Volunteering at RSPCA - Any Experiences Here?

toomuchdogfur on 17/06/2017 - 22:14

I was looking to volunteer at my local RSPCA (namely as a Kennel Assistant) and I was wondering if anyone who is doing it or has done it before could share their experience with it. I had two questions in particular:

  • I know the role needs a minimum six month commitment, and that it involves looking after the dogs (walks, feeding, play, etc) and their environment (kennel cleaning, laundry, poop scooping, etc). Is there anything else that has to be done that might be out of scope for a regular dog owner?
  • The role asks for a CV, but I don't understand what I should be putting on it. I've worked in IT for over 8 years - I can't see how this would be relevant - and my only experience is that I've owned two German Shepherds over 20 years of my life. Are they looking for professional experience with pets?

I wanted to do this as due to life circumstances I have been unable to have a pet dog for the past 5 years (and perhaps longer now at this rate). If I can't give a doggo a home I want to at least look after the ones who don't have a home yet.

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Comments

  • airal3rt on 17/06/2017 - 22:20

    You can mention your work history but I'd focus on the fact you've had dogs before and your motivation for wanting to volunteer at the RSPCA. More than anything it's just to show you care enough to put a CV/cover letter together, they don't need anything specific in there other than seeing you've had animals before and a good reason for wanting the position.

  • Ughhh on 17/06/2017 - 22:25
    +1

    Even though charity places are getting 'free' labour, they still need to be sure who they are hiring. CV gives a good summary of who you are, your purpose for applying and what your skills are -related or not. I say be honest on your CV, don't need to deliberately leave out stuff.

  • slow on 18/06/2017 - 07:08
    +1

    I think it would be quite difficult knowing that many of the animals you are looking after will end up being put down.

  • shrugies on 18/06/2017 - 14:32

    I think it's great that you want to volunteer there! Good on you :) Simple discussions like this bring up the fact that rescued pet adoption from the RSPCA should really be encouraged over backyard breeders or pet stores etc "Adopt, don't shop".

    I think the CV is just so they can see why you'd be interested volunteering there. They want to see that the people applying have a genuine concern for animal welfare and enjoy working with them. Feel free to contact them to ask more about the role and make sure you're up for the commitment !

    All the best!

  • Traveller107 on 18/06/2017 - 14:57

    Its a very rewarding experience. But do keep in mind you will cross paths with a handful of other volunteers who are there for reasons other than the welfare of animals (including people on work for dole and even some vets who don't really love animals). This can be somewhat annoying and a bit hard to deal with initially. Also, you will see a lot of disturbing and sad things but being able to make a positive difference makes all the heartache worthwhile. You will also meet some of the most kind hearted people ever as well as all the wonderful animals who will touch your heart and help you grow in ways you never imagined.

    Another option is to foster animals for RSPCA or AWL. We foster plenty of cats and dogs that need a temporary home until they are ready for adoption or when the shelters are full. This is a great way to help as you're giving the animals a loving environment to call home before they can find their forever home. Its a chance to help them leave their fears and past behind and grow into confident loved family members. A VERY rewarding experience and highly recommended. RSPCA and AWL both provide all the food, medication, bedding etc for the foster.. all you need to provide is a loving home for them to experience some happiness and start their new life. Fostering can be short term and last couple of weeks of long term and can last months to years in some cases.

    Good luck with whichever way you decide to help. And thanks for the willingness to help these animals and support their lives. Cheers!

  • garffi on 18/06/2017 - 18:28
    1. You've pretty much listed all the things you might be required to do. Morning shifts generally require more work than afternoon. I've only done afternoon shifts, and all I did was mostly just walking dogs and picking up poop.
    2. When I applied, I don't remember having to attach a resume, but there were a few questions asking why you want to volunteer. I'm in VIC, so maybe the process is a bit different to NSW. I'm pretty sure you don't need professional experience, but most volunteers already own animals and have 'pet owner experience'.
  • Sunshines bright on 18/06/2017 - 19:53

    only surmising here, but don't they have need for other skills rather then just dog minding?? like accounting work, reception, administrative or even other volunteering? maybe the skills on your resume would let them know other things you can bring to the table as a volunteer.

  • toomuchdogfur on 20/06/2017 - 15:22

    Thanks for all the thought out replies! I emailed the RSPCA the questions above as well and they told me to send in what I had - they're looking for people who can learn and follow instructions, pretty sure I have that at least.

    I didn't think that there would be unenthusiastic staff, guess I always assumed that you'd only work or volunteer for these roles if you're passionate but thanks for making me aware of that!

    I'd love to foster and looked into it a few times, it might be something I do a bit later on when my housing situation stabilizes a bit!

    As for animals being put down… well, my last dog had to be put down as his body failed him long before his spirit did, and I made sure to stay by his side until the last moment. One of the hardest things I ever had to do, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. If I could at least provide some love and comfort to them before they have to leave, then it would be worth it.

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