Volunteer volunteer roles for the Animal sector in Europe or Spain
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
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. Life in a rescue environment is never ideal for any cat compared to a loving home. Our cat adoption team leaders support cat homing and as part of this they may lead a team of volunteer home visitors who collectively play an important part in matching our feline friends with their new families. Our cat adoption 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:
- Acting as the main point of contact within the team for cat adoption enquiries via email/telephone and social media
- Supporting the adoption process through either homefinder questionnaires or a small team of home visitors
- Liaising closely with other volunteers to ensure information on cats being helped is correct and up to date
- Following up on any post-adoption queries
- Play an active part in the volunteer committee, being part of the team leading on cat adoption information and updates
- Collaborating with the cat welfare team leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with Cats Protection policy and procedures
Time expectation
The cat adoption team leader role is vital within our busy volunteer teams. Our current volunteers spend around 10 to 12 hours per week in this flexible role, which can be shared by more than one volunteer if required.
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.
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
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
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!
Retail Lead Volunteer - PDSA
Could you support your local PDSA shop - and help us care for the pets of people in need?
Every PDSA shop needs an amazing team of volunteers to make it a success and we’re on the lookout for people to join us.
Our shops raise funds to support our 48 pet hospitals and increase awareness of the work we do to get the nation PetWise.
With some roles, you may have the opportunity to become a Lead Volunteer or to gain a nationally recognised qualification (NVQ). Lead Volunteers are trained in all aspects of running the shop and can deputise for the manager, so this is a fantastic opportunity that would really enhance your CV. There are many different ways you can help and even a couple of hours a week will make a difference.
This is a varied and responsible role where you’ll be supporting the Shop Manager and Assistant with the day-to-day running of the shop. You’ll be encouraged to lead on new projects and may be asked to provide cover when the Manager is absent from the shop.
What skills do I need?
- Are you a natural team leader and problem solver?
- Do you have great communication skills?
- Do you have previous management experience?
- Are you commercially aware?
- Do you have good IT skills?
- Are you confident working independently?
If the answer is yes to most of these, this could be the ideal role for you. We provide training and we reimburse travel expenses so you won’t be out of pocket
We can offer you the chance to:
- Develop fantastic retail and supervisory skills for your CV
- Work flexible hours that suit you.
- Make new friends.
- Gain a qualification (if you meet the requirements)
We’re looking for people who are:
- Positive and friendly
- Willing to take responsibility and manage others
- Confident with cash handling
- Aware of health & safety issues
- Happy working as part of a team
- Flexible and keen to learn
Get in touch today to talk to us about volunteering in one of our stores, we’d love to hear from you!
PDSA positively encourages volunteer applications regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all our colleagues and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect.
To support this commitment, our recruitment & selection processes are robust and rigorous and all appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks. A basic DBS check is required for this role.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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!
Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.
A bit about this role
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.
What can you expect to be doing?
- Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers in the Horsham and district area
- 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
A bit more information about this role and the team
- This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
- There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
- You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
- We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.
What are the benefits to you and the cats?
You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
We’re looking for someone with
- Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
- Excellent organisational skills
- The ability to prioritise and delegate
- An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
- Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
- Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
- Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+
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.
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 wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.
Applicants will be asked to complete an application form 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.
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!
RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Bucks
Do you enjoy problem-solving, have a knack for technology, and want to make a meaningful impact in a charitable setting? This is an exciting opportunity for an IT Volunteer to provide first-line support and assist with day-to-day IT operations. This is a hybrid role, mostly remote however there may be necessity to visit our main locations on occasion. It is ideal for anyone living in the Milton Keynes area who can commit regular time and enjoys working in a small, collaborative team.
Overview of opportunity
Our IT team ensures smooth operations for staff and volunteers by managing systems and providing technical support. We currently use Google Workspace applications but are undergoing an assessment to transition to Microsoft Office.
About the RSPCA
Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.
Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!
The RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Bucks Branch
The Milton Keynes & North Bucks Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.
IT First Line Support Volunteer responsibilities
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Monitor IT Support Emails:
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Check daily, sort and redirect issues as needed.
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User Management:
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Onboarding and offboarding staff and volunteers
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Creating and managing user accounts in Google Workspace
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Assigning email access and permissions
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First-Line Support:
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Triage incoming IT queries
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Basic troubleshooting and escalation where necessary
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Ticket Management:
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Log and track support requests
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Ensure timely resolution or escalation
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Participate in Monthly IT Call:
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Share updates and collaborate with the team.
What we are looking for in an IT First Line Support Volunteer
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Experience in a similar IT support role
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Understanding of IT systems and troubleshooting
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Some knowledge of Google Workspace administration (advantageous)
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Strong organisational and communication skills
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Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
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Comfortable using ticketing systems (or willing to learn)
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Reliable internet connection and access to a computer
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An interest in animal welfare.
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Someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment
What we can offer you as an IT First Line Support Volunteer
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You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the animals in your area.
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Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.
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Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and training programme.
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Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.
How to Apply:
If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!
We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Milton Keynes & North Bucks Branch
Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependant on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.
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
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
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!
RSPCA South London
Our charity shop in the heart of SW17 7TW is looking for a friendly volunteer to join our team and help make our shop a huge success. Make new friends, have fun, and help us help more animals!
As a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant, you would join a small team working with the shop manager and 1-2 other volunteers to help make it a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare.
About Our Charity Shop
The shop plays an essential role in raising the profile of the RSPCA in our local community and funds for our branch so that we can continue our vital animal welfare work. Our shops sell a mixture of donated items, including clothes, books, bric-a-brac and collectables, and a selection of new items. We have positions available on the shop floor and in our stock room or you could volunteer to do a mixture of both.
Volunteer Charity Shop Assistant responsibilities
- Helping customers in the shop find what they need.
- Accepting donations of items and money from the public.
- Processing sales through the till and card machine, including Gift Aid.
- Sorting through donated items to determine what we can sell.
- Preparing donated items for sale by steaming and hanging and items.
- Merchandising stock on the shop floor.
- Creating attractive shop window displays.
What we are looking for in a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant
- Friendly volunteers who are confident talking to people.
- Retail experience would be ideal but is not necessary as full training will be given.
- We are ideally aiming for someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment.
- Good communication and numeracy skills.
- You will need to be aged 16 or over.
What we can offer you as a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant
- A way to meet new people and make new friends in your local area.
- A place where you will learn excellent new skills to add to your CV, such as customer service, multi-tasking, merchandising, and many more.
- An excellent induction and training programme relevant to your role.
- The opportunity to make a huge difference to the welfare of animals.
- Reimbursement for any reasonable travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering with us.
If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!
We hope you are interested in volunteering for the South London Branch
Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.
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
Our publicity team leaders have the important role of supporting a wider team of publicity volunteers. As a team our publicity volunteers collectively keep members of the public informed of the vital and varied ways we help our cats in need. Raising awareness is crucial to us being able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us. A higher profile can help raise funds, raise awareness of adopting a cat, promote neutering and encourage as many people as possible to learn 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:
- Communicating with others including newsletter, social media and website volunteers
- Advising others on the content of newsletters and web posts
- Interacting with others to make sure information is positive, accurate and consistent
- Liaising with your volunteer group and our Head Office to organise media campaigns
- Responding to local media requests if required
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
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!
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
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
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
A bit more information about this role and the team
The branch are looking for indoor and outdoor Fosterer volunteers.
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.
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.
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
Our cat admissions volunteers ensure the smooth running of our admissions process, helping our volunteer groups and teams admit cats into our care in the most effective and stress-free way possible for both people and cats. This role is undertaken from your own home. This could be the perfect volunteer role if you have administration experience, a passion for cats, or both!
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.
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 email and telephone enquiries regarding cats coming into care
- Managing the cat waiting list and prioritising accordingly
- Liaising with other volunteers, employees, local vets and members of the public
- Using our administrative systems to record cats coming into care
Time expectation
Our cat admissions volunteers usually spend two to four hours a 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.
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.
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.
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!
RSPCA North West London and South Hertfordshire Branch
Our RSPCA charity shop in Ruislip is looking for friendly volunteers to join the team.
About Our Shop
RSPCA, 66 High Street, Ruislip, HA4 7AA
The shop is part of the RSPCA North West London & South Hertfordshire Branch. It plays an essential role in raising the profile of the RSPCA in our local community, as well as raising much needed funds for our branch so that we can continue our vital animal welfare work.
About the RSPCA
Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It’s always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.
About the Role
As a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant, you would join a small team of other volunteers helping to make the shop a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare.
Our volunteers assist us in many ways, such as accepting and sorting items donated by the public, preparing items ready for sale, processing sales through the till, assisting customers with queries, and helping to merchandise the shop floor.
Who are we looking for?
We’re currently looking for people aged 18 or over who are friendly, team players, are comfortable communicating with colleagues, customers and donors, and who can make a regular commitment of at least one 3-hour per shift per week for a minimum of six months. Retail experience is not essential.
In return, we can offer the chance to develop or learn new skills, a way to meet new people in your local area, and the satisfaction of making a huge difference to the lives of animals in your local community!
If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!
We hope you are interested in volunteering for the RSPCA North West London and South Hertfordshire Branch.
Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.
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
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Assist staff during school visits, workshops, and community outreach events.
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Help set up and pack away educational materials, displays, and activity stations.
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Support the delivery of interactive demonstrations (with or without live animals, depending on training).
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Engage with visitors, answer basic questions, and help create a welcoming learning environment.
Animal Handling (Optional Based on Training)
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Handle reptiles safely during sessions once trained and approved by senior staff.
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Support welfare checks and ensure animals are comfortable during events.
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Help maintain safe handling practices with the public.
Community Engagement
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Represent the Reptile Centre positively at fairs, open days, fundraising events, and exhibitions.
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Share information about the centre’s conservation work, rescue stories, and how people can get involved.
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Encourage visitors to support fundraising campaigns and ongoing community initiatives.
Event Support
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Assist with coordinating groups during onsite and offsite sessions.
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Help manage queues, guide groups, and provide general visitor support.
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Prepare craft materials, activity sheets, or demonstration equipment.
Practical Support
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Help maintain the cleanliness and organisation of education and outreach equipment.
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Support the preparation of educational resources and displays.
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Assist with basic administrative tasks such as feedback collection or session records.
Skills & Qualities Needed
Essential
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Friendly, reliable, and comfortable speaking with the public.
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Enthusiastic about reptiles, wildlife, conservation, or animal education.
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Willingness to learn and follow safety and welfare guidelines.
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Good teamwork skills and a positive, helpful attitude.
Desirable
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Experience working with animals, children, or in an educational setting.
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Confidence handling reptiles (training will be provided).
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Knowledge of reptile care, conservation, or science communication.
What We Provide
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Full training in reptile handling, welfare, and safe educational practice.
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Safeguarding and health & safety guidance.
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Support from staff and fellow volunteers.
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Opportunities to develop skills in public speaking, education, and animal care.
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Experience that can support future employment or studies in animal care, conservation, or education.
Time Commitment
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Flexible volunteer shifts available (weekdays, weekends, or event-based).
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Volunteers can offer as much or as little time as they are comfortably able to.
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Outreach events may require occasional travel with staff.
Additional Requirements
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Minimum age (centre-specific, often 16+ or 18+).
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Willingness to undergo basic training and follow centre policies.
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Some roles may require a DBS check (depending on involvement with children).
Benefits of Volunteering
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Make a meaningful contribution to reptile welfare and conservation education.
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Gain confidence and skills in presenting and public engagement.
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Work closely with a variety of reptiles and learn from experienced handlers.
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Join a supportive team and become part of the centre’s community.
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Opportunities to assist in fundraising that supports vital veterinary and rescue work.
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
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. Our Cat welfare team leaders have the important role of coordinating, encouraging and supporting teams of fosterer volunteers and cat care volunteers. They help make sure volunteers with direct cat care roles are happy and confident and provide advice and guidance when needed. This incredible teamwork means we are able to help more cats and kittens in need.
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:
- Volunteering alongside colleagues including the branch coordinator/team leader, Cat Welfare team, branch development manager and Vet team to ensure that cat care policies, procedures and standards are applied
- Support fosterers to follow cat welfare policies and procedures
- Acting as the main point of contact within the branch for cat welfare and ensuring that welfare updates are shared and implemented effectively
- Supporting the branch by ensuring that accurate and up to date records of all cats helped are maintained, using specified systems
- Attending relevant volunteer training sessions and encouraging other volunteers to do likewise
- With the other volunteers, recruit, induct and support all branch fosterers and cat care volunteers
- Represent the branch at relevant meetings
- Play an active part in the branch committee, being part of the branch team leading on cat adoption information and updates
- Collaborating with the cat adoption team leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with our policies and procedures
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats