SPCA has been protecting New Zealand’s animals for over 150 years. SPCA looks after animals who are sick, injured, neglected, abused or vulnerable. Their vision is to ensure that all animal lives matter in our communities. There purpose is to advance animal welfare and prevent cruelty.
As an Animal Care Assistant for Dogs you will be:
- Helping staff in the care of the dogs and puppies while they find their forever homes
- Gaining animal care experience and meeting like minded people who share a passion for animals and their welfare
- Assisting to clean kennels and other equipment
- Feeding animals
- Helping with life enrichment
- Walking dogs
- Assisting to keep the Centre clean (washing of floors, laundry, restocking and performing other tasks as requested
Training/Skills Gained:
- Volunteers are supported by SPCA staff and work alongside other volunteers
- Volunteers are provided with everything they need to perform all tasks
- You will be gaining animal care experience while meeting like minded people who share a passion for animal welfare
Benefits to Volunteers:
- As an Animal Care Assistant, working with dogs, you will be helping the SPCA to promote animal welfare in the community
- You will have the opportunity to provide care and support to a variety of different dogs and puppies from a range of backgrounds
Requirements
- Minimum age to volunteer working with the dogs is 18
- Excellent communications skills and a good understanding of English with the ability to follow both verbal and written instructions
(sometimes you will be working by yourself with the guidance of staff)
- Volunteers working with the dogs are required to have previous experience handling large dogs
(this can include owning your own dog or growing up with dogs)
- SPCA dogs come from various backgrounds and often do not have good dog manners or can have behavioural issues
(Dogs can be strong, pull and jump, so they need patience, understanding and someone with a basic knowledge of reading and interpreting a dog’s body language)
- A reasonable level of fitness is also required
(depending on the dog and its needs a walk may be up to an hour per dog)
- Bending & kneeling may be required for cleaning related tasks
A Ministry of Justice background check is required for this role.
Time commitment
- They are looking for volunteers to commit to one regular weekly shift - morning or afternoon for a minimum 6 months (As a volunteer it's important that you are able to commit to this)
- SPCA realises that you may be away on holiday, or have days off due to illness, exams, appointments etc
(They are aware that schedules change, and while volunteering you may need to change the day of your shift or switch times)
Getting started
The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below.
We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.
Apply for this role:
Dunedin