Volunteer Kennel Assistant

Thank you for your interest in the Volunteer Kennel Assistant role. We are currently training new volunteers, and so regretfully are not accepting new applications at this time. The role descriptions remain online while we train so that people such as yourself who are interested in volunteering with us can see what is involved in volunteering in the shelter kennels.

The recruitment process involves accepting applications, reviewing applications, interviewing selected applicants, inducting successful applicants, and training the new volunteers. This process is an ongoing one and we have several intakes for this role throughout the year. Please check back at a later date. Once the new volunteers are trained (this can take varying time frames), we will open applications again. At that time this notice will be removed and replaced with details on how to apply. Thank you for your interest.

The RSPCA Yagoona Shelter is looking for dedicated individuals to give hands on help, and provide basic care to the dogs awaiting adoption. This role involves helping keep the kennel environment clean, and being part of our shelter based training and enrichment program. It involves training, exercising and providing environmental enrichment for the dogs. This program is important for the dogs� well-being in the shelter environment and provides a great benefit in helping them find new homes.

Applicants for this role must be over the age of 18 years.

Knowledge and Skills Required

- Confidence, ability and experience with handling dogs (this can include dogs that you have helped take care of at home)
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Good communication skills, including verbal and written
- Ability to follow instructions and work independently

Essential Criteria

- Able to get to the shelter by own transport or public transport
- Be physically fit, and willing to engage in tasks to help keep the kennels clean.
- Are reliable, willing, and able to commit to a rostered shift once a week or fortnight for a minimum of six months.

Volunteer Characteristics

- Have a love of dogs, and are patient and confident when engaging with them.
- Are interested in animal care and welfare, and want to make a difference.
- Enjoy physical work
- Enjoy working hard and being in the outdoors
- Happy to get your �hands dirty�

Benefits to be Gained

- Knowing that you have made a difference in the life of a disadvantaged animal
- Hands on contact with the animals
- Time to socialise and enrich the animals lives
- Brighten the day of animals in the shelter who are awaiting their new homes
- The look in the dogs eyes when you�ve helped them and their excitement when they see you

Primary Tasks

- Walk dogs and take them to exercise areas
- Provide individual attention to the dogs, including handling, training, and socialisation
- Assist staff with:
- pooper scooping, cleaning, hosing dog kennels and yards
- changing bedding, top up water bowls, and enrichment tools (eg fill Kong toys)
- providing environmental enrichment for the dogs
- observing the animals for signs of illness and documenting this
- preparing feeds and feeding animals
- taking dirty blankets to the laundry and rubbish removal
- grooming duties as required (bathing and brushing)

Selected applicants will undergo an interview for the role. The successful applicants will be required to attend an orientation/induction, as well as a briefing on animal handling prior to commencing their role.
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 get one prior to starting their first shift.

A minimum of 3 hours per week (on a set weekly roster) for a minimum of six months is required. This helps the volunteer gain the knowledge and skills required to for fill their role. It also helps to ensure that the time and effort put in by our staff in training volunteers is of benefit to the animals in our care, and that the shifts are full and the animals receive the attention they need through the volunteer program.

Please consider carefully about the commitment involved, before you apply.

Shifts are available 7 days a week- subject to availability. Fortnightly shifts are available after the six months, for longer term volunteers.

Kennel Assistant shift times:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

If you have not visited the Shelter recently (within the last two years), please visit the shelter during opening hours (no appointment necessary) before applying as it will give you an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the environment and 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 limited public transport options).