RSPCA Sydney Shelter at Yagoona
All volunteers who have direct animal contact roles are required to have an up to date tetanus vaccination. Successful applicants who do not have one will need to be prepared to get one prior to starting their first shift.
If you are interested in volunteering at the RSPCA Sydney Shelter there are a number of things you need to consider:
Are you able to make a regular commitment to volunteering?
RSPCA Sydney Shelter volunteers will need to commit to 1 regular shift, per week, for a minimum 6 month period – this means that volunteers gain the skills required to meet our high standards and also get the most out of becoming a trusted member of our team. It also ensures that the time and effort put in by our staff in training volunteers is fully utilised and of benefit to the animals in our care. Some roles may have fortnightly shift flexibility, once the volunteer is trained. All volunteers must be available for the first four weeks after their induction for training purposes, and preference may be given to applicants that can volunteer on a weekly basis.
Why are volunteers asked to commit to a regular shift?
This is to ensure that the animals receive attention evenly across the week and not just on some days. Being a volunteer is also about continually learning new things and working with others, so regular involvement is required.
The Recruitment Process
Volunteers and the work they do are highly valued. Volunteers work closely with our team of RSPCA NSW staff and with the shelter animals, so the process for applying for volunteer work at the Sydney Shelter is taken very seriously and is similar to applying for paid employment.
Unfortunately, as with paid employment, some applicants are not successful. We reserve the right to turn down volunteers based on our criteria, including not meeting security or Occupational Health & Safety requirements.
Some volunteers may not be selected due to the large number of people who have applied. The most suitable people for positions will be selected to ensure that a high standard of care is provided to the animals and so they receive the maximum benefit the volunteer position offers.
Please ensure you have reliable transport to the shelter before applying.
RSPCA Sydney is located at: 201 Rookwood Rd, Yagoona NSW. The Shelter is open six days a week (closed on Wednesdays and public holidays for viewing the animals) and open from 9:30am to 3:30 pm.
If you have not visited the Sydney Shelter (or recently in the last two years), please visit before applying as it will give you an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the environment and give you an opportunity to determine if you will be able to travel weekly for a minimum of six months (particularly if you are coming via public transport, as there are limit public transport options).
For those people visiting Australia who wish to apply, please contact us after you have arrived in Australia and have visited the shelter to determine if it will be a conveinient location for you to get to. If you are not an Austalian Citizen, please ensure you have a relevant visa/working visa which allows you to volunteer
in Australia. Please check the conditions of your Visa before applying.
Please note that weekend roles fill quickly; there are more volunteer opportunities available during weekdays.
The Sydney Yagoona shelter accepts volunteers over the age of 18 years. For information on Work Experience or Duke of Edinburgh for 2012 please CLICK HERE.
Please click on the volunteer roles below to view more information about each role and current availability.
RSPCA Sydney Shelter roles
Volunteer Cattery Assistant
Volunteer Kennel Assistant
Volunteer Administration Assistant (Chullora)
Volunteer Photographer
Customer Care Volunteer
Animal Support Volunteer
2012 Million Paws Walk
In 2011 volunteers helped the RSPCA NSW execute the best Million Paws Walk ever at Sydney Olympic Park. Without the help of these volunteers, it would not be possible for the RSPCA to hold such great community events. As part of this year’s celebration, the Sydney Million Paws Walk will be held at two Sydney locations. As such, in 2012 we are seeking the support of over 200 volunteers for numerous roles at both venues. CLICK HERE to view and apply for one of the many numerous roles available at both the Homebush and Barangaroo venues.
Foster Care
Foster care is one of the most rewarding and positive experiences that you'll likely ever have the opportunity to undertake - with your efforts directly saving a life. Throughout the process you will be fully supported by one of our Foster Carer Coordinators, plus you will be joining a compassionate and like minded community of animal lovers.
If you are interested in finding out about our Foster Care program or would like to volunteer, please CLICK HERE.
