Volunteers - information

As the RSPCA NSW is an independent, non-government, community-based charity, volunteers are an integral part of the RSPCA movement.

Volunteers assist in most areas, including caring for animals, and working in shops, branches and administration. Many more help out with special events, fundraising and promotions that take place throughout the year. They also help in animal rescues, such as during bushfires and floods.

Download more information on being a RSPCA NSW volunteer.

Volunteers in the Sydney area

Thank you to everyone that has applied to volunteer at the Yagoona Shelter and those that are interested in applying. We have recently received many applications and are going through the process of inducting and training new volunteers. This can take some time and we appreciate your patience during this process. There's a long volunteer waiting list at Yagoona, so unfortunately, we are unable to accept new applications at the moment. Volunteers are greatly appreciated and we consider them a valued part of our shelter team.

Please note that this will not affect volunteering at our other RSPCA Shelters throughout the state.

Thank you for your interest and please continue to check our website for further developments.

Sydney area residents may still do voluntary work for the RSPCA NSW Auxiliary.

For volunteering for the RSPCA NSW in other regions (outside Sydney), please contact your nearest Shelter or Branch and they will discuss the options available to you.  

For volunteers, the 2 easy steps to become a volunteer are:

Step 1
Download and print the RSPCA Volunteer Application form [downloadable PDF file]. Complete and return the form with a letter stating why you have chosen the RSPCA NSW as the place you wish to do voluntary work.

Step 2
If you are selected for volunteer work, you will be required to complete the RSPCA Volunteer Agreement form [downloadable PDF file]

The minimum age for volunteers is 15 years of age.

To be part of the RSPCA NSW volunteer movement, you will be given an introduction to the RSPCA and the necessary training.

The RSPCA has 11 Shelters and 22 Branches, located in cities and regional areas.

For further information about becoming an RSPCA volunteer, please send your full name and postal address to your nearest RSPCA Branch or to:

Volunteer Support Officer
RSPCA NSW
Postal address:
PO Box 34, Yagoona, NSW 2199
Phone: (02) 9770 7509
Fax: (02) 9770 7575
Email: volunteer@rspcansw.org.au

Please include your full name and postal address in the email so that we can send some information to you through the mail.

Foster Carers

Volunteer foster carers provide temporary care those animals that do not cope well in a Shelter environment as well as to those that are too young or small to be eligible for adoption. Read more