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 Cats you will be:
- Helping staff in the care of the cats and kittens while they find their forever homes
- Cleaning cages, litter trays, food bowls, feeding animals
- Helping with animal life enrichment
- Restocking supplies, washing of floors, assisting with laundry tasks
- Helping to keep the Centre clean and performing other tasks as required
- Handling cats and kittens confidently
- During kitten season this is a busy role with multiple tasks to be completed up to a required standard
- Handling animals from various backgrounds and with various behavioural temperaments with kindness, patience and understanding
- Working in a room by yourself or sometimes as part of a team.
- Using excellent communication skills with a good understanding of English
- Following both verbal and written instructions accurately
Training/Skills Gained:
- Gaining animal care experience and meeting like minded people who share a passion for animals and their welfare
- Volunteers are supported by SPCA staff and work alongside other volunteers
- Volunteers are provided with everything they need to perform all tasks
Benefits to Volunteers:
- As an Animal Care Assistant, working with cats and kittens, 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 cats and kittens from a range of backgrounds
Requirements
- Minimum age to volunteer working with the cats is 17
- Confident in handling cats and kittens (so you need to have some experience, usually with their own animals, or be confident and willing to learn)
- Our animals come from various backgrounds and can have behavioural issues, all our animals require kindness, patience and understanding.
- Complete multiple tasks to a high standard - during kitten season, this can be a busy role
- Must be able to perform physical tasks related to cleaning, such as bending and kneeling etc
- Volunteers need to be able to work in a room by themselves
- Volunteers need excellent communication skills, with a good understanding of English and the ability to follow verbal and written instructions
A Ministry of Justice background check is required for this role.
Time commitment
- They are looking for a commitment of one regular weekly, morning or afternoon shift for a minimum 6 months and it is important that as a volunteer you are able to commit to this.
- Please note in this 6 months we do realize you may be away on holiday, or have days away due to illness, exams, appointments etc. We are also aware that schedules change, and while volunteering you may need to change the day of your shift or switch shift 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