What do I need to volunteer?

Happy Paws Happy Hearts volunteers must:

• Be over 18 years old

• Have a current Blue Card and NDIS Disability Worker Screening (QLD) or Working With Children Check and Police Check (NSW)

• Be friendly, positive and enjoy meeting new people

• Have excellent communication skills

• Be reliable, with the ability to self-direct

• Be passionate about working with vulnerable people in society

• Be confident working with domestic animals and/or willing to learn more about how to work with animals in a shelter situation

What is the commitment?

• You are asked to follow animal welfare philosophies and guidelines and be prepared to share these with visitors to the shelter.

• We ask our volunteers to commit to one regular session every week or fortnight, for a minimum of 3 months. Our programs run from Monday – Friday.

• You will need to complete an animal handling orientation and training.

What are the tasks?

• Set up/pack down the training room before and after the session

• Create a comfortable and happy environment where participants can feel relaxed

• Assist training team with handling the allocated animals during session

• Assist HPHH trainers to deliver specialised programs

• Support HPHH participants to reach their potential

What are the benefits?

• You will assist participants with their own personal growth and enable them to become more confident engaged individuals

• You’ll work with a variety of animals including dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, wildlife, and pocket pets

• You will gain experience supporting a wide range of people with different abilities

Placement Opportunities

• Happy Paws Happy Hearts offers placement opportunities for university students who need practical hours to complete their degree and are interested in working with people with a variety of backgrounds and abilities.

• We have worked with students with a background in psychology, health, sociology, veterinary science, and more.