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Volunteering with animals

AuthorDarcy Nathan, editor
Posted on

From shelter volunteer roles to wildlife conservation abroad, volunteering with animals is a meaningful way to support animal welfare, build practical skills and explore future careers

What can I do as a volunteer with animals?

Whether you're looking for short term roles or longer term commitments, there are opportunities for those who prefer hands on care, supporting people, or working outdoors.

Animal shelters

Becoming an animal shelter volunteer is one of the most common ways to support animal welfare. Shelters rely on volunteers to help with daily care and improve animals' quality of life while they wait for new homes.

Typical roles include:

  • rescue volunteer positions supporting intake, transport and rehoming
  • shelter community service placements for students and young people.

At rescue centres such as Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, volunteers help ensure rescued pets receive the care and attention they need before rehoming.

Blue Cross also offers roles in rehoming centres, including dog walking, cleaning and fostering pets while they prepare for new homes.

Other national charities offering structured, shelter‑based volunteering include:

Some people search for dog‑specific or cat‑specific volunteer opportunities. These often sit within rehoming charities or rescue centres, such as:

  • assisting adoption events or education activities
  • volunteering with dogs through walking or enrichment programmes
  • supporting cat socialisation and welfare in shelters or foster homes.

These options are ideal if you're particularly passionate about a specific type of animal.

Specialist organisations like Assistance Dogs UK, Pets as Therapy and The Cinnamon Trust offer unique opportunities - from socialising assistance puppies to visiting care homes with companion animals.

Conservation

If conservation interests you, there are many wildlife volunteer opportunities across the UK. Common options include:

  • animal conservation projects
  • volunteering on nature reserves
  • emergency rescue roles.

Organisations such as The Wildlife Trusts work with thousands of volunteers on more than 2,000 reserves, offering practical conservation experience supported by training and supervision.

At centres like the Wildlife Aid Foundation, volunteers assist with wildlife incidents and help with animal care and rehabilitation.

Some conservation work includes veterinary‑related volunteering, such as assisting at animal hospitals or vet clinics, although these roles may require relevant training or experience.

Practical roles - such as supporting animal hospitals and wildlife rehabilitation at RSPCA centres - can be especially valuable for those interested in animal health and veterinary careers.

See jobs working with animals for information on paid conservation roles.

Fostering

If you can't commit to regular shifts, fostering offers a flexible alternative. It allows animals to recover or develop in a home environment while freeing space in shelters for those with urgent needs.

Fostering opportunities include emergency or short term placements for owners in crisis, or temporary care while an animal awaits a long term home.

For example:

  • Cats Protection provides volunteer roles caring for cats in centres and through its Lifeline foster service.
  • Woodgreen Pets Charity offers fostering roles involving feeding, exercising, socialising and grooming pets until they find their 'forever' home.

Can I volunteer with animals abroad?

Some people choose to volunteer abroad, particularly in conservation or veterinary support roles. Opportunities may include:

  • conservation
  • veterinary placements
  • self funded volunteering.

Organisations like Born Free offer wildlife rehabilitation and conservation placements overseas, including research linked and veterinary related opportunities. International programmes such as those run by Pod Volunteer combine community development with animal care and conservation in developing regions.

When considering volunteering abroad, research is essential. Ethical programmes prioritise animal welfare, limit unnecessary human contact, work closely with local professionals and reinvest funds into genuine conservation efforts.

Search for animal volunteering projects abroad.

What qualifications do I need to volunteer with animals?

Most roles don't require formal qualifications, although hands on positions may ask for training or previous experience.

Entry level Level 2 qualifications (equivalent to a GCSE) include:

Level 3 qualifications are helpful if you're looking to take on more responsibility or move into paid roles such as nature conservation officer or animal physiotherapist.

Level 3 courses (equivalent to A-levels) include:

Short continuing professional development (CPD) courses can support your knowledge, but many charities place more value on practical experience and accredited vocational training. Combining volunteering with structured study is often most effective.

Some organisations provide full training regardless of qualifications, while others prefer applicants with relevant experience. For instance, RSPCA volunteer drivers must:

  • complete all required training
  • have appropriate insurance and a valid MOT
  • hold a valid driving licence.

How do I find roles near me?

Animal volunteering opportunities exist across the UK, from cities to rural areas. Start by searching online for 'animal volunteering near me' and checking:

  • council run shelters
  • community rescue centres
  • national charities with branches near you.

Dedicated volunteering and job boards are also a useful way to find animal volunteer opportunities, especially if you're searching for roles in a specific location or with flexible time commitments. You can find opportunities on:

If you have a specific charity in mind, you can also write a speculative job application outlining your skills, experience and the ways you'd be happy to help.

Many people ask whether animal shelters accept volunteers under 18. While hands on care may be restricted, some organisations offer supervised roles such as fundraising or family based volunteering. Cats Protection, for example, offers roles for volunteers aged 14 and over. Always check age requirements and expected commitment.

Many charities also prioritise volunteers who can commit consistently, as animals thrive with familiar routines and handlers.

How do I apply?

Most charities will ask you to:

Some roles may also require references or a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, particularly those involving vulnerable people.

Hands on roles can be competitive, so applying early and being flexible can improve your chances. If direct animal care roles aren't available, consider supporting with fundraising, events or administration.

To find out more, see our guide to volunteering.

What are the challenges of volunteering with animals?

Volunteering with animals can be physically demanding and emotionally challenging. You may find yourself:

  • cleaning enclosures
  • handling distressed animals
  • lifting equipment
  • working outdoors

Reputable organisations provide training, insurance and safety guidance. Being honest about your abilities helps ensure you're matched to a suitable role.

How much time do I need to commit?

Commitments vary widely. Some roles require weekly or fortnightly shifts, while others offer seasonal, flexible or one off opportunities. For example, Manchester Animal Shelter asks volunteers to commit one day per week.

Consistency is especially important in hands on care. Dogs Trust, for instance, encourages canine assistants to volunteer regularly so animals benefit from routine and familiar handlers.

Volunteering roles are unpaid, but you may need to cover travel, clothing or equipment. Some organisations reimburse expenses or provide uniforms, so check what's included before committing.

Where can animal volunteer work take my career?

If you're considering a career working with animals, volunteering can help you develop experience in areas such as:

  • animal behaviour and handling
  • basic first aid and welfare routines
  • teamwork in regulated care environments.

It can also introduce you to roles including:

Alongside this specialist experience, you'll build transferable skills valued by employers across many sectors, such as:

  • communication
  • problem solving
  • teamwork
  • time management.

Volunteering can also be personally rewarding. Spending time with animals is often linked to improved wellbeing, reduced stress and a greater sense of purpose. You'll also meet like minded people and become part of a supportive community.

Find out more

Written by Darcy Nathan, editor

Prospects · February 2026