Volunteer roles for the Animal sector

Could you volunteer in your local PDSA charity shop and help us raise vital funds to treat pets in need?

PDSA is a charity with 48 pet hospitals that supports pets and people in need. All of our charity shops need an amazing team of volunteers to make them a success and we need you now more than ever.

By becoming a charity shop volunteer with PDSA you will:

• Gain retail experience
• Develop new skills and boost your CV
• Meet new people
• Support your local community
• Donate your current skills and knowledge
• Have fun
• Be part of a friendly team

Charity Shop Volunteers are involved in a wide range of roles and day-to-day activities that support the running of each shop and even a few hours a week will make a difference.

On the shop floor you could be involved with providing excellent customer service, processing transactions on the tills, replenishing stock and putting up eye-catching displays to entice customers in.

Behind the scenes, volunteers get involved with sorting through donations to find those hidden gems and preparing goods for sale by sorting, steaming and pricing

We provide training, so you don’t need experience – and we reimburse travel expenses so you won’t be out of pocket.

We’re looking for people who are 18 years of age or over that enjoy working as part of a team and making a difference.

Get in touch today to talk to us about volunteering in one of our shops or to apply for this role please visit Volunteering with PDSA - PDSA

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.

Could you volunteer in your local PDSA charity shop and help us raise vital funds to treat pets in need?  

PDSA is a charity with 48 pet hospitals that supports pets and people in need. All of our charity shops need an amazing team of volunteers to make them a success and we need you now more than ever.

By becoming a charity shop volunteer with PDSA you will:

• Gain retail experience

• Develop new skills and boost your CV 

• Meet new people 

• Support your local community 

• Donate your current skills and knowledge 

• Have fun

• Be part of a friendly team 

Charity Shop Volunteers are involved in a wide range of roles and day-to-day activities that support the running of each shop and even a few hours a week will make a difference.

On the shop floor you could be involved with providing excellent customer service, processing transactions on the tills, replenishing stock and putting up eye-catching displays to entice customers in. 

Behind the scenes, volunteers get involved with sorting through donations to find those hidden gems and preparing goods for sale by sorting, steaming and pricing 

We provide training, so you don’t need experience – and we reimburse travel expenses so you won’t be out of pocket.

We’re looking for people who are 18 years of age or over that enjoy working as part of a team and making a difference. 

Get in touch today to talk to us about volunteering in one of our shops or to apply for this role please visit Volunteering with PDSA - PDSA 

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.

Could you volunteer in your local PDSA charity shop and help us raise vital funds to treat pets in need?

PDSA is a charity with 48 pet hospitals that supports pets and people in need. All of our charity shops need an amazing team of volunteers to make them a success and we need you now more than ever.

By becoming a charity shop volunteer with PDSA you will:

• Gain retail experience
• Develop new skills and boost your CV
• Meet new people
• Support your local community
• Donate your current skills and knowledge
• Have fun
• Be part of a friendly team

Charity Shop Volunteers are involved in a wide range of roles and day-to-day activities that support the running of each shop and even a few hours a week will make a difference.

On the shop floor you could be involved with providing excellent customer service, processing transactions on the tills, replenishing stock and putting up eye-catching displays to entice customers in.

Behind the scenes, volunteers get involved with sorting through donations to find those hidden gems and preparing goods for sale by sorting, steaming and pricing

We provide training, so you don’t need experience – and we reimburse travel expenses so you won’t be out of pocket.

We’re looking for people who are 18 years of age or over that enjoy working as part of a team and making a difference.

Get in touch today to talk to us about volunteering in one of our shops or to apply for this role please visit Volunteering with PDSA - PDSA

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.

Could you volunteer in your local PDSA charity shop and help us raise vital funds to treat pets in need?

PDSA is a charity with 48 pet hospitals that supports pets and people in need. All of our charity shops need an amazing team of volunteers to make them a success and we need you now more than ever.

By becoming a charity shop volunteer with PDSA you will:

• Gain retail experience
• Develop new skills and boost your CV
• Meet new people
• Support your local community
• Donate your current skills and knowledge
• Have fun
• Be part of a friendly team

Charity Shop Volunteers are involved in a wide range of roles and day-to-day activities that support the running of each shop and even a few hours a week will make a difference.

On the shop floor you could be involved with providing excellent customer service, processing transactions on the tills, replenishing stock and putting up eye-catching displays to entice customers in.

Behind the scenes, volunteers get involved with sorting through donations to find those hidden gems and preparing goods for sale by sorting, steaming and pricing

We provide training, so you don’t need experience – and we reimburse travel expenses so you won’t be out of pocket.

We’re looking for people who are 18 years of age or over that enjoy working as part of a team and making a difference.

Get in touch today to talk to us about volunteering in one of our shops or to apply for this role please visit Volunteering with PDSA - PDSA

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.

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 pet 48 hospitals and increase awareness of the work we do to get the nation PetWise. 

There are many different ways you can help and even a couple of hours a week will make a difference.

As a Volunteer Customer Service Assistant in one of our shops, you will be the face of PDSA. You will make sure that our customers receive a warm welcome and help us to achieve our ambition of delivering the best customer service of any UK charity. You will also be helping us to exceed our income targets.

What skills do I need?

• Are you a team player?
• Do you enjoy building relationships with people?
• Will you go the extra mile when it comes to customer service?

If the answer is yes, we’d love to hear from you. We provide training, so you don’t need experience – and we reimburse travel expenses so you won’t be out of pocket. 

We can offer you the chance to:

• Develop fantastic retail 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:

• Friendly
• Enjoy working as part of a team and with the public.
• Want to develop customer service skills.
• At least 18 years old.

Get in touch today to talk to us about volunteering in one of our stores or by applying online, 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.

To apply for this role please visit Volunteering with PDSA - PDSA

Could you volunteer in your local PDSA charity shop and help us raise vital funds to treat pets in need?  

PDSA is a charity with 48 pet hospitals that supports pets and people in need. All of our charity shops need an amazing team of volunteers to make them a success and we need you now more than ever.

By becoming a charity shop volunteer with PDSA you will:

• Gain retail experience

• Develop new skills and boost your CV 

• Meet new people 

• Support your local community 

• Donate your current skills and knowledge 

• Have fun

• Be part of a friendly team 

Charity Shop Volunteers are involved in a wide range of roles and day-to-day activities that support the running of each shop and even a few hours a week will make a difference.

On the shop floor you could be involved with providing excellent customer service, processing transactions on the tills, replenishing stock and putting up eye-catching displays to entice customers in. 

Behind the scenes, volunteers get involved with sorting through donations to find those hidden gems and preparing goods for sale by sorting, steaming and pricing 

We provide training, so you don’t need experience – and we reimburse travel expenses so you won’t be out of pocket.

We’re looking for people who are 18 years of age or over that enjoy working as part of a team and making a difference. 

Get in touch today to talk to us about volunteering in one of our shops or to apply for this role please visit Volunteering with PDSA - PDSA 

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.

Could you volunteer in your local PDSA charity shop and help us raise vital funds to treat pets in need?

PDSA is a charity with 48 pet hospitals that supports pets and people in need. All of our charity shops need an amazing team of volunteers to make them a success and we need you now more than ever.

By becoming a charity shop volunteer with PDSA you will:

• Gain retail experience
• Develop new skills and boost your CV
• Meet new people
• Support your local community
• Donate your current skills and knowledge
• Have fun
• Be part of a friendly team

Charity Shop Volunteers are involved in a wide range of roles and day-to-day activities that support the running of each shop and even a few hours a week will make a difference.

On the shop floor you could be involved with providing excellent customer service, processing transactions on the tills, replenishing stock and putting up eye-catching displays to entice customers in.

Behind the scenes, volunteers get involved with sorting through donations to find those hidden gems and preparing goods for sale by sorting, steaming and pricing

We provide training, so you don’t need experience – and we reimburse travel expenses so you won’t be out of pocket.

We’re looking for people who are 18 years of age or over that enjoy working as part of a team and making a difference.

Get in touch today to talk to us about volunteering in one of our shops or to apply for this role please visit Volunteering with PDSA - PDSA

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.

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

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 an indoor fosterer so any 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.

The difference you will make to cats and people

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

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

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

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

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups and teams, all of which help our cats in different ways. Our treasurer volunteers maintain the finances of local groups and teams, ensuring they hold the funds needed to continue their vital work. Cats Protection relies solely on donations from generous members of the public, and our treasurer volunteers help make sure these funds are spent in the most effective way. 

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:

• Preparing budgets
• Keeping accurate financial records
• Reporting financial records via ‘Cashlog’ (Cats Protection supplied software)
• Paying invoices and volunteer expenses
• Being part of a team which ensures there are sufficient funds to meet expenditure
• Updating and advising others on income received, expenditure and available funds
• Managing and monitoring donations made to the group
• Following financial procedures e.g. Gift Aid returns and VAT claims

Time expectation

Our current volunteer treasurers usually spend between 2 to 4 hours per week in this role. More hours may be required at certain times, such as towards the end of the financial year but support is always available. 

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

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.

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 your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
• Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
• Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
• Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
• Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
• Organising and chairing team meetings
• Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection

Time expectation

Our branch team leader volunteers usually spend 10 to 15 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. There will be times of year when more hours are required, such as towards the end of the financial year, but support and guidance are available.

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.

Volunteer Role Profile

Volunteer Role: Branch Trustee

Volunteer Manager: Alongside other local Branch Trustees

Where you will be based: Community

Why we want you

We are the RSPCA and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.

As a trustee of a branch you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals. We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with a variety of experience and skills to draw on, whether these have been formed through life or work situations.

You'll be passionate about animal welfare and alongside other trustees, will manage the affairs of a local RSPCA Branch to promote and provide animal welfare within the branch area.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary dependent on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties such as the role of chairman, treasurer or secretary.

Trustees are elected for a 12 month term each year.

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee, and to ensure it’s the right decision for you, we recommend visiting the YouGov website

What you will be doing

• Familiarising yourself with and supporting the aims and policies of the RSPCA
• Familiarising yourself with the branch rules and following them at all times
• Working with your fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly acting in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
• Ensuring the branch meets all the minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS). Where they are not met, working with national RSPCA staff to meet them as soon as practicably possible
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Support Specialist (BSS), writing, adopting, monitoring and reviewing a branch development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch
• Actively participating in branch committee meetings and attending the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
• Having an awareness of the outcomes of regional board meetings and supporting regional initiatives.
• Actively promoting and advertising to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers.
• Welcoming new trustees and volunteers to the branch.

The skills you need

• Aged 18 or over
• A current member of the RSPCA (please see RSPCA website for details on how to become a member)
• Able to work with people from all backgrounds and have good interpersonal skills
• Specific skills such as finance, legal, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful to help ensure we have a sound and robust business model and long term strategic development plan, however they are not essential.
• Commitment, common sense and the ability to be objective is vital
• Creativity, innovation. A person who can bring different experiences and fresh perspectives to the Board and help put those ideas into action

What's in it for you

• Meet like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare
• Use your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare
• You will be volunteering at the heart of the local community
• Full training via our trustee course
• Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to additional training provided by the relevant branch

Disclaimer

Before you can start volunteering you’ll need to complete our simple online Health & Safety course and any associated training required for your role.

New RSPCA trustees are provided with a link to our intranet to view our Guidance for Branch Trustees and are also asked to attend a training course which provides information and guidance about a trustee’s role and responsibilities. Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and that they accept the post.

Tetanus is a life threatening bacterial disease caused by an infection in an open wound. All volunteers must be suitably protected. We recommend that volunteers check their vaccination history with their GP. If a volunteer has not had the required doses, the GP should offer them free of charge as part of the UK vaccination schedule.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

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

A bit more information about this role and the team

• Going out to scan cats; own transport is needed

• Delivering donated food to stray cats being fed by households, if required

• Providing a quarterly update report to the local volunteer committee

What we need from you

You’ll be:

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

Time expectation 

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

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.