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How do you become a Volunteer?
On-Site Volunteers
Off-Site Volunteers
Special events
Further information
Volunteer
Please follow this link to see where we currently need volunteers ...
Since 1948, Animal Aid, thanks to the efforts and support of the community, has provided a wide range of animal welfare services. With thousands of hours of donated time, the volunteer base of the shelter has worked tirelessly to promote the shelter's work and to help care for the animals in need. Animal Aid currently finds itself needing volunteers more than ever, as the demands on the shelter are increasing everyday.
The Community can support the shelter through the various volunteer programs available. Please note that a lack of experience or confidence in animal handling does not preclude you from becoming involved with Animal Aid. The programs on offer, which are described below, are divided into three categories - On site, Off Site and Special Events.
How do you become a Volunteer?
Attend one of the regular Sunday Volunteer introduction sessions held at the shelter. These sessions begin at 10.00 am and may take up to three hours.
In this session, issues such as Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) and other operational issues are discussed. If you feel that you can help the shelter in any other ways, please feel free to discuss your ideas with the Volunteer Coordinator.
Introduction sesion: Dates for 2013
| July |
Sunday 7th |
| August |
Sunday 4th |
| September |
Sunday 8th |
| October |
Sunday 6th |
| November |
Sunday 10th |
Once selected, interviewed and welcomed as part of the team you will be provided with ongoing support, information and training, with opportunities to be involved in different projects and activities.
Please note the following conditions
- All volunteers must be at least 16 years of age or be accompanied by a parent or guardian and be physically capable of coping with the conditions of the position sought.
- All volunteers MUST provide proof of current tetanus vaccination (coverage lasts for 10 years). You may need to obtain a certificate from your medical practitioner.
- All volunteers over 16 years of age must provide photographic evidence of identification - a drivers licence or similar.
Intending volunteers should, if possible, bring both proof of tetanus vaccination and photo ID to the introduction session, where these documents will be copied for our records. You will also be asked to sign a Confidentiality agreement before beginning to volunteer.
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On-Site Volunteers
Dog Walking
All of our shelter dogs need a walk each day, so that they remain active and healthy, both physically and mentally. Volunteers can be part of a roster to walk dogs.
Animal Grooming
Volunteers can bath and groom shelter animals so that they look their best and feel fantastic.
Animal Attendants
Volunteers can assist with the day to day operations of the shelter and boarding kennels by helping to feed and clean the cattery, kennels or puppy facilities.
Kennel Guides
Volunteers are needed to assist the public in interacting with the dogs in the adoption kennels and to participate in the rehabilitation program.
Dog and Cat rehabilitation
Animal Aid is unique in offering the Animal Rehabilitative Training (ART) Program. Volunteers assist with the rehabilitative training of shelter dogs. Teaching them basic manners as well as helping to re-establish their trust in people and other animals. This involves motivational training, handling and massage, and greatly improves their chances of finding a new home.
Puppy Huggers
Coldstream Boarding Kennels Puppy Huggers will involve giving special attention to a different assortment of dogs that stay in the kennels while their owners are on holidays. This role is designed to make a dogs stay in the kennels more enjoyable and as relaxed as possible.
Bunny Huggers
Rabbits need love too, so while they are waiting to find a new home we are looking for volunteers to come in and spend some quality time with them. Gentle but confident handling skills will be an advantage in helping to socialize and desensitize nervous bunnies.
Administration
Opportunities include office assistance, data entry, helping with mail outs and assisting with the development of promotional packs and other marketing needs of the shelter.
Veterinary Clinic
Volunteers can assist in our Veterinary Clinic, gaining valuable work experience in the field.
Corporate Giving
Animal Aid welcomes approaches from companies which operate volunteer programs for their employees. As part of corporate social responsibility, corporate volunteering is regarded as a positive and worthwhile endeavour for any company and its staff. Programs can be tailored to suit your requirements, from one off visits to full project assistance, depending on your time limitations.
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Off-Site Volunteers
Providing and making dog coats, craft items and specialty goods. With a constant need for blankets and coats for our shelter animals, volunteers can help by supplying the shelter with these items. Also, those who enjoy making handicrafts, which are popular items that can be offered for sale at special events.
Opportunity Shop Staff
We are always in need of people who can commit to help staff our Op Shops. Tasks include sorting and pricing items for sale and shop assistant duties.Our shops located in the eastern suburbs are always looking for help.
Pick ups, deliveries and donations
Emptying food appeal bins and distribution of promotional material in supermarkets and other outlets supporting Animal Aid.
Foster Carer Scheme (Adult and Juvenile)
For more information please contact the shelter on 03 9739 0300
Alternatively you can download our Foster Carer Application form (PDF: 113KB) (updated 2013) and send it to:
P.O. Box 34, Coldstream, 3770
Pocket Pets Foster Homes
Our Shelter Cattery is currently over run with Rabbits. We are in desperate need of rabbit friendly foster homes to help to socialize and care for our baby rabbits until they are old enough to be desexed and rehomed.
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Special Events
Promotions & Fundraising Team
The shelter coordinates a number of promotional, educational and fundraising events that need the support of volunteers, and we are looking for people to help raise the profile of Animal Aid at these events. We need volunteers who are available to help through the week, or on weekends, to supervise displays at shopping centers, special events (eg Expos, etc) and other events throughout the year.
Volunteers who feel that they can contribute to the fundraising program in any way are invited to join our fundraising team.
For further information
Please contact Animal Aid on 9739 0300 and ask for the Volunteer Co-coordinator or email volunteering@animalaid.org.au.
Alternatively you can complete the Application Form (PDF: 108 KB) and send it to:
P.O. Box 34, Coldstream, 3770
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