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.
Types of Volunteer Opportunities for Working With Animals
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.
Animal Shelters
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.
Animal Sanctuaries
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.
Working with Animals and Helping People With Disabilities
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.
Rescue and Rehabilitation
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.
Marine Conservation
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.
