Welfare 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

Join us as a Cat Welfare Support volunteer and make a real difference to the lives of cats and their owners. Whether it’s taking cats to the vet, helping to maintain cat welfare standards, or supporting other volunteers to keep everything organised, your support will help us take care of more cats. Help us create a better life for cats and their families with your compassion and dedication.

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. We’ll help you choose what you’d like to get involved with, making sure it benefits both you and the team, for example: 

• supporting the team to maintain high standards of cat welfare
• transporting cats to vet appointments or to new homes
• entering records for cats and cat-related activity to track the impact of the team
• supporting with cat admissions and matching cats with prospective owners
• ordering, collecting and delivering cat-related supplies, for example, food, litter, medical supplies
• communicating with the public, offering support with cat ownership or lost and found cats
• supporting the volunteer neutering team

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

Time expectation

The time expectation for this role will vary depending on the number of volunteers and cats in care. Our cat welfare team leaders usually spend between 10 to 12 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

Join us as a Cat Welfare Support volunteer and make a real difference to the lives of cats and their owners. Whether it’s taking cats to the vet, helping to maintain cat welfare standards, or supporting other volunteers to keep everything organised, your support will help us take care of more cats. Help us create a better life for cats and their families with your compassion and dedication.

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. We’ll help you choose what you’d like to get involved with, making sure it benefits both you and the team, for example: 

• supporting the team to maintain high standards of cat welfare
• transporting cats to vet appointments or to new homes
• entering records for cats and cat-related activity to track the impact of the team
• supporting with cat admissions and matching cats with prospective owners
• ordering, collecting and delivering cat-related supplies, for example, food, litter, medical supplies
• communicating with the public, offering support with cat ownership or lost and found cats
• supporting the volunteer neutering team

Time expectation

Our Cat Welfare Support volunteers typically volunteer for two to four hours per week. This role is flexible and can fit around your other commitments.

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

Join us as a Cat Welfare Support volunteer and make a real difference to the lives of cats and their owners. Whether it’s taking cats to the vet, helping to maintain cat welfare standards, or supporting other volunteers to keep everything organised, your support will help us take care of more cats. Help us create a better life for cats and their families with your compassion and dedication.

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. We’ll help you choose what you’d like to get involved with, making sure it benefits both you and the team, for example: 

• supporting the team to maintain high standards of cat welfare
• transporting cats to vet appointments or to new homes
• entering records for cats and cat-related activity to track the impact of the team
• supporting with cat admissions and matching cats with prospective owners
• ordering, collecting and delivering cat-related supplies, for example, food, litter, medical supplies
• communicating with the public, offering support with cat ownership or lost and found cats
• supporting the volunteer neutering team

Time expectation

Our Cat Welfare Support volunteers typically volunteer for two to four hours per week. This role is flexible and can fit around your other commitments.

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

Join us as a Cat Welfare Support volunteer and make a real difference to the lives of cats and their owners. Whether it’s taking cats to the vet, helping to maintain cat welfare standards, or supporting other volunteers to keep everything organised, your support will help us take care of more cats. Help us create a better life for cats and their families with your compassion and dedication.

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. We’ll help you choose what you’d like to get involved with, making sure it benefits both you and the team, for example: 

• supporting the team to maintain high standards of cat welfare
• transporting cats to vet appointments or to new homes
• entering records for cats and cat-related activity to track the impact of the team
• supporting with cat admissions and matching cats with prospective owners
• ordering, collecting and delivering cat-related supplies, for example, food, litter, medical supplies
• communicating with the public, offering support with cat ownership or lost and found cats
• supporting the volunteer neutering team

Time expectation

Our Cat Welfare Support volunteers typically volunteer for two to four hours per week. This role is flexible and can fit around your other commitments.

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.

Toad Hall Animal Care – Saturdays Volunteer

About The Role

By caring for amphibians and supporting the Toad Hall exhibit, this role plays a vital part in conservation education and biodiversity protection. Volunteers help raise awareness of wetland species and the threats they face by engaging the public through interactive presentations, inspiring visitors to value and support wetland conservation.

What will you be doing:

• General animal husbandry such as feeding, water changes, and exhibit maintenance.
• Data recording for life support systems.
• General maintenance of public and back of house areas
• Helping with new projects and stock management.
• Conducting interactive presentations to engage the general public in the work of WWT, the amphibians in the Toad Hall exhibit, and wider conservation messages (training provided)
• Research and observations recording
• Adhering to all bio-security and hygiene protocols across the Living Collections

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. We are particularly looking for volunteers to support us on Saturdays.
 
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, please apply as soon as possible and include as much detail as possible in your application. 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 and leave a message with your name and number. 

About You

Who are we looking for?

There are two parts to this role: assisting with daily animal management duties in the Living Collections department and engaging our visitors on the amphibians and the work of Living Collection. Both aspects are equally important, and so we are looking for volunteers with the following:

• Basic animal husbandry knowledge, with a particular interest in amphibians would be advantageous
• Excellent customer service skills; confidence and enthusiasm when engaging the public
• Good physical health – this role will involve some manual handling
• Good attention to detail and able to follow instructions
• The ability to work on your own initiative under the direction of the Ectotherm team, following strict animal care protocols.

The role would be enjoyable for those who love working closely with animals, educating others, and gaining hands-on experience in an internationally important wetland site.  This role is particularly for those that are able to volunteer with us on Saturday as we are keen to boost our team on that day, other days may be available through other advertised roles.
 
Please note that this role is not suitable for those under the age of 18.

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

Ideally, we are looking for a commitment of at least one day a week for a minimum of 3 months but can be flexible dependent on the volunteer’s needs.

How to Apply

For more information on this exciting role, and others, and to apply please visit our webpage. 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

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

Join us as a Cat Welfare Support volunteer and make a real difference to the lives of cats and their owners. Whether it’s taking cats to the vet, helping to maintain cat welfare standards, or supporting other volunteers to keep everything organised, your support will help us take care of more cats. Help us create a better life for cats and their families with your compassion and dedication.

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. We’ll help you choose what you’d like to get involved with, making sure it benefits both you and the team, for example: 

• supporting the team to maintain high standards of cat welfare
• transporting cats to vet appointments or to new homes
• entering records for cats and cat-related activity to track the impact of the team
• supporting with cat admissions and matching cats with prospective owners
• ordering, collecting and delivering cat-related supplies, for example, food, litter, medical supplies
• communicating with the public, offering support with cat ownership or lost and found cats
• supporting the volunteer neutering team

This is a great opportunity to get involved and make a real difference by providing valuable administrative support at our Head Office in Newmarket. We are looking for a reliable and enthusiastic volunteer who would like to use their existing admin skills and experience to support a dynamic charity at the heart of the racing industry.
If you’re organised, proactive and enjoy being part of a friendly team, we would love to hear from you!

As a Volunteer Administrator, you'll bring your office experience and IT skills to support Racing Welfare’s daily operations. You’ll be comfortable using Microsoft Office programmes like Outlook, Word, and Excel and able to work independently with flexibility. All volunteers must maintain confidentiality and follow Racing Welfare's confidentiality policy and procedures.

Time Commitment: Approximately 1 day per week, flexible based on availability.

Key Responsibilities:
• Photocopying and scanning documents
• Responding to general enquiries via email and telephone
• Contacting external organisations/suppliers for quotes
• Processing card payments over the phone, including donations
• Sending letters and cards
• Compiling attendance lists/ coach registers for events
• Maintaining accurate, up-to-date records according to organisational guidelines and procedures
• Participating in supervision and ongoing training as required
• Helping with other miscellaneous office duties such as tidying/sorting the offices, stock checks and stationary orders etc.
• Taking telephone messages

Required Skills and Attributes:
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Office programmes, including mail merge.
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent written, verbal, and face-to-face communication skills
• Reliability, punctuality and a professional attitude
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to collect, review, and disseminate information effectively
• Ability to work well within a team and establish effective working relationships

Support and Training:
We will provide all necessary materials and training, including safeguarding training, health and safety and data protection. You will receive continuous support and guidance from a dedicated member of staff throughout your volunteering role.

Benefits of Volunteering with Racing Welfare:
• Be part of a friendly, dedicated team and meet new people
• Continued development of your administrative and communications skills
• Experience the reward of supporting your local and national community
• Gain valuable skills and experience to enhance your CV
• Claim previously agreed out-of-pocket travel expenses

Important Information
• Safeguarding Training: Must be completed before starting the role.
• DBS Check Required: This role is subject to a Basic DBS check, which will be organised and paid for by the charity.
• Two references: Must be completed before starting the role
• Access to Transport Required: No, however, it may be needed if not local to the head office in Newmarket.
• Age Requirement: 18 years or above.

Interested?
For more information, or to apply, please contact use via email outlining your skills and experience and providing a short summary of how you meet the role description.
If you’re shortlisted, we will invite you to our Head Office for an interview. After that, there will be an informal face-to-face chat with a few members of the team, so you can get to know us and we can get to know you a little better. Volunteers join us for an initial six-month trial period, with continuation based on mutual agreement and shared expectations. 

To learn more about what we do visit our website.

Could you become one of our Trustees to help guide our work? 

World Horse Welfare’s volunteers help our work in many different ways, from lending a hand at one of our farms to joining our Council of Trustees. This elected group of professionals is responsible for the overall governance and strategy of our charity and, to do this effectively, our Council includes people with diverse areas of expertise, interests and backgrounds. In return for their time and knowledge, Trustees enjoy the opportunity to use and build their skills, attend a range of special events, become part of an outstanding network, and influence the direction of our charity. 

We currently have two vacancies – for a practicing equine veterinary surgeon and for someone with significant experience in one or more of the following areas: fundraising, cybersecurity and data management (where equine experience would be a bonus, but you only need an empathy with our aims and an interest in helping to guide our work). We take pride in our values of being realistic in our approach, compassionate in our attitudes, and forward-thinking in anticipating challenge. The successful person will be expected to share these values. 

The charity embraces a diversity of perspectives to inform our day-to-day work, and for this to be reflected in the membership of our Council. We encourage expressions of interest from currently under-represented groups, including people from a broad age range, LGBTQ+, ethnically diverse communities and people with disabilities.

Join us as a Volunteer Yard Assistant at one of our four rescue and rehoming centres where rescued horses begin their journey to a brighter future – receiving the expert, compassionate care they need to heal and thrive.

As a Volunteer Yard Assistant you’ll play an important role in supporting the smooth running of our yards by helping with day to day tasks. Your contribution will allow our expert grooms to focus on rehabilitating horses and preparing them for a loving new home.

This is a physically active role where you’ll get to be part of a friendly and inclusive team, experience the satisfaction of making a real difference, and have opportunities to be involved in other charity activities, such as open days. While horse handling may be limited, the sense of purpose, teamwork, and enjoyment are unlimited!

If you’re reliable, enthusiastic and enjoy working as part of a team, we’d love to hear from you. Our centres are currently looking for volunteers to help on the following days:

• Glenda Spooner Farm in Somerton, Somerset: Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Fridays from 9am to 11am, with the option to stay on until 1pm once established.
• Hall Farm in Snetterton, Norfolk: Any day except Tuesdays.
• Penny Farm in Blackpool, Lancashire: Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 1pm or 2pm to 4.30pm.

As an Adventure Ambassador, you will act as the face of Adventures for Animals on our UK and overseas trips. This role offers an exciting opportunity to combine your passion for travel with your commitment to animal welfare, while inspiring others to take part in meaningful challenges. Your primary focus will be on promoting trips, building community engagement, supporting fundraising and delivering an exceptional participant experience before and during each adventure.

Key Responsibilities

Promote Inspiring Adventures

• Generate interest and excitement through social media, community outreach, and personal networks.
• Encourage registrations, and later fundraising, by sharing the purpose and impact of Adventures for Animals and the work of IAPWA.

Host and Represent on Trips

• Act as the official Adventure Ambassador on each trip, representing Adventures for Animals and IAPWA.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive group environment.
• Support participants throughout the journey to help ensure a smooth and memorable experience.

Incentives and Rewards

• Once a trip reaches an agreed capacity, you will secure a free place on the expedition.
• At the next agreed benchmark, you will receive free return flights for the adventure.
• At full capacity, you will also then receive a generous trip allowance.

Represent the Mission

• Embody the values and mission of the charity.
• Share insight into the charity’s work and inspire participants to support animal welfare initiatives.
• Strengthen the sense of community and shared purpose across each adventure.

Team Collaboration

• Attend monthly team meetings with fellow Adventure Ambassadors.
• Share insights, feedback, and ideas to support programme growth and fundraising best practice.
• Optionally organise UK-based hikes or local events to promote upcoming trips and engage the community.

Essential Experience / Skills

• A genuine passion for travel, adventure, and animal welfare
• Strong communication skills and confidence engaging groups
• Self-motivated with the ability to proactively promote trips
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a natural leadership presence
• Organised, reliable, and positive in approach

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to explore exciting destinations while supporting meaningful animal welfare initiatives.
• Personal and professional development in leadership, public speaking, and community engagement.
• The chance to play a key role in raising awareness and funds to support animals worldwide.

Closing Date: The job advert will close as soon as suitable candidates have been found. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible!

We’re looking for a motivated finance professional to join our Trustee Board as Treasurer, provide us with financial strategic direction and help us maintain our long-term sustainability

Working closely with our Chair and Chief Officer, your key responsibilities will include:

• Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities

• Guiding and advising the Board in the approval of budgets, accounts and financial statements

• Chairing the Board’s Finance Sub-Committee

• Reviewing the quarterly and year end accounts produced by our Administrator

• Presenting the year end accounts at the Annual General Meeting

• Ensuring that proper financial procedures and controls are in place to safeguard the charity’s resources

• Ensuring that the charity has appropriate reserves and investment policies

You don’t need to have been a trustee before, but you’ll need to:

• have recognised professional financial qualifications or experience

• ideally, have some knowledge or experience of charity finances

• be familiar with Quickbooks accounting systems and spreadsheets

• have the skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences

• be able to explain complex financial information in an accessible way

• be able to exercise good independent judgment and if necessary to make difficult recommendations

• work effectively as part of a team

• have the time and flexibility to respond to the demands of the charity

• be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality, equality and data protection

• represent Citizens Advice professionally at all times

Please note that while a large part of the role can be performed remotely, in-person attendance is expected for the board and trustee meetings.

If you are interested in joining our successful and expanding service, as we continue to meet the advice needs of the diverse communities we serve, we would love to hear from you. 

Could you provide a temporary home full of love and care, supporting rabbit(s) while we work to match them with their perfect adoptive family?

We’re seeking compassionate people like you who meet the following:

• 21+ years old and
• Ideally, live within 45 minutes of our sanctuary.
• Able to safely transport rabbits to vet visits or meet-and-greets.
• Provide a secure, clean, and loving home—indoors or outdoors.
• Ideally, have experience with rescue rabbits.
• Committed to fostering long-term.

Foster Carer Responsibilities:

• Daily Love & Care: Feed, groom, and socialise your foster rabbits, giving them the warmth and attention they deserve.
• Attending appointment: Bring your rabbits to the sanctuary for vet visits or adoption meet-and-greets. Urgent vet trips may be needed if your foster becomes unwell.
• Stay Connected: Share updates and photos to help us track their progress.
• Follow Their Plan: By following each rabbit's tailored care program, you ensure they have the best chance of success.

This is a voluntary role.

Through fostering, your home becomes a peaceful space where a rabbit can relax and let its gentle nature emerge, demonstrating its personality to potential adopters, helping them to find the family they have been waiting for.❤️

Could you open your home to a dog and give them the chance to feel loved, while waiting for their forever home?

We’re seeking caring and compassionate people like you, who meet the following:

• Aged 21 or over
• A safe, secure, fully enclosed garden
• No children under 12
• Home for the majority of the day

Desirable:

• Live within 45 minutes of our sanctuary (NR9 4PJ) to attend vet appointments or adopter meet-and-greets
• No other animals in the home
• Experience in caring for dogs

Foster Carer Responsibilities:

• Daily Care: You will feed, walk, groom, train, and provide a loving environment for your foster dog under guidance from your foster coordinator.
• Appointments: You will bring your dog to the sanctuary for vet visits or adopter meet-and-greets. Urgent visits may be required if your foster becomes unwell.
• Stay Connected: You will keep in touch with your foster coordinator, providing updates, photos, and completing foster assessments.
• Follow Their Plan: Each dog has a tailored care program. By following it, you give your foster dog the best chance of success.

When you foster, you provide a peaceful and loving environment where a dog’s true personality can flourish, helping adopters discover who they truly are and find the family they have been waiting for. ❤️