Volunteer requirements

Volunteers and the work they carry out is important and valued. 

At Wyong Shire Council's animal care facility, volunteers work closely with staff and the shelter's animals.  For this reason, the process of applying for voluntary work at the facility is taken particularly seriously.  Please read and ensure you understand these requirements before you fill in the Get Involved registration.

Applicants must be over the age of 18

Unfortunately, some applicants are not successful, Council reserves the right to reject volunteers based on set criteria. Some volunteers may not be selected owing to the large number of people who have applied. All applications are considered by a panel of qualified staff and people considered most suitable will be selected to ensure that a high standard of care is provided to the animals.

Applicants must be medically fit and have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination

Successful applicants must be prepared to obtain a medical clearance from a doctor and have a Tetanus vaccination before they start their first shift.

Ensure you have reliable transport before applying

Volunteers have set tasks to complete.  They are expected to work independently, with limited supervision to minimise staff interruption.

Typical duties for volunteers include;

  • taking the dogs for a walk away from the premises
  • conducting a 10 minute training sessions with each dog
  • bathing, drying and brushing dogs
  • removing faeces from exercise yards
  • ensuring all dogs in exercise yards have fresh, clean water
  • helping with the facility's special needs program
  • handling and brushing cats
  • reporting any sick or injured animals to staff

Knowledge and skills required

  • confidence, ability and experience with handling dogs and/or cats
  • ability to work as part of a team
  • good communication skills
  • ability to follow instructions and work independently

Essential criteria

  • able to get to the animal care facility by own transport or public transport
  • be physically fit
  • reliable, willing and able to commit to a rostered shirt at least once a week for a minimum of four months

Volunteer characteristics

  • have a love of dogs and/or cats and be patient and confident when engaging with them
  • interested in animal care and welfare and keen to make a difference
  • enjoy physical work
  • like working hard and being outdoors
  • happy to get your hands dirty

 Volunteers are required to adhere to Council's strict policies and procedures about employee and public safety and the welfare of animals. If your application is successful, these will be explained at length during your induction. Council reserves the right to terminate the position of any volunteer who shows disregard for the rules.  Carefully consider the commitment involved before you apply

Applying

Fill in the Get Involved registration to express your interest.