Volunteer With Us

If you love animals and have a passion for helping people, volunteering
with Happy Paws Happy Hearts is a great way to make a ‘paw-sitive’ impact.

We welcome people from all walks of life and abilities to volunteer with us. You do need to be independent and be able to complete your volunteering duties without the assistance of a support worker or assistance animal to meet the requirements of our volunteering roles.

Join the team

As a Happy Paws Happy Hearts volunteer, you will assist participants in their personal growth and support them to become more confident, engaged individuals. You’ll get to work with a variety of animals, gain an understanding of animal welfare, and build skills in animal handling. You’ll also work with a wide range of people with varying abilities and needs while playing an essential role in helping them reach their full potential.

HPHH volunteers must:

Be at least 16 years of age or older
Complete screening checks that allow you to work with children and people with disabilities
Be friendly, and positive and enjoy meeting new people
Be confident working with domestic animals and willing to learn more about how to work with animals in a shelter situation

I'm interested

How you can lend a helping heart

In-session Support Volunteer

Help trainers facilitate meaningful sessions and support participants’ learning and engagement by creating a comfortable, relaxed and happy environment.

This role requires independent mobility as the volunteer will be walking, sitting, and bending down, as well as carrying or handling animals and equipment.

Event Attendance & Administration Volunteer

Help set up and deliver impactful events while promoting Happy Paws Happy Hearts. These roles may involve event coordination and capturing content (photo & video).

Project-specific Volunteer

Roles are designed around specific organisational needs and require expertise and experience (e.g. marketing and communications, business development, research and analysis).

Student Placements

Roles are based on university placements for students who need practical hours (up to 500 hours) to complete their degree and are interested in working with people from varied backgrounds and abilities.

Areas of study should be aligned with HPHH’s and participant needs (e.g. psychology, social work, health, sociology & veterinary science).

Application Process

Before becoming a part of our volunteer team, you will have the opportunity to meet (virtually) with a member of our Volunteering Team. This is your chance to learn more about the work we do, the volunteer roles available, and the next steps. After you’ve submitted your details through the Volunteer Application Form, we will get in touch to arrange a time to meet with you.

If you’d like to register your interest in volunteering with us, please submit your details via the form below.

I'm interested

Volunteer stories

Kerryn – Dakabin, Queensland

With an aspiration of gaining experience working with vulnerable people and handling animals, Kerryn joined HPHH as a volunteer.
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Jenny – Wacol, Queensland

Jenny started in our Handle Program, having had previous experience volunteering with the RSPCA and as a foster carer for animals.
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Lee – Dakabin, Queensland

Lee became a volunteer with HPHH over two years ago as a part of his rehabilitation following a health scare that left him unable to return to work.
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Nicola – Dakabin, Queensland

Nicola has volunteered with HPHH since opening our doors at RSPCA Dakabin and has enjoyed every moment.
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Alex – Wacol, Queensland

Alex started volunteering in March 2023. With plans to study in the animal field, this arrangement perfectly matches his goals and interests.
Read more