If you love animals and have been considering a career working with animals, then volunteering is a fantastic way to get started. You can work close to home with familiar animals such as dogs and cats or, in a country as large and diverse as Australia, there is also a wealth of opportunities to work with wildlife.
There are many possibilities if you want to work with animals in Australia. The following are the most common types of places where you could volunteer.
There are many non-profit organisations involved in the rehoming and rehabilitation of domestic animals throughout Australia. These organisations play a vital role in our community and offer rewarding and fulfilling positions to volunteers doing a variety of tasks including dog walking, cage cleaning, training, feeding, enrichment, administration and much more.
Australia has quite a few animal sanctuaries. Some are dedicated to helping specific species such as birds, kangaroos, dingoes and koalas, while others care for a variety of species. Many of these sanctuaries are open to the public, in which case volunteer work might involve giving tours or lectures. Sanctuaries also need volunteers to feed animals and maintain the grounds.
Many organisations that serve the needs of people with disabilities incorporate animals into their therapies. For example, there are several centres that teach people with disabilities to ride horses. There are also facilities for the visually impaired that require help caring for the guide dogs.
With such a large array of wildlife in Australia, with many species being threatened, volunteers can help organisations study, rescue, rehabilitate, tag and release animals. Most commonly, volunteers will work with birds and common wildlife such as kangaroos, to rear and rehabilitate injured or sick patients.
The Ningaloo and Great Barrier Reef play a crucial role in the environment of not only Australia but the entire world. Sea creatures such as turtles, dolphins and various species of fish are studied and aided by various organisations. Volunteers may help in the rehabilitation of injured animals and their environment or collect data for government organisations and institutions.
If you are considering a volunteer position working with animals, you should have some idea of what to expect. While animal lovers will enjoy the experience of bonding with animals, you also have to be prepared to work hard and get your hands dirty. Your responsibilities may include:
Organisations dedicated to helping animals are always eager to find volunteers. As a result, the requirements aren't usually overly stringent. At the same time, you may need to meet certain criteria depending on the position or location.
There are many potential benefits of taking a volunteer position working with animals. These include:
Anyone considering a career working with animals can gain valuable experience and find out if it is the right choice for them.
Volunteering to work with animals in Australia takes some planning. It is best to do your research and find the opportunity that is a good match for your needs and preferences. This includes a situation that is within your budget and that works with your schedule. You may also have preferences for certain locations or to work with certain types of wildlife. Here are some places to get more information.
In addition to the above resources, you can inquire directly with major animal shelter and animal rescue organisations with which you may be familiar. If you want to volunteer, it is best to plan well in advance as some of these opportunities are quite popular.
An intensive course at the Cat Haven in Shenton Park (WA) and Greyhounds as Pets Kennel Facility in Southern River (WA), and AVT in Bentley (WA), with blended on-campus and online learning.
An intensive course at Ranger Red's Zoo & Conservation Park in Pinjarra WA providing a hands-on on-site and online learning experience.
A 6 month course providing you with weekly hands-on practical training at the RPSCA (WA) under the supervision of AVT educators, plus online learning from the comfort of your home.
All of our courses are offered as an Online eLearning option. Learn the foundation theory online and participate in a work placement to gain practical skills and experience at an approved location that suits you.
Volunteer work provides an excellent foundation for career success in the field of animal care. If you would like to take your passion for helping animals to the next level, the best thing to do is reach out to Australia's most trusted animal care training providers. For over two decades, Applied Vocational Training (AVT) has helped aspiring animal care professionals realise their dreams by providing the highest quality career training.
If you love animals, volunteering to work with them is something worth considering. You may also want to consider a career in animal care. If you are interested in pursuing such a career path, you will need to acquire the right qualifications. AVT offers a variety of courses in fields such as animal care, horse care, vet nursing and more. To find out more about our courses and certifications, contact us.
We have been training animal care, horse care and veterinary nursing students for over 20 years in Australia. Students who undertake AVT courses range from high school-aged students just starting their pre-vocational journey right through to mature-aged students seeking an alternative career path. Graduates are highly respected and sought after by industry professionals, businesses and organisations. If you want the background knowledge and skills to help you secure your career in the animal care industry, check out our nationally recognised qualifications here or sharpen your skills in one of our workshops.
A recent NCVER VET student outcomes report for Applied Vocational Training graduates found:-