Animals

From hands-on roles in sanctuaries to animal fostering, and more backroom opportunities in admin, fundraising or helping in charity shops, there are many opportunities to volunteer with animals. There are a variety of organisations that provide welfare for animals in need and campaign on their behalf such as:

• Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
  From administration and events, to hands on working with dogs and cats, there are many opportunities.
• Cats Protection
  Volunteer roles include cat fosterers, rehoming officers, press officers, fundraisers, charity shop volunteers and helpline operators. Call: 08702 099099 for details of your nearest branch or email: cp@cats.org.uk.
• Dogs Trust
  Dogs Trust campaign on dog welfare related issues, maintain rescue centres and find new homes for unwanted dogs. Details of local rescue centres can be found on their website. Volunteer dog walkers and fundraisers are often required, and the Trust also operate a number of charity shops.
• PDSA
  People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals is the UK’s leading charity for pets in need of Volunteer opportunities include helping out in PDSA shops, fundraising, attending events, office admin, research, groundskeeping etc. For a free information pack, call: 0800 854194.
• RSPCA
  The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a range of volunteering roles including fundraising, running shops, clinics or welfare centres, looking after animals until new homes are found, public relations and campaign coordinators.
• RSPB
  The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds need skills from all walks of life, from computing to project management, admin support to language interpretation. You can search for local opportunities on their website.
• The Blue Cross
  Blue Cross volunteers can make a real difference to the lives of needy animals. You can get involved in many areas from helping with animal care at their centres and hospitals, to fundraising and admin. To find out more, contact: 01993 822651, or email: info@bluecross.org.uk.
• Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
  Launched at Crufts in 1982, the charity has placed over a thousand dogs nationwide. Opportunities include socialising puppies, emergency carer, dog walker and even driver.
• Pets As Therapy
  Pets As Therapy is a nationwide charity with over 3,000 volunteers that visit hospitals, residential homes and special schools with their temperament-assessed cats and dogs.