The RSPCA North West London & South Hertfordshire Branch CIO works to prevent cruelty to and suffering of animals. Every year we rescue and rehome hundreds of unwanted, stray and abandoned animals ...
Volunteer Drivers
Practical details
Volunteering • Long term role
Contact person
Debbie Holden
Provided
#128895
Scan me or visit www.govolherts.org.uk/o/RSPCA-NW-London--S-Hertfordshire/opportunities/Volunteer-Drivers/128895 to join
Drive animals safely to vets, foster homes and Branch sites, helping our Animal Welfare team support rescue, treatment and rehoming.
Volunteer Driver
Role description
Enjoy driving? Help us make sure animals get safely where they need to be.
We’re looking for reliable and friendly volunteer drivers to support our Animal Welfare team by transporting animals between our catteries, veterinary practices, foster homes, boarding establishments and other agreed locations.
Whether you can help regularly or have some flexibility during the week or on weekends, your time could make a real difference to animals in our care.
About us
We rescue, rehabilitate and rehome stray, neglected and unwanted animals, and help local owners care for their pets. As a separately registered RSPCA branch, we raise most of our funds locally and are responsible for delivering animal welfare services across our local area.
Where and when
Location: Across North West London and South Hertfordshire, including our animal welfare sites, veterinary practices, foster homes and other locations used by the Branch.
Time commitment: Most journeys are likely to be needed during weekdays when veterinary practices and other services are open. We welcome both regular volunteers and people who may be able to help more flexibly. Please tell us about your availability so we can discuss what might work.
Supported by: Our Animal Operations Manager and Animal Welfare team.
This is an unpaid volunteer role.
What you could help with
Depending on the needs of our animals and your availability, you could:
- Drive your vehicle to transport animals safely between our catteries, veterinary practices, foster homes, boarding establishments and other agreed locations.
- Take animals to veterinary appointments and collect them afterwards.
- Transport animals moving into or between foster homes and Branch accommodation.
- Use appropriate carriers, cages and other Branch equipment to transport animals safely.
- Help lift and move animal carriers safely where required.
- Follow instructions provided by the Animal Welfare team about each journey and the animal being transported.
- Carry out basic vehicle safety checks before journeys.
- Keep simple records of journeys and any information requested by the Animal Welfare team.
- Report any concerns about an animal's health, behaviour or welfare promptly to the Animal Welfare team.
- Follow Branch procedures relating to animal welfare, safe transport, infection control, health and safety and vehicle use.
You will not be expected to assess or provide treatment to animals. Any concerns about an animal's health or welfare should be referred to the Animal Welfare team.
What we’re looking for
- You don’t need previous animal welfare experience. We’re looking for someone who:
- Is reliable, responsible and comfortable driving in different local areas.
- Is calm and patient when transporting animals, including animals that may be nervous or unsettled.
- Can follow instructions carefully and work safely.
- Is friendly and respectful when dealing with veterinary teams, fosterers, colleagues and other volunteers.
- Is happy to keep the Animal Welfare team informed about journeys and any issues that arise.
- Is aged 18 or over.
You will need:
- A full driving licence valid for driving in the UK
- Provide evidence of your insurance and MOT.
We will check your driving licence before you begin driving for us.
The role can involve lifting and carrying animal carriers. We will discuss the requirements with you and any adjustments or support you may need.
What you’ll gain
- A practical way to directly support animals in your local community.
- The satisfaction of knowing that your time is helping animals receive veterinary care, move into foster homes and progress towards rehoming.
- Induction, relevant training and guidance from our Animal Welfare team.
- The opportunity to meet other volunteers, veterinary professionals and people involved in local animal welfare.
- The chance to become part of our Branch volunteer community.
- Agreed expenses
Interested?
Please contact us, telling us a little about yourself, your driving experience and when you might be available.
Even if you can only help on certain weekdays or at certain times, please get in touch. Having a pool of volunteer drivers gives us much more flexibility when animals need transporting.
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. If you need support or adjustments to apply or volunteer with us, please let us know.
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees and, depending on the role, you may be asked to sign a volunteer agreement and undertake specific training before starting.
Related to
About RSPCA NW London & S Hertfordshire
The RSPCA North West London & South Hertfordshire Branch CIO works to prevent cruelty to and suffering of animals. Every year we rescue and rehome hundreds of unwanted, stray and abandoned animals. In addition to this we assist many animals whose owners cannot afford the full costs of veterinary treatment that their animals require.
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