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Become a volunteer

Here’s what you need to know about volunteering with RSPCA Victoria.

• Depending on the role, the minimum age is 15 or 18.
• No work experience for students is available.
• Volunteer opportunities change regularly so keep checking back for updates.

Application process

All candidates will be required to complete an application for the role they are interested in. Candidates may only apply for one role, however once accepted as a volunteer you may also apply for other roles internally. Some roles will require an interview process to further assess a candidate’s suitability.

Induction and onboarding

All volunteers will be required to undertake online learning modules prior to volunteering at RSPCA Victoria. After this, volunteers will attend an on-site induction to help them understand their role and the location where they are volunteering, learn important health and safety requirements and of course, meet the team and animals!

Time commitment

For most roles we ask you can commit to shifts of four hours each week or fortnight for a minimum of six months. Although some other volunteering roles are more flexible in their time commitment.

Volunteering opportunities

There are many different roles for volunteers at RSPCA Victoria, which are listed under the following categories:

1. Op Shops

Our op shops provide critically needed funds to support RSPCA Victoria. This is a fun, flexible and rewarding way to support animals in need.

As an RSPCA Victoria Op Shop volunteer, you’ll benefit from:

• Learning key retail skills including Point of Sale (POS) terminal knowledge and customer service
• Meeting new friends and being a part of an awesome community
• Making a difference in the lives of animals

To express interest in volunteering at an op shop please click here:

2. Operations

Operational roles can include:

• Animal Shelter – Caring for the residents in an RSPCA Victoria shelter is incredibly rewarding. If you have a passion for animal welfare and some time to give, this could be a volunteer opportunity for you. Tasks include walking dogs, cleaning enclosures and lots of cuddles. As a shelter volunteer you may be working outdoors or in smelly and dirty conditions. It can be physically demanding, but also incredibly rewarding to directly help animals in need.
• Clinic – Clinic volunteers work alongside vets and nurses in RSPCA Victoria clinics. This role is a great opportunity if you’re considering a career in veterinary care, but would suit anyone dedicated to animal welfare with good animal handling skills.
• Transport Drivers – Volunteer drivers get animals and goods where they need to be. This position is flexible and is a great option if you want to help without always being paws-on with the animals.
• Clean, Sort and Store – With so many animals to care for, there’s always lots of laundry and cleaning to do. Animal bedding, surgical scrubs, toys and donated goods all need to be cleaned, sorted and stored. Get in touch if you can help.

To express interest in operations volunteering please click here:

3. Department Support

• Admin Support – Gain administration skills by supporting RSPCA Victoria with a variety of office based tasks. Mail outs, data entry, community fundraising, copywriting, online support and other general administrative duties are all vital to keep everything running smoothly.
• Corporate Support Days – a pawfect way to learn about animal welfare and the work of RSPCA Victoria. Corporate Support Days bring your whole team for a paws-on day that bonds everyone together and helps animals in need. Available at RSPCA Burwood East, take a guided tour, get involved and hand out cuddles to our fluffiest residents.

To express interest in Department Support volunteering please click here:

4. Foster Care

Sometimes animals need a little extra help before they are ready for rehoming. The RSPCA Victoria foster care program matches animals in need with temporary homes until they are ready for adoption. Get in touch to find out more about becoming an RSPCA Victoria foster carer.

To express interest in becoming a Foster Carer please click here:

5. Events

Volunteer at fundraising events such as the Million Paws Walk. Register your interest so you can be contacted when we need extra help.

To express interest in becoming an Events volunteer please click here: