Join Us in Making a Difference!
APS is seeking dedicated and passionate volunteers who are willing to give up some of their spare time to help the animals in our care. Volunteering opportunities are diverse and depend on the area you are most interested in. Tasks can include cleaning the cat or dog sections (yes, there will be poop!), walking dogs, handling reception duties, maintaining the grounds, socialising with the cats and dogs, and ensuring our animals are loved and cared for.
The Importance of Volunteering
Our organisation is entirely volunteer-run, which means every bit of help we receive makes a huge difference. By volunteering with us, you are directly contributing to the well-being and happiness of the animals.
For the Animals:
• Improved Quality of Life: Your efforts ensure that our animals live in clean, comfortable environments and receive regular exercise and socialisation.
• Increased Adoption Rates: Well-cared-for animals are happier and healthier, making them more likely to be adopted.
• Emotional Support: The time you spend with our animals helps reduce their stress and anxiety, making their stay at the shelter more pleasant.
For You:
• Personal Fulfilment: Volunteering is a rewarding experience that provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
• Skill Development: You’ll gain valuable skills in animal care, teamwork, and compassion.
• Community Connection: Volunteering allows you to meet like-minded individuals and become part of a supportive community.
• Mental and Physical Health Benefits: Spending time with animals has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
I started volunteering at APS 7 years ago and love it. I volunteer once a week and spend my time in the dog section. To walk in the gates and be greeted by 24 dogs that are so excited to see me each week is the best feeling and I feel so lucky to be a part of it. Most of my time is spent walking the dogs but am happy to help with other jobs when needed. I love every dog as though they are my own and although it is impossible not to get attached it is just so rewarding to see them adopted and living their best lives when they leave us.” – Kim “I started volunteering at APS four years ago. A post caught my eye on social media for Shift Supervisors. I was attracted to the challenge of pushing myself out of my comfort zone and was desperate to learn something new… a bonus was my love of cats, of course!! Being a Shift Supervisor has boosted my confidence in so many ways. I was in a job were there was no room to progress, so this was the perfect chance for me to personally grow. Managing a team of volunteers has given me the opportunity to make group-based decisions and to trust my instincts. In an environment where passions run high, I have gained the confidence to speak up for things I truly believe in! To anyone thinking about volunteering, my advice would be – go for it!! I can honestly say my volunteering journey has been a rollercoaster – challenging days, crazy days, sad days, and happy days! I have met so many wonderful people along the way and made so many lifelong friends that I am truly thankful for. Finally, seeing so...
5 words describe what it’s like being a Volunteer at APS “it’s all about the dogs” There’s nothing better than at the end of a shift (which can include anything from Kennel clean, chopping up dog food, doing a load of washing, cleaning the outside runs) to being able to spend quality time with the dogs, whether it’s giving “Evie” a tummy rub, reassuring “Jemima” that everything will be OK or catching up with “Nipper” who has come back for daycare. People say to me how do you do it and my response is always the same: “It’s easy because I know the dogs are safe (some for the first time), warm, fed and loved” Thanks APS
Almost without fail a dog will be happy to see you – when you first walk into APS past the kennels, when you stop to talk to them, when you go into their kennels (even if it’s to pick up the dog poo!), when you appear at the kennel with food (breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just treats), when they realise you are going to take them for a walk. This is what makes being an APS volunteer so worthwhile.
Choosing to be a part of the APS Dog volunteer section, was the best decision i have made to date. You have a supportive community of mutual animal lovers to bond with and learn from. Learning how to give these dogs love, kindness, suppawt and care is the most rewarding journey. You even learn a lot about yourself! 😊 10/10 stars – would recommend! ❤️
