Organisation

SPCA

Purpose

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.

Description

Calling all Dog lovers! SPCA Dunedin is looking for caring individuals, like you, to become Animal Care Assistants, and to help their Staff look after Dogs and Puppies!

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

Requirement

• 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

• Police check

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).

How to apply

Email Beth at dunedin.volunteer@spca.nz

Please copy (cc) volunteer@otago.ac.nz into your application email