Volunteer
Since 1948, Animal Aid, thanks to the efforts and support of the community, has provided a wide range of animal welfare services. With thousands of hours of donated time, the volunteer base of the shelter has worked tirelessly to promote the shelter's work and to help care for the animals in need. Animal Aid currently finds itself needing volunteers more than ever, as the demands on the shelter are increasing everyday.

The Community can support the shelter through the various volunteer programs available. Please note that a lack of experience or confidence in animal handling does not preclude you from becoming involved with Animal Aid. The programs on offer are divided into three categories - On site, Off Site and Special Events.

On-Site Volunteers
Dog Walking
All of our shelter dogs need a walk each day, so that they remain active and healthy, both physically and mentally. Volunteers can be part of a roster to walk dogs.

Animal Grooming
Volunteers can bath and groom shelter animals so that they look their best and feel fantastic.

Animal Attendants
Volunteers can assist with the day to day operations of the shelter and boarding kennels by helping to feed and clean the cattery, kennels or puppy facilities.

Kennel Guides
Volunteers are needed to assist the public in interacting with the dogs in the adoption kennels and to participate in the rehabilitation program.

Dog and Cat rehabilitation
Animal Aid is unique in offering the Animal Rehabilitative Training (ART) Program. Volunteers assist with the rehabilitative training of shelter dogs. Teaching them basic manners as well as helping to re-establish their trust in people and other animals. This involves motivational training, handling and massage, and greatly improves their chances of finding a new home.

Puppy Huggers
Coldstream Boarding Kennels Puppy Huggers will involve giving special attention to a different assortment of dogs that stay in the kennels while their owners are on holidays. This role is designed to make a dogs stay in the kennels more enjoyable and as relaxed as possible. To find out more click here >> 

Bunny Huggers
Rabbits need love too, so while they are waiting to find a new home we are looking for volunteers to come in and spend some quality time with them. Gentle but confident handling skills will be an advantage in helping to socialize and desensitize nervous bunnies.

Administration
Opportunities include office assistance, data entry, helping with mail outs and assisting with the development of promotional packs and other marketing needs of the shelter.

Veterinary Clinic
Volunteers can assist in our Veterinary Clinic, gaining valuable work experience in the field.

Corporate Giving
Animal Aid welcomes approaches from companies which operate volunteer programs for their employees. As part of corporate social responsibility, corporate volunteering is regarded as a positive and worthwhile endeavour for any company and its staff. Programs can be tailored to suit your requirements, from one off visits to full project assistance, depending on your time limitations.

Off-Site Volunteers
Providing and making dog coats, craft items and specialty goods. With a constant need for blankets and coats for our shelter animals, volunteers can help by supplying the shelter with these items. Also, those who enjoy making handicrafts, which are popular items that can be offered for sale at special events.

Opportunity Shop Staff
We are always in need of people who can commit to help staff our Op Shops. Tasks include sorting and pricing items for sale and shop assistant duties.Our shops located in the eastern suburbs are always looking for help.

Donation and Promotional pick ups and deliveries
Emptying food appeal bins and distribution of promotional material in supermarkets and other outlets supporting Animal Aid.

Foster Carer Scheme
For more information please contact the shelter on 03 9739 0300
Alternatively you can download our Foster Carer Application form and send it to:
P.O. Box 34, Coldstream, 3770

Rabbit Foster Homes
Our Shelter Cattery is currently over run with Rabbits. We are in desperate need of rabbit friendly foster homes to help to socialize and care for our baby rabbits until they are old enough to be desexed and rehomed.

Special Events
Promotions & Fundraising Team
The shelter coordinates a number of promotional, educational and fundraising events that need the support of volunteers, and we are looking for people to help raise the profile of Animal Aid at these events. We need volunteers who are available to help through the week, or on weekends, to supervise displays at shopping centers, special events (eg Expos, etc) and other events throughout the year.

Volunteers who feel that they can contribute to the fundraising program in any way are invited to join our fundraising team.

How do you become a Volunteer?
To become a volunteer, complete the following steps:

1. Contact the shelter and ask to be involved in the volunteer program.
2. Attend one of the regular Volunteer introduction sessions held at the shelter. In this session, issues such as Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) and other operational issues are discussed. You will also be given a tour of the shelter, which may help you to decide your preferred area of involvement. If you feel that you can help the shelter in any other ways, please feel free to discuss your ideas with the Volunteer Coordinator.
3. Once selected, interviewed and welcomed as part of the team you will be provided with ongoing support, information and training, with opportunities to be involved in different projects and activities.

Conditions
All volunteers must be at least 16 years of age or be accompanied by a parent or guardian and be physically capable of coping with the conditions of the position sought.

To enrol in any of these programs or for further information, please contact Animal Aid on 9739 0300 and ask for the Volunteer Co-coordinator or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Alternatively you can complete the Application Form and send it to:
P.O. Box 34, Coldstream, 3770