Volunteer at RSPCA NSW

Volunteers are at the heart of what RSPCA NSW does. In the 2019/20 financial year, 2,128 volunteers and foster carers donated their time, energy, love and commitment to animals and pet owners around the state.

They assisted with the day-to-day operations of our shelters, Care Centre and op shops, they provided loving home environments for animals to grow, mature and recover, and they utilised their professional skills or hobbies. They ran branches and crucial fundraising drives in their townships. They created showstopping artwork, and they helped answer calls asking for bushfire assistance.

Every day, our volunteers fundraise and champion the RSPCA NSW name within their local communities – giving a voice to the abandoned, neglected and injured animals who need them.

The work our volunteers do is invaluable and creates a life-changing difference to animals in need. Simply put: RSPCA NSW wouldn’t exist without the helping hand of our amazing volunteers.

The minimum age to volunteer is 16. However, some roles have specific requirements or tasks that require a volunteer to be over 18. If this is the case, the age will be noted in the volunteer role description.

If you’re under 16, don’t lose your enthusiasm! You can get involved with RSPCA NSW through our Education and School Holiday Programs. Don’t forget to apply as a volunteer when you’re old enough – we’d love to have you!

At the moment, RSPCA NSW is unable to meet the requirements or level of oversight involved with work placement, work experience or Duke of Edinburgh. Unfortunately, this means we’re unable to take on individuals seeking volunteering for this purpose.

If you’re looking to get credit for study, RSPCA NSW does offer a Certificate II in Animal Studies via selected facilities throughout the year. You can find out more information about this program here.

RSPCA NSW runs Corporate Support Days for companies to come and volunteer in our shelters. To enquire about our Corporate Support Days, please visit our website here.

Corporate Support Days are coordinated separately from our Volunteer Team.

In specific volunteer roles, you may be required to provide additional information or undergo checks, such as:

NSW Working with Children Check
National Criminal History Check
A current NSW drivers’ licence
Previous relevant experience or training in a specific field of work

All requirements to volunteer roles will be listed in the role description.

You sure are! Approved RSPCA NSW volunteers are covered by public liability and personal accident insurance while they are completing their agreed volunteer tasks. Please note that personal items and vehicles are excluded.

RSPCA NSW uses a volunteer management platform, My Impact, that can be used for verification of voluntary work for Centrelink purposes.

If you require proof of volunteering (whether for employment or other official purposes), you can request a Statement of Volunteering via volunteer@rspcansw.org.au. The statement will include all volunteer hours logged through MyImpact from July 2020 onwards. Hours not logged and approved via MyImpact will not be included.

RSPCA NSW are unable to provide over-the-phone references.