4 Perfect Charity Jobs For Animal Lovers

By: Sam Wright

Animal charities are crying out for volunteers to help them continue their vital work. Whether you’re a homebody, an outgoing retiree or a jobseeker, there are plenty of ways you can help animals and boost your employment prospects.

1. Cat Champion

Every community has its fair share of feline residents, and that’s why the RSPCA has placed such an emphasis on cat care in neighbourhoods. Cat Champions are enlisted to spread the word about feline neutering, helping to prevent unwanted litters and ensure the good health and wellbeing of cats in general.

While being a Cat Champion isn’t a salaried charity job, you’ll get expenses and training, and it could lead to another charity job in a similar vein. The RSPCA asks that volunteers can work up to 10 hours a week, but the role can be woven into an existing job, providing you’re visible in the community and come into contact with pet owners.

2. Travelling Fundraiser

All charities need funds and rely on the efforts of fundraisers to come up with the goods on a regular basis. Animal charities use a mixture of activities, so there’s plenty of opportunity to get involved. Often, the charity simply provides a stand and publicity materials and invites passers by to make a donation to the cause: it’s simple, but it works, and paid work is available.

Fundraiser positions are available on a voluntary and salaried basis with various animal charities. Even if you’re not getting paid, you’ll be making a difference. In order to be a successful fundraiser, you need to be confident enough to engage in conversation with strangers, and you may need to accept that part of your wage will come in the form of a bonus. You may need a driving licence so that you can fundraise in different cities and access training events.

3. Shop Worker

If you’re not too mobile, or you want a fixed schedule, a charity shop role could be just the thing. Most large animal charities have charity shops all over the UK, and the benefits of working in a retail environment can be helpful for pretty much anyone. It can also lead to paid roles elsewhere in the charity, such as manager or coordinator.

If you’re in work, a part time position could help you support your chosen charity while staying active in the community in your spare time. And if you’re out of work or between jobs, charity shop work proves a commitment to finding work and gaining experience. Some charity shop employees also enjoy privileged access to the donations that come in, and spot some of the best ones as soon as they’re placed on the shelf, making charity shop work ideal for bargain hunters.

4. Dog and Cat Socialiser

Domestic pets often need considerable care and attention as they develop and grow, and animal charities often need helpers to provide that support on an occasional basis. From kitten handling to dog walking, fans of animals can volunteer to help cats and dogs get the best start.

Handling puppies and kittens sounds like a blast, but there is a serious side; the opportunity to learn about animal psychology and training techniques. Your experience could be vital to a paid charity role acting as a behaviourist, a handler or an animal welfare officer.

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•  Photo credit: My Blog Guest community

Sam Wright is a journalist working with Third Sector Jobs.