Do I need to have experience working with animals to volunteer at the RSPCA?
No you don't! Most of our volunteers have no formal experience, just a love of animals and a passion to assist the RSPCA.
What is the process to become a volunteer? Why can't I start straight away?
Once you have checked the website and found a position you are interested in, have a read through the position description. If you would like more information, call or email the contact listed. Once you find the position you would like to volunteer in, fill in an application form and you will be booked in to attend an Orientation session. The orientation will go over everything you need to know before you start your first shift.
Can I do Work Experience or Prac at the RSPCA?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate Work Experience or Prac at RSPCA Qld due to staff and time constraints. If you are interested in simply volunteering, you may find it useful to keep a detailed diary that you can submit to your institute as evidence of work tasks completed. We can offer a Statement of Service once a volunteer has been actively volunteering to prove your logged hours, however signing off on individual paperwork is not plausible.
I'd like to volunteer for just one day. Can I do that?
Due to the amount of orientation and training required, we are unable to take volunteers for just one day. However, if you are interested in a corporate volunteer day organised through your workplace, please see Corporate Volunteers.
I am under 16. Can I volunteer with the RSPCA?
Unfortunately, we do not have the adequate staffing numbers or time to be able to consistently monitor any minors on the premises. It is not as simple as a parent/guardian assisting minors either. Our volunteer work requires a proven knowledge of animal behaviour before commencing the necessary training to work individually. The staff in our centres are not registered Blue Card holders, which also prohibits minors from working on site under Government regulations.
There are lots of other ways that under 16's can get involved - just email us for details! Or check out Education for Children.
What is the minimum age to volunteer at RSPCA?
The minimum age to volunteer at the RSPCA is 16 years. Please note 16 to 17 year olds require parental permission to volunteer.
Can I come and volunteer on Christmas Day or Boxing Day?
Unfortunately not. Due to the amount of orientation and training required with each position, we are unable to take volunteers for just one or two days. The Animal Care Campus recruits each November for Summer Holiday Volunteers who volunteer during the summer months of December, January and February (please see our Positions Available for details).
Another way to help out over the holiday period is by donating food or toys to the animals - something from Santa Paws to go underneath the Christmas Tree!
I am allergic to cats/dogs; will this preclude me from volunteering at the RSPCA?
We do have some volunteers with allergies. If you have a cat allergy, you can work with the dogs and vice-versa. It does however depend on the severity of your allergy - there is a lot of animal fur around here!
Can I bring my children with me when I am volunteering if I supervise them at all times?
Unfortunately not. Please refer to the above question.
