the charity’s campaigns

Ideal Volunteer

We are looking for someone who is:

• Confident communicating with people and organisations
• Passionate about animal welfare
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Comfortable researching and reaching out to potential supporters
• Interested in community engagement or fundraising

About the Charity

The Stray Cat Charity is a new organisation, meaning volunteers will play a key role in shaping our growth, impact, and fundraising success from the ground up.

Support Provided

We will provide:

• Guidance on messaging and outreach
• Information about the charity and campaigns
• Ongoing support and communication from the founder/trustee

Impact of This Role

Your work will directly contribute to raising vital funds to build a safe shelter in Patras, Greece, improving the lives of stray cats and creating long-term sustainable welfare solutions.

Fundraising events helper

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 can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between

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

You’ll be:

· help set up and/or man stalls at events

· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections

· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances

· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

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.