Animal Volunteer Roles

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering, and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

Our social media volunteers use their passion and knowledge of social media to promote the activities of local volunteer groups and teams though various channels. They directly help cats by raising awareness of Cats Protection. A higher profile can help us raise the funds we need for our work, ensure people know they can adopt a cat from us, help promote neutering and help as many people as possible learn more about feline welfare.

What can you expect to be doing

• Promoting the work of Cats Protection through various social media channels, for example, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
• Gathering information from across the organisation and locally within your team or volunteer group
• Writing and creating social media content, ensuring it complies with policies and guidelines
• Scheduling and posting social media content
• Monitoring activity and responding to comments on social media channels

What are the benefits to you and the cats

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge, and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by raising the profile of Cats Protection through social media. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• A passion for social media and experience of using social media channels regularly
• Knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of using social media
• Good IT skills
• Excellent writing skills, including good grammar and spelling
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to be part of a team

Time expectation

Our social media volunteers can expect to spend between two to five hours per week in this role. This role is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Charity Shop Assistant
 

Our charity shop in the heart of Ipswich, Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds is looking for a friendly volunteer to join our team and help make our shop a huge success. Make new friends, have fun, and help us help more animals!

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to work with our dedicated and hardworking teams at our Ipswich, Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds Stowmarket Charity Shops. 

As a shop volunteer, you would help serve customers, sort stock, and even help make window displays. It would be helpful if you have worked in retail or have previous customer service experience but not essential, as we are looking for people who love animals, are passionate about making a difference in their community, and want to contribute their time and skills. It’s an exciting opportunity to join our already existing team of loyal volunteers.

About Our Charity Shop

The shop plays an essential role in raising the profile of the RSPCA in our local community and funds for our branch so that we can continue our vital animal welfare work. Our shops sell a mixture of donated items, including clothes, books, bric-a-brac and collectables, and a selection of new items. We have positions available on the shop floor and in our stock room or you could volunteer to do a mixture of both. 

Volunteer Charity Shop Assistant responsibilities

• Helping customers in the shop find what they need.
• Accepting donations of items and money from the public.
• Processing sales through the till and card machine, including Gift Aid.
• Sorting through donated items to determine what we can sell.
• Preparing donated items for sale by steaming and hanging and items.
• Merchandising stock on the shop floor.
• Creating attractive shop window displays.

What we are looking for in a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant

 Friendly volunteers who are confident talking to people.
Retail experience would be ideal but is not necessary as full training will be given.
We are ideally aiming for someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment.       
Good communication and numeracy skills.
You will need to be aged 16 or over.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant

• A way to meet new people and make new friends in your local area.
• A place where you will learn excellent new skills to add to your CV, such as customer service, multi-tasking, merchandising, and many more.
• An excellent induction and training programme relevant to your role.
• The opportunity to make a huge difference to the welfare of animals.
• Reimbursement for any reasonable travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering with us.

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.

BRANCH TRUSTEE VACANCY

Branch Trustee OXFORDSHIRE

Introduction

This is an exciting opportunity to be a hands-on trustee at branch level, helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things. With your support and expertise, we will achieve so much!

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have 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 in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long terms 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 the trustee takes on additional duties.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA OXFORDSHIRE Branch

The Oxfordshire Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in the Oxfordshire area. The Oxfordshire Branch has been looking after animal since 1875. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The main activity of our branch is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals the Inspectors have rescued from cruelty and neglect. We take in cats, dogs and rabbits, we provide them with veterinary treatment, neuter, vaccinate and microchip them before homing them to lovely new homes. We have a cattery where we rent four pens, a small rabbit centre in Harwell and a team of fosters, adoption support volunteers as well as our Trustees.

We also help members of the public in the Oxfordshire area with financial assistance with their pets. We help towards neutering, microchipping as well as the unexpected veterinary bills.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with our paid Operations Manager to run the branch.
• Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
•  Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

• We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any of the following areas:
•  Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications.
• Events management, organising fun, fundraising events.
• Financial, accounts, invoicing, wages etc.
• Local community and supporter relationships, school talks etc.
• Shop management.
• Hands-on experience in growing charities; and/or
• Are or have been part of the groups and communities we would like to attract.

Alongside the relevant experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with 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.

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected. Please contact us for more details.
• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
• References will also be require

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.   

Home visitor – Post Adoption

Are you a good matchmaker and know how to care for animals? We’re looking for a volunteer who can assess potential adopters for the animals in our care. You’ll meet new people, work with a great team, whilst helping animals find loving homes. 

Join our team as a volunteer Home Visitor and become an important part of our mission by providing a vital role in helping animals in our care find a second chance at happiness. It's essential that the pets we rehome go to the best and most suitable homes possible, which is why we carry out checks of their new home pre-adoption. 
We also want to make sure the animals that are adopted are settling in well, so we also carry out a 3-month post-adoption check. You'll get to meet new people, work with a great team and be helping animals across Suffolk.

 We need help all over our branch area, but are in particular need in the Kesgrave, Woodbridge, Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds areas. We offer full training, and your mileage expenses will be paid. 
As a volunteer Home Visitor, you would be making a massive difference to the animals in our care by helping us find them a perfect forever home. You would utilise your experience of keeping pets when visiting adopters’ homes to ensure they are the right environment for our animals and that the adopter can provide a loving home.

Volunteer Home Visitor responsibilities

• Contact potential adopters within 48 hours of receiving the request for a home visit. 
• Make arrangements for the home visit to be completed within seven days.
• Report the findings of the home visit to the branch rehoming coordinator for a final decision.
• Ensure that you are aware of the needs of a particular animal, so the assessment of the potential adopters are accurate. 
•  Complete all documentation accurately before returning it to the branch rehoming coordinator.
• Collaborate with your fellow volunteers and attend team meetings as necessary.
• Being aware of and following all procedures guidelines.

What we are looking for in a volunteer Home Visitor

• Previous experience of keeping pets is ideal.
• Confident, approachable, objective and a good communicator.
• Someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment.
• Can focus on the task at hand and work with minimal supervision.
• Volunteers must be aged 18 or over. 

What we can offer you as a volunteer Home Visitor

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

Practical considerations

Volunteers will be required to complete our Home Visiting course before starting as a volunteer.

 Our next Home Visitor training session will be held in November 2024 - so please apply today to guarantee your space. Want to know more?

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

A bit about this role

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. Our Cat Welfare Team Leaders have the important role of coordinating, encouraging and supporting teams of fosterer volunteers and cat care volunteers. They help make sure volunteers with direct cat care roles are happy and confident and provide advice and guidance when needed. This incredible teamwork means we are able to help more cats and kittens in need.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Volunteering alongside colleagues including the Branch Coordinator, Cat Welfare team, Branch Development Manager and Vet team to ensure that CP cat care policies, procedures and standards are applied in branch
• Support fosterers to follow Cats Protection cat welfare policies and procedures
• Acting as the main point of contact within the branch for cat welfare and ensuring that welfare updates are shared and implemented effectively
• Supporting the branch by ensuring that accurate and up to date records of all cats helped are maintained, using specified Cats Protection systems
• Attending relevant Cats Protection volunteer training sessions and encouraging other volunteers to do likewise
• With the other volunteers, recruit, induct and support all branch fosterers and cat care volunteers using Cats Protection processes
• Represent the branch at relevant meetings
• Play an active part in the branch committee, being part of the branch team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the Cats Protection Cat Adoption Team Leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with Cats Protection policy and procedures

A bit more information about this role and the team

The Branch are looking for support to help oversee their cattery boarding arrangement.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by leading and supporting other volunteers in direct cat care roles. You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• A willingness to follow Cats Protection policies and procedures
• Basic knowledge and experience of cat welfare
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to engage with people on all levels, to build strong and effective relationships
• A willingness to develop themselves and others and to update knowledge and skills as necessary
• Good administration and organisational skills
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• The ability to handle sensitive issues with objectivity and pragmatism
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Fundraising Event Volunteer

Do you have bags of enthusiasm and are good at organising events? If yes, volunteer for the RSPCA as a Fundraiser and have fun and meet new people whilst raising vital funds for animals in need in your area!

 We are looking for volunteers to help us at our various fundraising events happening across the summer! 
In particular we are looking for volunteers to help with: 
Promoting the events before the day (via social media, leaflet drops or putting up a poster in local shops, schools, vets, dog groomers, etc) Making cakes and similar for the refreshment stalls Serving refreshments Set-up and take down the stalls Manning stalls

As a Fundraising Volunteer, you will play a vital part, in organising and assisting with our fundraising activities. All the proceeds from these activities go directly towards the essential animal welfare work that we do at branch level.

Volunteer Fundraising Volunteer responsibilities

• Organise, advertise, and promote fundraising activities to raise vital funds to improve animal welfare.
• Plan and participate in organised events for fundraising over an agreed time period.
• Communicate all planned activities with staff and other volunteers.
• Work alongside other volunteers, staff and members of the public, ensuring excellent customer service at all times.
• Ensure best practice in fundraising and that it is legally compliant.

What we are looking for in a Fundraising Volunteer

• Someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment.
• Lots of enthusiasm to help us raise much needed funds
• Good communication and organisational skills
• Friendly and approachable
• Ability to work on own initiative

What we can offer you as a volunteer Fundraising Volunteer

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

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. 

FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR

Volunteer Store Collection Co-ordinators (East or West Suffolk)

Do you have previous fundraising experience? If you do or are good at coordinating and organising events, volunteer to help us manage our fundraising activities so we can raise essential funds to improve animal welfare. 

Our fabulous team of volunteers run regular store collections across Suffolk helping to raise valuable funds and spread awareness of our vital work and upcoming fundraising events.

 We are looking for a Volunteer Store Collection Co-ordinator to help plan and organise these collections in both the East Suffolk area (Felixstowe to Needham Market) and West Suffolk area (Stowmarket to Bury St Edmunds!) 

Activities involve

• Liaise with our Community Engagement Administrator on locations/dates required and ensure bookings confirmed with store/head office. 
• Co-ordinate with Store Managers on logistics/timings for the day. Book in volunteer collectors before each date (usually around 6 required for 2 hour shifts each), with assistance from Community Engagement Administrator and send information/reminders before the day to the team. 
• Prepare collection buckets with labels and seal with ties.
• Deliver buckets, table and literature to a collector who is doing the first shift. Collect the buckets, table and literature from the last collectors and deliver the buckets to a Trustee to count/bank the takings. 
• Follow up communications to volunteers, branch team and store manager notifying them of collection total and sending thank you's.

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.   

A bit about this role

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. Life in a rescue environment is never ideal for any cat compared to a loving home. Our Cat Adoption Team Leaders support cat homing and as part of this they may lead a team of volunteer home visitors who collectively play an important part in matching our feline friends with their new families. Our Cat Adoption Team Leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Acting as the main point of contact within the branch for cat adoption enquiries via email / telephone and social media
• Supporting the adoption process through either homefinder questionnaires or a small team of home visitors
• Liaising closely with other branch volunteers to ensure information on cats being helped is correct and up to date
• Following up on any post-adoption queries
• Play an active part in the branch committee, being part of the branch team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the Cat Welfare Team Leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with Cats Protection policy and procedures

A bit more information about this role and the team

The Branch are looking for support to help oversee their cattery boarding arrangment 

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by leading and supporting a wider team of volunteers in cat adoption roles. You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and you will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good knowledge of cats and cat welfare
• An appreciation of suitable homing environments
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Good record keeping and administration skills
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Patience and the ability to handle sensitive situations with objectivity and pragmatism
• Willingness to be part of a team
• A positive, open approach with the ability to bring out the best in others
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

RABBIT FOSTERER

Rabbit Fosterer (Eastcote)

Everybunny needs some bunny sometimes! Can you help foster our rabbits whilst we are looking for their forever home?

Overview of the opportunity

Often when we think about animal fostering, cats, and dogs spring to mind, but have you ever thought about fostering rabbits? The RSPCA received more than 5,000 reports last year about rabbits relating to neglect or abandonment and rescued an average of 340 small furries a month! To help us with the rehoming of these rabbits, we are actively looking to add to our fantastic team of volunteer fosterers.

As a rabbit fosterer, you would play an essential role in providing the rabbits in our care with a temporary home whilst they are being rehomed. Like us, even small furries have specific needs and requirements, but rest assured, once we have guided you through the fostering process the animal centre will ensure that you have all the necessary guidance, equipment, food, and veterinary care.

When our rabbits are in your foster care, you will:

• Provide them with care, safe suitable housing, and space for playtime, as outlined in our policies and guidelines.
•  Ensure that they are groomed if appropriate and fed and watered (they eat a bundle of hay as big as they are every day!)
• Provide them with suitable and clean bedding to keep them cosy.
• Give them lots of attention and plenty of cuddles as rabbits are very sociable animals.
• Provide some pictures and regular updates during fostering.

What we are looking for in a volunteer Rabbit Fosterer

• Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience of caring for animals.
•  Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.
• For their wellbeing, our rabbits may need to be fostered in pairs, so please bear this in mind.
•  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).

What we can offer you as a volunteer Rabbit Fosterer

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the rabbits 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.
•  We offer a supplies which can be collected form our office form HA5

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.

CAT FOSTERER

Cat Fosterer (Eastcote)

We’re looking for cat-loving volunteers to play a vital role in helping us improve the wellbeing of the cats in our care whilst they wait to be rehomed. Can you help them by providing a calm and caring home whilst we find their purrfect forever home?

Overview of the opportunity

As a cat fosterer, you would be supporting the RSPCA in providing our cats 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 a cat’s wellbeing and socialisation, which will significantly improve their chances of successful rehoming.

Once everything is in place, the branch will guide you through the fostering process and ensure that you have all the necessary equipment, food, and veterinary care for your fostered cat. 

Whilst our cats 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.
• them with your time and patience.
• Help us spread the word about the cats in your care so they might find their forever home quicker.
• Playing and cuddles are also a must!       
• Collect supplies from our office in HA5.                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 What we are looking for in a volunteer Cat Fosterer

• Volunteers who can provide photos and information on their foster cat to aid in the rehoming process.
•  Volunteers aged 18 or over.
•  Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.
•  For their wellbeing, our cats need a quiet space to retreat to when needed. 
• 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).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What we can offer you as a volunteer Cat Fosterer

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the cats 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 cats 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 cat.

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.

SMALL ANIMALS FOSTERER

Small Animals Fosterer (Eastcote)

Can you help us by providing a calm, safe, and caring environment for our small furries whilst we fine them their fur-ever home?

Overview of the opportunity

Often when we think about animal fostering, cats, and dogs spring to mind, but have you ever thought about fostering our smaller animals? The RSPCA received more than 5,000 reports last year about rabbits and other small furries relating to neglect or abandonment and rescued an average of 340 small furries a month! To help us with the rehoming of these small animals, we are actively looking to add to our fantastic team of volunteer fosterers.

As a small animal’s fosterer, you would play an essential role in providing the animals in our care with a temporary home whilst they are being rehomed. Like us, even small furries have specific needs and requirements, but rest assured, once we have guided you through the fostering process the animal centre will ensure that you have all the necessary guidance, equipment, food, and veterinary care.

When our small furries are in your foster care you will:

•  Provide them with care, safe suitable housing, and space for playtime, as outlined in our policies and guidelines.
•  Ensure that they are groomed if appropriate and fed and watered.
•  Provide them with suitable and clean bedding to keep them cosy.
• Give them lots of attention and plenty of cuddles as they are very sociable animals.

What we are looking for in a volunteer Small Animals Fosterer:

• Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience of caring for animals.
•  Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.
• For their wellbeing, our small furries may need to be fostered in pairs, so please bear this in mind.
• 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).
•  Provide some pictures and regular updates during fostering.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Small Animals Fosterer

•  You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the small 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.
•  We offer a supplies which can be collected form our office form HA5

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.

A bit about this role

Across the UK, many cats are cared for by volunteer fosterers who provide a stable, safe and loving environment in their homes or in purpose-built pens in their gardens. They provide vital hands-on care and accommodation to stray or abandoned cats or cats whose owners could sadly no longer keep them, and are part of a dedicated team of volunteers committed to finding new homes for cats in need. Our fosterers carry out this role with support from their local branch or centre.

Most of our fosterers care for one or two cats at a time and enjoy providing lots of TLC to those cats, who have been pre-loved or have had a difficult start in life. Some of our fosterers look after new mums and kittens and provide round-the-clock care to newborns to give them the best start in life.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Meeting the needs of the cats and kittens in your care
• Cleaning and looking after the cats’ environment and equipment
• Feeding, grooming and administering medication
• Spending time enriching the cats’ experience in care including; play, exercise and stroking
• Maintaining high standards of animal welfare

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens in need by caring for them before they find new, loving homes. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• A dedicated suitable spare room in your house or space in your garden for a purpose-built pen – you can read more about this here
• Basic knowledge of cats, cat care and understanding their needs
• An appreciation of cat welfare and hygiene standards
• Good interpersonal skills
• Patience, commitment and empathy
• Willingness to be part of a team

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend one and a half hours per day on average (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care. In order to help you feel confident in your fosterer role we ask that prior to looking after your first foster cat you complete some online cat welfare learning modules.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
• Excellent organisational skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

A bit about this role

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. Our Cat Welfare Team Leaders have the important role of coordinating, encouraging and supporting teams of fosterer volunteers and cat care volunteers. They help make sure volunteers with direct cat care roles are happy and confident and provide advice and guidance when needed. This incredible teamwork means we are able to help more cats and kittens in need.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Volunteering alongside colleagues including the Branch Coordinator, Cat Welfare team, Branch Development Manager and Vet team to ensure that CP cat care policies, procedures and standards are applied in branch
• Support fosterers to follow Cats Protection cat welfare policies and procedures
• Acting as the main point of contact within the branch for cat welfare and ensuring that welfare updates are shared and implemented effectively
• Supporting the branch by ensuring that accurate and up to date records of all cats helped are maintained, using specified Cats Protection systems
• Attending relevant Cats Protection volunteer training sessions and encouraging other volunteers to do likewise
• With the other volunteers, recruit, induct and support all branch fosterers and cat care volunteers using Cats Protection processes
• Represent the branch at relevant meetings
• Play an active part in the branch committee, being part of the branch team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the Cats Protection Cat Adoption Team Leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with Cats Protection policy and procedures

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by leading and supporting other volunteers in direct cat care roles. You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• A willingness to follow Cats Protection policies and procedures
• Basic knowledge and experience of cat welfare
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to engage with people on all levels, to build strong and effective relationships
• A willingness to develop themselves and others and to update knowledge and skills as necessary
• Good administration and organisational skills
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• The ability to handle sensitive issues with objectivity and pragmatism
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

The time expectation for this role will vary depending on the number of volunteers and cats in care. Our Cat Welfare Team Leaders usually spend between 10 to 12 hours per week in this role which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. 

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.