Volunteers are integral to the work that RSPCA NSW does. Their commitment, dedication, and passion help surrendered, and vulnerable animals find the treatment and care they deserve. Although we can’t thank our volunteers enough for the incredible work they do, their compassion and dedication are a constant inspiration to us all.
At RSPCA NSW, volunteers lie at the heart of our mission to protect and care for animals. Our volunteers spend thousands of hours every year providing love and support at our facilities, assisting in often unseen ways in countless communities across NSW.
Every volunteer plays a crucial role in our success, whether they’re running our annual events or providing emergency veterinary services. Quite simply, our impact relies on our supporters and volunteers: without them, we wouldn’t be able to carry out the work we do.
If you’re interested in learning more about volunteering for RSPCA NSW, consider embarking on a journey to find the role that’s right for you.
As a charity, so much of our work relies on our generous volunteers. They play a central role in our mission to improve animal welfare throughout NSW.
Year after year, our volunteers spend thousands of hours caring for animals, from dogs, cats, and rabbits to horses, farm animals, and more!
Managed entirely by volunteers, our branches and groups extend the reach of our community programs and veterinary services by running financial assistance schemes and advocating for animals in need.
Though it would be impossible to thank them enough for all they accomplish for our organisation, recognising the work our volunteers do is extremely important to us. As a not-for-profit organisation, our volunteers play a central role in helping us support people and their pets.
These everyday heroes don’t just help our shelter animals directly: they also raise funds, run annual events, and support our outreach and education programs. We are extremely grateful for the love they continue to show our animals, and for the life-changing work they do for communities and their pets.
Volunteers are at the heart of what RSPCA NSW does. Year after year, these generous individuals spend thousands of hours helping people and pets, providing love and care at our facilities, raising awareness in their local communities, and assisting in various roles across numerous departments.
Every volunteer plays a crucial role in our success. Simply put, our impact wouldn’t be the same without our network of volunteers.
Consider the many volunteering opportunities on offer at RSPCA NSW. With your assistance, we can change the lives of the people and animals seeking support.
You must be at least 16 years old to sign up as a volunteer. However, some roles have specific requirements or involve tasks that require a volunteer to be at least 18 years old. If this is the case, the required age will be noted in the volunteer role description.
If you aren’t old enough just yet, don’t lose hope! You can still get involved with animal welfare through education programs like our Youth and Animal Program and our School Holiday Program.
RSPCA NSW is currently unable to meet the requirements (or level of oversight involved) with work placement, work experience, or the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Unfortunately, this means we’re unable to take on individuals seeking volunteering for this purpose.
If you’re looking to improve your skills through study or training courses, RSPCA NSW offers a variety of programs and courses through select facilities throughout the year. These include Nationally Accredited Courses, such as a Certificate II in Animal Care, and other, less lengthy courses like Basic Animal First Aid.
RSPCA NSW facilitates a range of corporate experiences, from corporate donations and Workplace Giving to conferences and events. If you and your colleagues would like the chance to assist our shelter animals, our Corporate Support Days provide the perfect opportunity to volunteer with us.
Depending on the role that catches your eye, you may be required to undergo checks or provide additional information. During the application process, you may be required to undergo or present any of the following:
All requirements to volunteer roles
will be listed in the role description.
If you are unable to visit our shelters or assist at our events, there are still so many ways you can help us protect and care for animals.
If volunteering from home is more your style, we support volunteers looking for flexibility while receiving training and ongoing support. Make a difference from your own space as a volunteer at home!
If you’d like to open your heart to an adorable animal companion, we can help you find your new best friend at one of our shelters and adoption centres. RSPCA NSW rehomes a range of adorable animals, including cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and more! We can help you find a forever friend at any one of our facilities. You can also adopt some of our animals through our partnership with Petbarn.
Becoming a foster carer is another rewarding way to help our animals. If you’re unsure about adopting but looking to personally assist our animals, become a foster carer to help give our animals the love and attention they deserve!
As a charity, we rely on a generous network of donors and supporters to provide any training, treatment, supplies, and rehabilitation our animals may require. If you’re currently unable to volunteer, you can still donate to provide essential care to animals seeking their forever home. Your contribution, no matter how small, can provide our animals with ongoing support, giving them a better chance at enjoying a good quality of life.
We promise to uphold the highest ethical standards. Your personal information has never been, and never will be sold or traded to other charities. This is our promise to you.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we live and work. We recognise and respect the enduring relationship they have with their lands and waterways, and particularly acknowledge the vital role animals have played in Indigenous life, stories and culture for tens of thousands of years.
The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.
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The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
