Animal Rescue Volunteer (Mitcham/Merton)
This role supports the vital front line work of our Inspectorate. Volunteers in this role are trained to get involved with the collection, transportation and release of wild and domestic animals.
In this role you could be:
- Transferring domestic animals possibly between establishments or from owners to vets and back
- Helping with our foodbank project
- Moving kit and equipment to where it's needed such as cat traps. You may also be involved in the rescue of wildlife and its release once rehabilitated.
- You may be collecting wildlife casualties and taking them to vets or rehabilitation centres
We are continually evolving the ARV role and as such you will have the possibility to gain experience and receive further training as more varied tasks are introduced. Animal handling and risk assessment training will be provided.
The role is part of our frontline animal rescue service and plays an important part in promoting animal welfare. As such volunteers need to be flexible, able to volunteer at times when we need them and able to commit to an initial 5 hours of eLearn training and at least 1 day training with a field officer.
The role involves a substantial amount of driving and lone working. You will be provided with a uniform and necessary equipment required for your role. We will also reimburse any reasonable travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering with us
What we need from you:
- Aged18 or over
- To live within 30 minutes of Mitcham/Merton
- Have access to their own suitable vehicle and a full driving licence
- Good interpersonal skills and be confident dealing with the public
- Access to a Smartphone whilst volunteering.
- You would be in charge of choosing your own shifts, to suit when you are available, but we recommend shifts be at least 4-6 hours long, as you need to be able to get to the animal, pick it up, and drop it off at a suitable location. Ideally we are looking for people to offer around 16 hours a month
- Be prepared to collect and deliver animals and equipment to establishments such as
- transfers from Finsbury Park Animal Hospital to our other centres such as Leybourne, Millbrook or Southridge. We also have a lot of establishments in Kent and also use Patcham in Brighton and Danaher and South Essex Wildlife Hospital in Essex.
- Attend a 30 minute virtual interview (interviews slots will be available from the 8th Jan 24 ) If successful, complete online forms and training prior to attending an Induction day (approx 8 hrs total).
- Be free to travel and attend one of the following Induction days Millbrook 12th Feb 2024 West London (location to be determined) 23rd or 24th Feb 2024
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference to the lives of animals and also develop skills to put on your CV and potentially take you into a career in Animal Welfare.
We 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.