Section: Volunteer

Volunteering FAQ

Home » Volunteer
  • Andrij, Animal Care Attendant
  • Cheryl, Administration Assistant
  • Leanne and Nicky, Animal Care Attendants

Can I just come and cuddle cats?

Of course! Everyone is welcome to give our kitties in Adoption some love during our operating hours. You don’t need to be a volunteer for this, just come into the Centre and get your feline fix.

If you are interested in a more formalised, regular volunteering role we need you to be aware that our volunteer roles are extremely important to the operation of our Centre and need to be undertaken in a professional manner. Volunteers must adhere to the duties outlined in the Position Description for their role and follow direction. There are plenty of opportunities to get some cuddles in during your shift!

I’d like to volunteer for just one day.  Is that possible?

We’re unable to take volunteers for just one or two days, due to the amount of orientation and training required with each position.  In general, we ask for an ongoing commitment of one shift a week for at least three months.

What is the process to become a volunteer?

First view our Volunteer Positions and read through the Position Descriptions. You can call the Centre for more information about any of our roles. If you find a role you’re interested in, click Apply Now and submit your Expression of Interest. You’ll be contacted for a brief phone interview and if you’re a good match, you’ll be booked into an Induction session. This will go over everything you need to know before you start your first shift.

Do I need to have experience working with animals to volunteer at Ten Lives?

No, you don’t! Most of our volunteers have no formal experience, just a love of cats and a passion to improve the welfare of cats and help the community. Training is provided for those volunteer roles that involve cat handling.

Can I volunteer if I’m under 18?

Unfortunately, children under 18 can’t volunteer at the Centre but there are lots of other ways they can get involved, such as:

• visiting the cats in the Adoption Room

• fundraising for the Centre

• asking their teacher to arrange an Edu.Cat session for their class/school

• collecting donations for the Centre such as old newspapers, woollen blankets, jumpers and towels

• running donation drives at school for items like copy paper, toilet tissue, dish liquid, washing powder, hand wash, paper towels, garbage bags and stationery

• asking their parent(s) to become a foster carer

Can I bring my children with me when I am volunteering if I supervise them at all times?

Unfortunately children are not permitted to accompany volunteers during their service.

I am allergic to cats; can I still volunteer?

This depends on the severity of your allergy. We have staff who are allergic to cats (including our Centre Manager!) as they are able to manage their reactions. If you are highly allergic the Centre is probably not the best location for you, but there are lots of other ways you can get involved. See our Creative Assistant & Op Shop roles and Donate page.

Can I do Work Experience or Prac at Ten Lives?

We offer work experience to a limited number of students and pracs for students studying Animal Studies, which are arranged through the student’s educational institution.