Volunteer FAQ

Volunteering with the AWLQ is a fantastic way to make a difference in the lives of the animals in our care. There are 2 types of commitment when volunteering:

1. Rostered Volunteers– Expected commitment: rostered and regular 1 x 4-5hr set shift / weekly (for minimum of 3 months). These types of volunteers are the core of our Volunteer Program – regular and reliable we can count on these wonderful individuals each week. Often our volunteers extend this commitment beyond the 3 month minimum requirement.
2. Casual Volunteers – Expected commitment: casual (unrostered) minimum 1 x 4-5 hr set shift / per month. After you have volunteered for 3 months on the roster (including equivalent hours), you can request to change to a casual volunteer agreement. These types of volunteers might not be able to commit to a specific day, but are able to commit to a full 4-5 hour shift at least once a month (or more often if available). These wonderful volunteers might not know what day they can come, but when they do, they make a difference.

Some of our volunteers have the opportunity do more than 1 shift per week, whilst some are not able to lock into a set commitment. If you would like to enquire further regarding opportunities that best suit your availability, please contact your desired Rehoming Centre Volunteer Office to discuss.

Volunteering Program: You can start volunteering at AWLQ if you are at least 18 years of age, due to public liability and insurance regulations. There are limited opportunities for younger volunteers (see below). After you reach the age of 85, we will require additional medical assessments if you wish to continue volunteering. If you are outside of this age bracket, we would still love your support in other ways, such as collecting donations of food and bedding, fundraising, fostering, or asking AWLQ to come to your local club to raise awareness.

Adolescent Volunteering Program: If you are aged 16-17 years old and would like to join our Volunteer Program, we have a limited number of Rostered Positions available at each of our Rehoming Centres. Please note that Volunteer Insurance coverage for those under 18 years of age is limited and our entry level roles are Volunteer Cat Team Attendant or Small Animal Attendant (Gold Coast Rehoming Centre only). If you are interested in further information please contact your desired Rehoming Centre Volunteer Office to discuss available opportunities

Whilst no formal experience is needed, some of the requirements for volunteering are as follows;

• Good communication skills (both literacy and interpersonal)
• High fluency in English – spoken and written
• Good level of physical fitness
• Willingness to learn.
• Regular and reliable.
• Love of animals and an understanding of the purpose of the organisation.

We supply on the job training and/or job routines for each position. Many volunteer positions are entry-level which the majority of new volunteers are able commence in, however some positions are considered more advanced. For our advanced volunteer positions, we require a strong background from the entry-level as a prerequisite for stepping up into these roles.

As a volunteer you can gain important transferable skills in animal handling, team work, fundraising, campaigning, management, data entry, administration, customer service and many more.

Volunteering at AWLQ is a 4 step process. Read the Position Descriptions carefully and decide which position you would like to volunteer in, then:

1. Select your Rehoming Centre location, available induction date and complete the application form.
2. Book and pay for the scheduled Volunteer Induction at your chosen Rehoming Centre location.
3. Attend and participate in our Volunteer Induction at your chosen Rehoming Centre location.
4. Be assigned on the roster for your First Shift, commencing volunteering and training.

We recognise that life doesn’t always go to plan. If you are sick, or have another commitment on your rostered day, simply contact us to let us know you won’t be in… that way we can plan accordingly.