Volunteering with RSPCA Victoria

At RSPCA Victoria, we rely on dedicated and compassionate volunteers to assist with many aspects of our operations - from lending a hand at one of our events to hands-on work caring for animals. Without the support of so many committed volunteers, we simply could not care for the thousands of animals that come into our care each year.

Some important information about becoming a volunteer:

The minimum age to volunteer is 15 years. We ask our volunteers to make a six month commitment to volunteering, often with four-hour shifts on a weekly or fortnightly basis. 

Please note we are unable to provide work experience or offer any student placements. 

We no longer hold regular information sessions for those wanting to volunteer, however a brief description of the types of roles we offer can be found below. We are so lucky to have so much interest in our volunteer positions, however this sometimes means demand for places can outweigh need.

Please read through the list of roles we’re currently recruiting for and apply online if you see a role you’re interested in.

If there isn’t a role currently that suits you, keep checking back in as needs and recruitment change daily!

For more information about becoming a volunteer please read our FAQs or email our Volunteer Engagement Team.

To view all current volunteer vacancies, click the button below! 

Volunteer

Contact Us

Volunteer Engagement team E volunteer@rspcavic.org.au Frequently asked questions

Special thanks to Moth Media for partnering with us to create our Volunteering at RSPCA Victoria video. 

Shelter

Volunteering in the shelter allows you to work hands on with animals and is incredibly rewarding and inspiring. Prior experience is not essential, but a passion for animal welfare, the desire to work with others and a sense of maturity  is vital.
Some tasks include walking dogs, cleaning pens and enclosures and giving shelter animals some TLC.

These roles are a unique opportunity to make a difference, but they can be physically demanding, can require work outdoors in all weather and can sometimes involve smelly and dirty work! 

You might feel emotional about the animals you’re working with and may find this difficult, but ultimately the reward is that you’re making a huge, positive difference to their lives – and yours!

Transport Drivers

Volunteer Drivers support our Animal Care Team by transferring animals and goods between sites. Transferring animals can increase adoption opportunities or allow them to receive medical care. Drivers also transport wildlife to dedicated carers for rehabilitation, and support our Development Team by transporting goods and donations for Op Shops between locations.

This position is flexible and is a great option for those wanting to help out without always being hands on with animals.

Laundry/Storeroom

Volunteering in the laundry and storeroom is a great way to support the clinic and shelter without working directly with animals. This role assists to launder animal bedding, surgical scrubs, enrichment toys and items required for foster carers. Volunteers also sort, store and organise donated goods for animals in the shelter.

Events

At certain times of the year we require extra volunteers for special events and functions such as Million Paws Walk and Santa Paws. 

For more information on becoming an event volunteer click here.

Foster care

Some of the animals entering shelters need a little extra help before they are ready for adoption and their new forever homes. They may be too young, unwell, recovering from surgery, or may need training to improve their behaviour. Our foster care program helps these animals recover in a home environment until they’re ready to enter adoption.

For more information about becoming a foster carer click here.

Clinic

Volunteering in the clinic is a great opportunity for those wishing to experience hands-on work with animals. This role would suit those who love animals, are dedicated to improving their welfare and have good animal handling skills. It is also a great opportunity to learn about the care and health requirements for future work in the industry. Volunteering in the clinic is good for anyone considering a career in veterinary care. 

Admin support

Admin support roles are great for those wanting a role that isn’t necessarily hands on with animals. It can also be great to build up certain skills and get experience in the workplace, especially if you’re studying. 

We often require office support in various departments such as events, fundraising and marketing. Occasionally we also require short term positions supporting our permanent office staff during peak times.

Volunteers can assist with mail outs, data entry, community fundraising, copywriting, online support and other general administrative duties.

Customer Care

The role involves assisting our Customer Care Team to deliver excellent customer service to internal and external RSPCA customers and animals within their care.  As a Customer Care Assistant Volunteer, you will be based in the main public area of the Burwood East site, and will be a first point of contact for visitors coming into the centre.  Your exceptional people skills and affinity for animals will ensure a positive experience for our customers as you assist with directing them to the staff/area relevant to their inquiry.  A strong customer service ethic coupled with a passion for animal welfare will be key characteristics of volunteers in this role. 

Inspectorate

Volunteers play a crucial role in engaging with members of the public who have contacted our inspectorate to report cruelty, providing them with appropriate information and feedback regarding the progress of their individual report.

Op Shops

Our RSPCA Victoria Op Shops are operated solely by teams of dedicated volunteers. All funds raised go towards supporting RSPCA Victoria to continue its work to end animal cruelty.

Maintenance

Volunteers assist with regular maintenance of our grounds and gardens. It’s a great way to use your existing skills to make a difference.