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- Tasks: Care for small animals, including feeding, cleaning, and socialising them.
- Company: Join the RSPCA, a leading animal welfare charity dedicated to helping animals in need.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, meet new friends, and receive training while making a difference.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on animal welfare and enjoy a fun, community-focused environment.
- Qualifications: Must be 16 or older; passion for animal care is essential.
- Other info: Volunteering may require an informal interview and health assessment.
Do you have a passion for rabbits, birds, rodents, ferrets, guinea pigs, and lots of other small animals? Are you calm, patient and understanding? Many of the small furry animals in our care have never experienced life in a loving home. Whilst they wait for that special someone who can give them a second chance of a forever home, they get lots of love, care and attention from the staff and volunteers at our animal centres.
Our small animal assistants play a vital role in looking after the furries in our care until they find a new home. They assist with the feeding and cleaning, ensuring dietary requirements are met, records are updated and any concerns are raised to the staff member on duty. They also spend time grooming and playing, providing stimulation and also helping our residents develop the socialisation skills which can aid a successful rehoming.
You’ll be working as part of a team and have some experience and knowledge of the behaviours of small animals, however we’ll provide you with full training. You’ll make friends and meet new people, caring for animals whilst they wait for a new home. You may have lots of experience with small animals, or maybe you would like a pet but your lifestyle or home doesn’t quite suit at the moment. This could be the perfect role for you.
Please note that some centres may require you to be aged 18 years or over. This position requirement is 8.30am-12.30pm, on allocated day.
Volunteer roleWhere you will be based: Community
Why we want youWe are the RSPCA and it’s our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day. Many of the animals in our care have never experienced life in a loving, family home. This is a key role to help us care for small animals whilst they are looking for new homes.
What you will be doing- Providing food and water
- Cleaning the animal accommodation
- Checking to see if the animals are happy and healthy
- Restocking supplies
- Washing food trays etc.
You’ll need to be aged 16 or over - some centres may require you to be aged 18 years or over. Volunteers will need to be able to work alone and carry out physical tasks. Be happy working with hay, fur and feathered animals. A passion for animal welfare.
What’s in it for you- Meet new people and make new friends
- Learn great new skills to add to your CV
- A great induction and training relevant to your role
- Volunteer in a fun environment at the heart of the local community
- You’ll be making a huge difference to the welfare of animals
We are happy to reimburse any reasonable travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering with us.
DisclaimerOur voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees. Before you can start volunteering you’ll need to complete our simple online Health & Safety assessment. At the RSPCA we don’t want you to be out of pocket by volunteering, so we are happy to reimburse any agreed out of pocket expenses you incur whilst volunteering.
Small Animal Care Support employer: RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
Contact Detail:
RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Animal Care Support
✨Tip Number 1
Show your passion for small animals during any informal conversations or interviews. Share personal experiences with pets or volunteering, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to animal welfare.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and behaviours of the small animals mentioned in the job description. This knowledge can help you engage more effectively with staff and show that you're proactive about understanding the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current volunteers or staff at the RSPCA. They can provide insights into the role and the organisation's culture, which can be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss how you handle physical tasks and work independently, as these are key aspects of the role. Think of examples from past experiences that highlight your ability to manage these responsibilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Small Animal Care Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: In your application, express your genuine love for small animals. Mention any personal experiences you have with pets or volunteering that demonstrate your commitment to animal welfare.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise any skills or experiences related to animal care, such as feeding, grooming, or cleaning. If you have knowledge of small animal behaviours, be sure to include that as well.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Small Animal Care Support. Include any relevant volunteer work, training, or certifications that showcase your suitability for this position.
Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, think about potential questions related to animal care and your motivations for volunteering. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the team and the welfare of the animals.
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
✨Show Your Passion for Animals
Make sure to express your love and passion for small animals during the interview. Share any personal experiences you have with pets or volunteering, as this will demonstrate your commitment to animal welfare.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Even if you don't have formal experience, mention any relevant skills or knowledge about small animal care. Discuss any previous volunteer work or personal pet ownership that showcases your understanding of their needs.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be working as part of a team, emphasise your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment in the past.
✨Prepare Questions
Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the role and the organisation. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand more about what to expect, making you a more informed candidate.
