Animals 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

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! 

What 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.

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

A bit more information about this role and the team

The branch are looking for indoor fosterers so applicants would need to have a suitable spare room.

What we need from you 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home
• 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

As a Gardening & Grounds volunteer you will be helping to maintain the flower beds and grounds around the Visitor Centre and our two AirBnB properties on site to a high standard, ensuring that we maintain a diverse habitat for nature and that our visitors and guests enjoy their visits.

This role involves:

• Assisting with the maintenance and development of the gardens and grounds around the visitor centre and car park;
• Seasonal planting, pruning and harvesting of flower beds;
• Weeding areas, where necessary;
• Mowing set areas when required;
• Welcoming and engaging visitors;
• Keeping up to date with the work of WWT and Welney and sharing that with visitors

We are excited to invite an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to join the Board of Butterfly Conservation Trading Limited (BCT) as a Director ��

The object of BCT is to carry on business as a general commercial company to procure profits and gains for the purpose of paying them to the Butterfly Conservation charity.

We are looking for people willing to bring energy and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

If you have skills and/or experience in one or more of the following areas, we'd love to hear from you!

�� Charity fundraising
�� Charity marketing
�� Commercial experience
�� Financial experience, particularly in the charitable sector

Find out more and apply �� We are excited to invite an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to join the Board of Butterfly Conservation Trading Limited (BCT) as a Director ��

The object of BCT is to carry on business as a general commercial company to procure profits and gains for the purpose of paying them to the Butterfly Conservation charity.

We are looking for people willing to bring energy and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

If you have skills and/or experience in one or more of the following areas, we'd love to hear from you!

�� Charity fundraising
�� Charity marketing
�� Commercial experience
�� Financial experience, particularly in the charitable sector

This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed. The estimated time commitment is around 10 hours per year.

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.

About The Role

Why do we need you?

At WWT, we shape unforgettable experiences. We bring awe-inspiring nature up close and let it do the talking. In this role you will help to look after our Asian Small-Clawed Otters and Back from the Brink exhibits (which include Water Voles and Harvest Mice) and engage with the public in understanding more about these species and the conservation threats they face.

What will you be doing?

Duties may include some or all of the following:

• Helping to prepare the mammal areas for opening at the beginning of each day – checking exhibits, cleaning windows and public area; ensuring all are correct and safe before the visitors arrive.
• Food preparation and feeding of off show and on show species.
• Cleaning and maintaining of all animal areas.
• Interaction with visitors, answering questions and assisting keeper with public presentations.
• Possible assistance in the Ectotherm Section and Living Wetland Theatre.
• Ensure the safety, welfare and enjoyment of the visiting public.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

Just to let you know, some of our roles are very popular. To help our teams and minimise disappointment for people kind enough to want to support us, we might take roles down before the closing date if we get a lot of applications. To avoid disappointment, make sure you apply as soon as possible and give us as much detail as possible in your application. We will be in touch with all applicants after the role has closed. If you do miss a role, or are looking for something particular, you can sign up to opportunity alerts. 

If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email us or give us a call! 

About You

No formal qualifications are required. However, this role will suit you if you have formal or informal experience or an understanding of animal husbandry and are:

• Practical and physically able.
• Over the age of 18.
• Able to reliably give us 7.5 - 15 hours of their time a week. 
• Able to work in a team of staff and volunteers.
• Experienced in a visitor service environment with a strong commitment to excellent customer service.
• Experienced in mammal husbandry (desirable).
• Proactive and able to work under the direction of the Mammal team as well as lone working.
•  Keen to support the work of WWT.
•  Sociable and customer-focused.

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

Please visit our webiste for more information on this exciting role, and others, and to apply! 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Saturday 20th September 2025

Volunteer at WWF-UK’s Great Wild Walk

Join us for a day of nature, community, and conservation!

WWF-UK’s Great Wild Walks are inspiring fundraising events set in some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes. As a volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in making these events a success—supporting walkers, cheering them on, and helping raise crucial funds for WWF’s global conservation work.

Volunteer Roles

Roles are assigned on the day, but here’s what you might be doing:

• Event Village Volunteer: Greet participants, hand out t-shirts and medals, support recycling stations, and help create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Route Marshal: Guide and cheer on walkers along the route, ensuring they stay on track and feel encouraged.
• Back Marker: Walk the full 10-mile route behind the last participants, offering support and removing signage as you go.

What You’ll Receive

• A WWF t-shirt to wear on the day
• Light refreshments
• A full event-day briefing
• Pre-event communications with all the key info

What to Bring

• Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear
• A fully charged mobile phone
• A reusable water bottle
• Sun cream

We aim to make our volunteer roles inclusive and will do our best to accommodate any access needs. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Why Volunteer?

• Meet like-minded people who care about the planet
• Gain valuable event experience
• Support WWF’s mission to protect nature and wildlife

To sign up, please visit our website. 

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

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. The purpose of this role is to support the organisation with communications and administration at a local level. You’ll play an active part in the branch committee and support the branch with record keeping and planning, thus enabling more cats to be helped.

You 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:

• Disseminating relevant organisation-wide information and updates to the branch volunteers
• Supporting engagement and communication between the branch and wider organisation
• Drafting committee meeting agendas and taking and sharing meeting minutes
• Supporting the efficient running of the branch by ensuring administration processes are carried out effectively
• Supporting the administration and update of the branch annual plan 
• Sign-posting queries from members of the public
• Keeping branch records and information up to date and secure, using Cats Protection systems – training will be provided

Time expectation

Our support volunteers usually spend 2-5 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

As a charity we receive numerous enquiries on a daily basis from members of the public related to cats and their welfare. Our enquiries volunteers are part of a passionate team of volunteers that help Cats Protection signpost and manage these enquiries. They help our cats by answering questions from members of the public, providing advice and signposting queries to other volunteers and employees if needed.

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

A bit more information about this role and the team

This role will be focused on triaging phone calls received by the branch and passing it on to the relevant volunteers within the team.

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Responding to enquiries from members of the public 
• Communicating with others and providing information in response to queries
• Signposting queries and requests to other team members

Time expectation 

Our enquiries volunteers usually spend 4 to 6 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.

At WWT we believe the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close and let it do the talking. At our wetland centres we shape unforgettable experiences for our visitors to engage with wetland wildlife and learn more about our pioneering work to conserve wetlands and save species around the world.

Maintaining and developing an award winning wetland centre requires a lot of practical physical work to keep the centre looking in excellent condition, so we can continue to provide our visitors with a great day out and showcase our work to save wetlands for wildlife and people.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

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. 

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.

About The Role

At tWWT we believe that the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them. Your role will bring awe-inspiring nature up close, directly shaping our visitors’ unforgettable experiences. We are looking for a friendly, outgoing person who can provide a warm welcome and interact with visitors through the use of props and talks. 

About You

No previous experience is required as training will be provided.  However this role will suit you if you have a love of wildlife and the outdoors and are:

• Confident or experienced in talking to the public
• Able to work in a team of staff and volunteers
• Experienced in a visitor service environment with a strong commitment to excellent customer service
• Experience in canoeing is an advantage if you are interested in that role

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

This position is open to anyone with a keen interest in Friends of the Earth and our local campaigns in the borough of Camden. We are looking for people interested in environmental and sustainability issues and environmental justice in the Camden community who enjoy organising and running campaigns. We’re open to new ideas for campaigns so you’re free to be as creative as you’d like!

Duties:

The campaign coordinators will help with:

• Researching potential campaign ideas

• Organising & running campaigns

• Collaborating with event coordinators and social media managers to plan and advertise ongoing campaigns

• Stay up-to-date with ongoing Friends Of The Earth campaigns

Desired attributes: 

• Experience with organising and running campaigns

• Passion for the campaigning group’s mission and a commitment to communicating the impact of the charity's work 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Please send us a message stating clearly why you are interested in volunteering in our group.

About The Role

Volunteers are integral to the running of our Welney reserve and visitor centre and without their help we wouldn’t be able to welcome our visitors to this amazing 1300 acre wetland of international importance. Our volunteer team are friendly and committed, and say they benefit by gaining new experiences, meeting new people and sharing the story of our work.

At WWT Welney Wetland Centre we want to ensure that our visitors receive a warm, friendly welcome to ensure they have a memorable visit to our Visitor Centre and Reserve. In this role, you will be helping to bring people of all ages and backgrounds closer to wetland wildlife, by providing assistance for visitors to explore the reserve and learn about WWT’s pioneering wetland conservation work, to save wetlands for wildlife and people. In this role you will support the delivery of a range of interactive visitor engagement activities, including guided walks, and other seasonal activities, drawing people in by telling engaging stories about our work and inspiring people to support us as members of the WWT.

On a day-to-day basis, you’ll be answering visitor questions, helping them to navigate the reserve, and identifying basic wildlife. You'll get regular briefings to keep you up to date with what's going on at the centre, and we can offer coaching to help you feel more confident talking to our visitors and leading guided activities.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email us or leave us a message. 

About You

This role will suit you if you have a positive, friendly, can-do attitude and are committed to delivering excellent customer service. Welney has a close-working team, however, the ability to work under your own initiative and being self-motivated during quieter times is also needed. You’ll have a real interest in and enthusiasm for WWT’s work, nature and the outdoors and can share this with others. Having, or being happy to develop, the confidence to engage our visitors simply and effectively around their needs is also a key part of this role, being a good communicator in English (other languages are also useful!).

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

Practicalities

Where will you be based? Welney Wetland Centre

Who will you volunteer with? Visitor Engagement Team, Events & Marketing Officer

Time commitment?  We are looking for volunteers who can ideally commit to one day a week on a regular basis. Shifts are from 9.15am to 3pm, with suitable breaks. However, we will mutually agree the hours that you can contribute.

We want your volunteering to be a positive and fun experience. You’ll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and other information you need. This will include risk assessments based on your role and any particular support you need. Volunteers receive access to our sites, and discounts in our shops and cafes. Some roles include a uniform or require the use of equipment or protective clothing. If you are based at a particular site or office location, you’ll need to be able to get yourself there and back. Information on locations can be found on our website. We will keep you up to date with what’s happening across WWT and the difference you will be helping to make happen.

We look forward to hearing from you!