Animal volunteer roles

ANIMAL FOSTERER

RSPCA Oxfordshire Branch

We are looking for animal-loving volunteers to play a vital role in helping us improve the wellbeing of our furry friends whilst they wait to be rehomed. Can you help them by providing a calm and caring home whilst we find their perfect fur-ever home?

Overview of the opportunity

As an animal fosterer, you would be supporting the RSPCA in providing either our cats, dogs, and rabbits the safety of your home whilst tending to their welfare needs such as feeding and grooming. In addition to this, by providing a temporary loving environment, you will play a crucial role in their wellbeing and socialisation, which will significantly improve their chances of successful rehoming.

Once everything is in place, our Operations Manager will guide you through the fostering process and ensure that you have all the necessary equipment, food, and veterinary care for your foster. The RSPCA is also happy to reimburse any other pre-agreed expenses that you may incur through volunteering for us.

Whilst our animals are in your foster care, you will:

• Provide them with care, suitable housing, and a safe environment as per our policies and guidelines.
• Feed, water, and groom them in line with our advice.
• Transport them to any veterinary appointments if required.
• Provide them with your time and patience.
• Help us spread the word about the animals in your care so they might find their forever home quicker.
• Playing and cuddles are also a must!                                                                              

 What we are looking for in a volunteer Fosterer

• Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience caring for animals.
• Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.
• For their wellbeing, the whole family should be on board with fostering an animal.
• Any existing pets or animals need to have been spayed/neutered (some medical reasons may mean they cannot be so, please let us know if this is the case).
• Any existing pets must be vaccinated.

 What we can offer you as a volunteer Fosterer

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the animals in your care.
• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.
• Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and fostering training programme.
• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

It is worth mentioning that our animals do have different needs as whilst some are ready for rehoming others may require rehabilitation or ongoing medication. Therefore, we also aim to understand your situation and circumstances to ensure that we match you with your perfect foster animal.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch!

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependant on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Animal Fosterer (RSPCA Chiltern Branch)

We are looking for animal-loving volunteers to play a vital role in helping us improve the wellbeing of our furry friends whilst they wait to be rehomed. Can you help them by providing a calm and caring home whilst we find their perfect furever home?

About our Branch

At RSPCA Chiltern Branch, our primary mission is to rescue and foster animals—predominantly cats—and provide financial support to pet owners in need of veterinary care. We are supported by a dedicated team of six volunteer trustees, an animal coordinator, and a full-time shop manager. Our successful charity shop in Buckingham helps funds our vital work.

We are seeking new Trustees and Fosterers to join us in roles such as Animal Fosterer, Treasurer, Secretary, and General Trustee. We welcome proactive, compassionate individuals aged 18 to 99 from all social and cultural backgrounds who share our love for animals. Fosterers provide a safe, loving temporary home in their time of need, with all animal expenses covered by the branch.

We are a unique, fun and friendly branch. Due to the wide area we cover in Bucks and Herts, and the unusual requests we sometimes receive, there is support available and opportunities available for self-learning on the RSPCA website. 

Primary responsibilities of an Animal Fosterer

As an animal fosterer, you would be supporting the RSPCA in providing either our cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, or other small furries with the safety of your home whilst tending to their welfare needs such as feeding and grooming. In addition to this, by providing a temporary loving environment, you will play a crucial role in their wellbeing and socialisation, which will significantly improve their chances of successful rehoming.

Once everything is in place, the animal centre will guide you through the fostering process and ensure that you have all the necessary equipment, food, and veterinary care for your foster. The RSPCA is also happy to reimburse any other pre-agreed expenses that you may incur through volunteering for us.

Whilst our animals are in your foster care, you will:

• Provide them with care, suitable housing, and a safe environment as per our policies and guidelines.
• Feed, water, and groom them in line with our advice.
• Transport them to any veterinary appointments if required.
• Provide them with your time and patience.
• Help us spread the word about the animals in your care so they might find their forever home quicker.
• Playing and cuddles are also a must!                                                                                   

What we are looking for in a volunteer Fosterer

• Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience caring for animals.
• Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.
•  For their wellbeing, the whole family should be on board with fostering an animal.
• Any existing pets or animals need to have been spayed/neutered (some medical reasons may mean they can’t be so, please let us know if this is the case).

  What we can offer you as a volunteer Fosterer

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the animals in your care.
• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.
• Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and fostering training programme.
• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

It is worth mentioning that our animals do have different needs as whilst some are ready for rehoming others may require rehabilitation or ongoing medication. Therefore, we also aim to understand your situation and circumstances to ensure that we match you with your perfect foster animal.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

 If you are passionate about improving animal welfare, we would love to hear from you.

Small Animal Coordinator - RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch

Are you passionate about animal welfare? We are looking for a dedicated volunteer to help find loving and caring homes for the animals in our care. This rewarding role directly impacts the lives of animals, ensuring they find safe and happy forever homes.

About the Opportunity

As an Assistant Rehoming Coordinator, you will play a vital role in finding homes for animals cared for by our local RSPCA branch. You will work with the Small Animal Coordinator, and the team of fosterers, liaise with external organisations, and maintain accurate rehoming records. This role is essential in improving animal welfare and promoting responsible pet ownership.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, the RSPCA is the UK’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity. Our vision is a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Through rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming efforts, we work tirelessly to protect animals from cruelty and neglect.

The Buckinghamshire South Branch is a separately registered local charity, working alongside the national RSPCA to carry out animal welfare work in our area. Our branch focuses on providing small animal welfare and rehoming services with the support of a dedicated team of volunteers.

Key Responsibilities

Rehoming Coordination:

● Act as the contact point for the public, police, local authorities, RSPCA inspectors, and other organisations regarding the acceptance of unwanted or unowned animals.

● Ensure that all animals offered for adoption are assessed prior to rehoming.

● Working with the Small Animal Coordinator and a team of fosterers to make a plan for all intake animals and prepare animals for adoption.

● Oversee the adoption process, including reviewing applications, arranging viewings, and carrying out home visits (in-person or virtually).

● Maintain regular contact with fosterers to oversee animal welfare, including monitoring animal health, behaviour, and rehoming readiness.

Fosterer and Volunteer Management:

● Working with the Small Animal Coordinator to recruit and manage a team of fosterers.

● Working with the team to provide and support training, issuing updates, and maintaining motivation.

● Working with Small animal Coordinator to conduct in-person interviews and risk assessments for fosterer placement suitability, including reviewing references.

● Support fosterers with veterinary visits, including emergencies and end-of-life decisions.

● Organise holiday cover for fosterers, including sourcing temporary carers.

Animal Care and Welfare:

● Arrange for veterinary visits, vaccinations, and neutering procedures for animals in care.

● Ensure all animals are scanned for microchips and returned to original owners when appropriate.

● Develop and implement care plans for each animal, considering health, companionship, and rehoming needs.

● Keep accurate records of all animals in care, including health status, treatment plans, and adoption outcomes.

Administration and Reporting:

● Compile regular rehoming and welfare reports.

● Maintain accurate records of rehoming activities and fosterer details.

● Ensure compliance with data protection legislation when handling sensitive information.

● Contribute to the monthly and annual branch reports.

● Support fundraising events and write content for social media appeals.

What We’re Looking For:

● Excellent organisation and communication skills.

● Knowledge and experience of working with small animals.

● Understanding of welfare guidelines and where appropriate Defra regulations.

● Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a volunteer team.

● Comfortable with administrative tasks, including record-keeping and report writing.

● Experience in team management is advantageous but not essential.

● Passion for animal welfare and improving the lives of animals.

● Flexible and reliable, with the capacity to offer an ongoing commitment, we are looking for 2 positions to cover days, evenings and weekends.

● You must be 18 years or older, hold a valid driving licence and be able to lift animals in and out of your own vehicle safely, possess your own vehicle, lap top, mobile phone and have access to the internet.  Ideally you will also have space for equipment to foster and assess small animals, especially rabbits.

What We Offer:

● The opportunity to make a direct and meaningful difference in the lives of small animals.

● Training and development opportunities, including induction and ongoing support.

● The chance to meet new people and make lasting friendships.

● Become part of a compassionate community, meet new people, and make lifelong friends.

● Gain valuable skills through our comprehensive induction and training program.

● Gain leadership and management experience and newly acquired skills.

● Access to the RSPCA Learning Hub with a wide range of training materials.

● The satisfaction of seeing small animals find their forever homes.

We have a bold mission: to restore beavers to regenerate our landscapes. We need beavers back urgently; they play a supersized role in helping build climate-resilient landscapes and restoring freshwater habitats. 

What will you be doing?

In order to ensure geographic diversity in our trustee board our priority is to recruit trustees based in Scotland in this recruitment round. We are particularly interested in finding new trustees with a background in scientific research, ecology, zoology or animal welfare / management. We’re also keen to hear from candidates who feel they can add value to our fundraising efforts. 

We are truly committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and board, and we welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds, as well as from young people over 18yrs. 

What are we looking for?

A background in scientific research, or ecology, zoology, animal welfare and management or fundraising.

What difference will you make?

As part of our board, you will support Beaver Trust to achieve its goals and ambitions.

Before you apply

Please provide an one-page A4 cover letter, briefly telling us why you are interested in applying to be a trustee at Beaver Trust, and how you match one or more of the attributes that we are recruiting for.

Please also provide a CV of two sides of A4 maximum. Please include any voluntary or other relevant life experience that you would like to tell us about, as well as any paid work.

Created by a team of passionate dog lovers from the animal welfare group IAPWA, the I Love Hiking and Dogs UK Facebook community is a space to explore new walking routes, connect with like-minded dog owners, and take part in dog-friendly hiking meet-ups across the UK. While our group is designed for dog lovers, you don’t need to own a dog to get involved, everyone is welcome to join our community, share experiences, and take part in our group walks. Our meet-ups also offer an opportunity to support animal welfare causes, helping to improve the lives of dogs around the world.

About the Role
We are looking for enthusiastic, friendly volunteers to help coordinate and host local Wag & Walks in their area. These walks are casual, community-led dog walks where members of our Facebook group can meet up, enjoy nature, and connect with fellow dog lovers.

As a Wag & Walk Coordinator, you will:

• Organise and promote dog-friendly walks in your local area.
• Create Facebook events within the group, including key details about the walk (date, location, distance, difficulty).
• Encourage local participation by sharing the event in the group and inviting members.
• Welcome attendees on the day of the walk and ensure a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
• Share photos and highlights from the walks to inspire others to join in.

This is a flexible volunteer role - you can organise walks as often or as little as you like, depending on your availability.

We’d love to hear from you if you are:

• A dog lover who enjoys walking and meeting new people.
• Organised and able to coordinate group walks in your area.
• Enthusiastic about bringing your local dog-friendly community together.
• Comfortable promoting events in the Facebook group and engaging with members.

Important Considerations

• Wag & Walk are peer-led walks, not official guided hikes. You will simply be organising a community walk rather than leading an event in any formal capacity.
• Each attendee is responsible for themselves and their dog. Your role is to coordinate, not supervise.
• You must clearly communicate walk details, including difficulty level and accessibility, so that attendees can make informed decisions.

Why Get Involved:

• A great way to meet fellow dog lovers and explore new walking routes.
• Contribute to building a supportive, dog-friendly community.
• Enjoy the outdoors while helping others connect through shared experiences.
• Have the opportunity to support animal welfare initiatives through our group activities.

How to Apply
Please click the 'Apply' button for details of how to apply for this volunteer role.

We are looking for friendly and organised volunteers to assist with sorting, washing and drying laundry, as well as keeping our laundry room tidy. This is an important role as the supply of clean bedding, towels and toys is essential for the welfare of our animals. You will be helping us keep them comfortable, warm and entertained.

In addition to making a difference to the animals in our care, you will get to know our friendly team and gain further insight into how the Home runs.

Our volunteer requirement is on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 09:00-16:00. A weekly commitment of 2-3 hours is preferred. 

Role Profile

As a laundry room assistant, you will support our staff and animals by washing towels, blankets and animal bedding. In addition to this, you will sort through the donated bedding and towels we receive and decide what items we can keep, what can be recycled and what we need to throw away, endeavouring to waste as little as possible. You will also be ensuring that the laundry room is always kept clean and tidy and checking that machines are in proper working order.

Your activities will include:

• Cleaning and drying any laundry that is generated during the daily running of the centre
• Folding and storing clean laundry which will include bedding and towels, toys and vet beds from our recovery suite
• Sorting donated bedding and towels, deciding which can be used, recycled or disposed of
• Keeping the laundry room tidy
• Reporting any issues with the washing machines or tumble dryers to our site maintenance team

About You

This can sometimes be a messy task, so a willingness to get your hands dirty is essential as you will sometimes be cleaning soiled blankets, towels and vet beds used in our recovery suite. There is a manual handling element of the role, so this should be considered upon application.

You don’t need to have any prior experience, you will be given full onsite training on how to use our machines and where everything goes.

All volunteers are required to complete online Health & Safety training prior to their start date. Due to insurance restrictions, all volunteers must be over the age of 18.

Created by a team of passionate dog lovers from the animal welfare group IAPWA, the I Love Hiking & Dogs UK Facebook community is a space to explore new walking routes, connect with like-minded dog owners, and take part in dog-friendly hiking meet-ups across the UK.

While our group is designed for dog lovers, you don’t need to own a dog to get involved, everyone is welcome to join our community, share experiences, and participate in discussions and events.

We are now looking for dedicated and proactive Facebook Group Admins to help manage and grow our community.

About the Role

Group admins are the backbone of the I Love Hiking & Dogs UK community. This volunteer role is perfect for someone who is passionate about dogs, hiking, and community-building and wants to help shape the conversations and activities within the group.

As a Facebook Group Admin, you will be responsible for:

1. Content Management

• Create and schedule engaging posts based on the monthly content plan.
• Curate and share useful content, including dog-friendly walking routes, hiking tips, and safety advice.
• Organise fun interactive activities such as polls, contests, or themed challenges to encourage engagement.

2. Group Moderation

• Approve or decline member posts and comments to ensure they align with group rules.
• Address inappropriate content, spam, or disruptive behavior in a fair and diplomatic way.
• Ensure that community guidelines are upheld and that discussions remain positive and welcoming.

3. Community Engagement

• Actively comment on posts to keep discussions going and encourage participation.
• Highlight and celebrate member contributions through shoutouts and featured posts.
• Welcome new members with personalized messages or pinned posts to help them feel part of the group.

4. Event Promotion

• Help share updates about Wag & Walks and other group initiatives.
• Pin event details and encourage members to RSVP or participate.
• Support and promote fundraising initiatives such as the Walk For Paws.

5. Gathering Feedback

• Listen to group members and gather feedback to help improve activities and engagement.
• Share insights with other admins to refine content and community-building efforts.

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Are active on Facebook and comfortable managing group posts, comments, and content.
• Are passionate about dogs, hiking, and building a friendly online community.
• Have good communication and organisational skills.
• Enjoy engaging with others, fostering discussions, and creating a positive space.
• Can dedicate a few hours a week to posting, moderating, and interacting with members.
• Have previous experience managing social media or online communities (not essential, but a plus!).

Why Get Involved?

• Be part of a growing community that connects dog lovers across the UK.
• Help shape the conversation in a fun, interactive, and supportive environment.
• Develop social media management and community-building skills.
• Meet like-minded people who share your love for hiking and dogs.
• Contribute to a cause that supports dog welfare.

How to Apply

Please click on the 'Apply' button for details of how to apply for this volunteer role.

Our Trustees play a vital role in making sure that The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity.

 They also ensure that The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the exclusive team to enable The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our charitable purpose:

To promote humane behaviour towards reptiles and amphibians by

providing appropriate care, protection, treatment and security for reptiles

which need care and attention by reason of sickness, maltreatment, poor

circumstances or Ill usage and to educate the public in matters pertaining

to reptile and amphibian welfare in general and the prevention of cruelty and suffering among reptiles.

All Trustees of The Sussex Reptile Centre are required to:

· Ensure that the organisation pursues its stated charitable objects as defined in the Governing Document, establishing a clear vision, set of values and strategy and ensuring that there is a common understanding of these by trustees, staff and associated personnel.

· Ensure that operational plans and budgets support the vision and strategy.

· Ensure that the Charity complies with the Governing Document and any relevant legislation and/or regulations. Such legislation includes:

-Animal Welfare act 2006

-Charities Act 2011

In addition to this, the trustees shall ensure that collaboration with the local authority is sought to obtain any appropriate licensing required under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 including any future changes requiring specific licensing for animal rescue centres.

· Support and provide advice on The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre ’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

· Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

· Oversee The Sussex Reptile Rescue’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

· Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

· Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

· Review and approve The Sussex Reptile Rescue’s financial statements.

· Provide support and challenge to The Sussex Reptile Rescue’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

· Keep abreast of changes in The Sussex Reptile Rescue operating environment.

· Contribute to regular reviews of [charity name]’s own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

· Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect The Sussex Reptile Rescue interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.

· Contribute to the broader promotion of [charity name]’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

4.What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

5.Personal skills and qualities

· Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interest of the charity.

· Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

· Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussions

· A strong personal commitment to reptile and animal welfare

· Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

· Willingness to lead according to our values of educating, rescuing and rehoming sick, injured and unwanted reptiles within the county of Sussex and surrounding areas.

6.Qualifications & Experience

We are inclusive on the Trustees and welcome applications from anyone who is interested who has experience with animals and reptiles, but also need individuals with specific experience and qualifications to join our trustees.

· Accounting and tax

· Charity Law

· PR & Marketing

· Animal Welfare

· Fundraising

· Management

Branch Trustee - Marketing and Social Media

RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Bucks Branch

We need volunteers who have expertise in Marketing and Social Media to help us maximise the revenue generated in our charity shops. You will gain new skills and experience as a Branch Trustee whilst enabling us to help more animals.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a background in marketing and social media, who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee for our RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Bucks and support us in boosting our campaigns online. You will be joining a team of 4 trustee's, expanding to 7.

Alongside passing on your expertise, this opportunity will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow trustees, in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.  

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Marketing and social media

•     Take the lead in assisting the Branch to generate and develop social media strategies to maximise the promotion of animal welfare, rehoming campaigns, fundraising opportunities, and engagement with local supporters.  
• Support the Branch Manager in using social media effectively and working within the social media strategy.
• Support the Branch in ensuring any social media or marketing content is in line with RSPCA brand guidelines.
• Responsible for feeding back key insights and performance markers to the rest of the committee at board meetings.
• Support the Branch in promoting animal welfare campaigns and events through the use of digital media.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside marketing and social media experience, an interest in photography, graphic design, and developing original content to help promote the Branch animals for rehoming and Branch events would be welcomed but is not essential for the role.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – Marketing and Social Media

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Now that spring has sprung, we have an excellent seasonal opportunity for those who love the great outdoors and wish to support the animals in our care. If you love to be outside and enjoy gardening, why not consider joining our team as a Gardening Volunteer, supporting our small but mighty Grounds & Maintenance team who look after our 10 acre site. 

About the Role

Based in bucolic Claverton Down, we are lucky to have several large green spaces in which to excercise our dogs - and a brilliant cat garden for our feline friends! This takes a lot of looking after though and we are keen to hear from potential volunteers who would like to take on a specific area of our site as a project, tending to it on a weekly basis and seeing it flourish throughout the summer. There are several areas to choose from, including our Enrichment Paddock, Behaviour Cabin Garden and Pet Cemetery. There are also general gardening tasks to crack on wtih, such as sweeping the Summer House, mowing and strimming, and tackling weeds in the kennel block paddocks. 

This is a rewarding role as you will be able to see at the end of your shift the results of your hard work! You will also have the satisfaction of knowing that you have directly impacted the lives of the animals in our care by creating a safe outside space for them to enjoy off-lead play time and exploration, keeping their bodies active and their brains engaged. 

About You 

You will be a motivated and enthusiastic individual with a love for animals. This role requires elements of manual handling so you will need to be physically fit and this should be considered upon application. You will be a team player who is able to carefully follow instructions and relevant health and safety requirements for the position, for example the use of appropriate PPE. 

Full in person training will be provided by the maintenance team. Your hours will be flexible in line with current staffing levels, but during the spring and summer a weekly requirement of at least 2 hours is required, weather-dependant. 

Trustee Role (Branch Secretary) RSPCA Chiltern Branch

Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? Become our principal communications trustee and help us to maintain our branches affairs and improve animals’ lives.

About our Branch

At RSPCA Chiltern Branch, our primary mission is to rescue and foster animals—predominantly cats—and provide financial support to pet owners in need of veterinary care. We are supported by a dedicated team of six volunteer trustees, an animal coordinator, and a full-time shop manager. Our successful charity shop in Buckingham helps funds our vital work.

We are seeking to recruit the next generation of trustees, including someone to take on the important role of Branch Secretary. We welcome applications from people of all social and cultural backgrounds, aged 18 to 99. Our trustees play a key role in shaping our work and are passionate about improving animal welfare.

While we cover a wide area across Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire, trustees do not need to live locally, as most of our work is conducted remotely through calls and regular Google Meetings. However, if you are nearby, there are opportunities to assist with occasional tasks, such as delivering donations or meeting for a friendly coffee.

If you are passionate about improving animal welfare, we would love to hear from you.

About a Branch Secretary

As a Branch Secretary, you would be in an essential volunteer role as the principal communications trustee managing and maintaining the administrative affairs of our branch. Using your expertise and skills, you will be able to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Secretary

• To act as the primary contact point for all branch communications with the national Society, the branch committee and the branch membership.
• Arrange branch meetings, ensure accurate minutes are taken and distributed in accordance with branch rules.
• Ensure all branch committee decisions are implemented and actions completed.
• Arrange the branch AGM including the compilation and distribution of the annual report, nominations and agenda in line with the strict timetable laid down in the branch rules.
• Arrange the timely dissemination of the contents of all correspondence and literature received by the branch, ensuring availability to all committee members, and reply to all branch correspondence where necessary.
• Order and distribute RSPCA stationery, leaflets, posters and other fundraising and promotional material.
• Liaise with the Branch support specialist (BSS) and group chief inspector and notify them of all branch meetings.
• Advise the BSS of all changes to branch facilities, services and contact details.
• In the absence of the membership secretary, assume responsibility for the maintenance of the branch membership list.
• Submit recommendations for national Society awards to the BSS, in accordance with the wishes of the committee.

What we are looking for in a volunteer

Above all, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. 

Specific skills such as finance, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful, but not essential.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert, although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Secretary

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

A bit more information about this role and the team

The branch are looking for an indoor fosterer so any applicants would need to have a suitable spare room.

What we need from you 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home.
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website.

We love to share our news with our supporters. It’s the key to ensuring they know what a difference their support makes to the lives of the cats and dogs in our care. But it’s a big job and we’re a small team, so we’re looking for people with an interest in writing or design who would be willing to give time on a regular basis to work alongside us. 

As a Creative/Copywriting Volunteer, you will help us share our stories, raise awareness, and inspire action to support our vital work. Working alongside our Communications & Marketing team, you will play a crucial role in crafting compelling and engaging content across various platforms to connect with our supporters and drive positive change for animals in need.

Role Profile

This is a new volunteer role working with the Communications & Marketing team. It’s an exciting time and we’re looking to tailor our communications to what our supporters want to know, and really put our supporters in the spotlight, showing the crucial part they play in our charity. We are only able to give the dogs and cats in our care happy homes and healthy lives thanks to all the people who step forward to support us. Whether they are adopting, fostering, volunteering or raising money, their role is invaluable!

Your key activities could include:

• Gathering news
• Copywriting and editing
• Processing photographs or video content
• Small design jobs
• Uploading content to our email programme or website
• Maintaining confidentiality in line with Bath Cats & Dogs Home’s Data Protection Policy

Full training and support would be available.

About You

This role would suit a creative individual with a love of animals who would like to help us to make engaging and entertaining content for our supporters. Experience of using a mix of standard IT software, such as MS word or Google Docs, and design and image manipulation software, such as Canva, would be beneficial but training will be provided in house. The ideal candidiate will have excellent communication and writing skills; creative storytelling ability and an understanding of writing in various styles and for different platforms.

If you have a passion for the world of animal welfare and have a creative spark, we would love to hear from you!

How to Apply

All staff and volunteers are required to complete online Health & Safety training prior to their start date. Due to insurance restrictions, we can only take on volunteers over the age of 18.

We have the opportunity for volunteers who have a passion for retail and animals to join the team at our brand new charity shop on George Street in the city centre. This is an exciting time for us and we are looking forward to growing a friendly team in this new retail hub for the charity. There are plenty of roles available to suit your interests and availability. 

The George Street shop is our retail hub as it is also home to our E-Commerce operation. The friendly team working at George Street are happy for potential volunteers to explore the areas that are of interest to them, so if you love researching books or obscure bands, possibly discovering that a donation could raise hundreds for us by being sold online, then perhaps you'd enjoy working within our E-Commerce team!

We are seeking more volunteers to join our bustling George Street team on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturday afternoons and would love to hear from people who are happy to be serve customers on the till.

Role Profile

Our shop volunteers play an integral role in the day-to-day running of our charity shops and the maximising of sales to support Bath Cats & Dogs Home. Whether you prefer working behind the scenes or on the shop floor in a customer facing role there are plenty of tasks to get involved with.

Your activities could include:

• Assisting and serving customers on the till
• Providing excellent customer service on the shop floor
• Creating attractive displays and assisting with the visual merchandising of the shop
• Receiving donations from the public and promoting our Gift Aid scheme
• Assisting with the processing of donated stock, including sorting, steaming and hanging of items
• Other daily tasks including cleaning, tidying, dusting and hoovering 

About You 

You will be a motivated and enthusiastic individual with a love for animals. Good communication and customer care skills are key to a successful charity shop so the ability to work as part of a team and with the general public is desirable. There is a manual handling element to the role so this should be considered on application. The hours are flexible although we ask for a regular commitment of a few hours each week.

Full in person training will be provided for donation sorting and retail guidelines, as well as our waste management and recycling processes.