Volunteering

RECRUITMENT FOR VOLUNTEERING IS CURRENTLY  OPEN  

 

Please note that the number of volunteer slots available is determined by use of a roster and you will be expected to keep to your weekly designated slot unless otherwise agreed.

All our volunteers must be aged 18 or over and we prefer that you reside within our catchment area.

Click here to see if your postcode is listed within our catchment area.

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The Application Process

We rely upon the dedication and support of our volunteers to assist in the care of our animals. To apply to be a volunteer you need to follow a short induction process. After clicking the Apply Now link at the bottom of this page you will be taken to an application form for completion. After this you will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire, (also online) and then be given a further link to complete a number of short online training courses. From this point onwards you will be invited into the Animal Centre to meet the Volunteer Coordinator prior to starting your volunteering.

Practical animal care DOGS and / or CATS
This involves assisting staff to clean, feed, groom and socialise the animals at the Animal Centre. You will need to be motivated and reasonably physically fit, as the work can be strenuous. You will also need to be vaccinated against tetanus.

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Please note that we will only be able to offer you specific days and you will be expected to commit to attending consistently / on regular basis. Voluntary hours for a full day will be from 08:30 to 17:00, or can be individually agreed for morning or afternoon when such vacancies are available. It would be helpful if you could indicate whether or not you have a preference for working with the dogs, or cats, or would like to do both.

Dog Walking & Socialising

We are also looking for dog walkers to help out everyday. Dog walking is normally from 11:00am onwards and slots (must be pre-booked) throughout the day. You must also be reasonably physically fit and need to be vaccinated against tetanus. You may also be asked, or chose to socialise with the dogs in our paddock.

Home visiting

The role of the home visitor is to visit the homes of potential adopters of animals to ensure their suitability. Normally we would expect you to have undertaken other voluntary roles for the Branch before being promoted to this position. You must already be an experienced pet owner and have your own transport. We rehome dogs, cats, and a small number of other ‘small furries’. You will be asked to attend a two hour training course at the Animal Centre and then to shadow an experienced home visitor before going out on your own.

Charity shop work
Our Charity Shop can be found on Eastbank Street in Southport. The work usually involves working on the till, steaming the clothes, pricing and labelling items, sorting items, and changing window displays. On the job training will be given.

Fundraising
Helping out at open days and other events at the Animal Centre. Helping to collect money in supermarkets eg during ‘RSPCA week’. Helping to organise fundraising events. Or you might like to undertake a sponsored event for us. We can provide you with sponsor forms.

Maintenance
With an Animal Centre and a Charity Shop to maintain, we would welcome new volunteers to help with jobs large and small. We need both expert and general help. If you feel you could help or would like further details please complete an online application form by following the link below.

Fostering

Please note that we have a separate process to recruit long-term fosterers, Please email info@rspcasouthport.co.uk for more information. Do not use the link below to apply for this.

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Volunteer induction & Training

For most roles, you must complete and pass online induction training courses as indicated below, before attending a further short induction course at the Animal Centre (prior to starting as a volunteer.) Further instructions including links to the online training will be given during the electronic application process.

Practical Animal Care (Cats & Dogs), Dog Walking, Animal Socialising, Fundraising, Maintenance and Charity Shop roles:

1. General Health & Safety

2. Manual Handling

3. Fire

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Support Workers and Carers will also need to complete a volunteer application form and later, associated medical questionnaires and induction training. If several support workers or Carers have been assigned to you, they should all complete the same induction process in order to safely support or care for you whilst fulfilling your voluntary role. Both you and primary Support Worker / Carer will be invited to the Animal Centre to discuss what sort of support / care you will need to enable you to fulfil the proposed volunteering activities. Please note that this discussion will enable our risk assessments to be dynamically tailored to your needs, or may also require the proposed volunteering activities to be varied.

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