Volunteer.
Our volunteers are the backbone of our branch!
Giving nearly 1,000 hours a month, our incredible volunteers work alongside staff to raise funds, care for rescued animals, and run services that support people and pets in our community.
Whatever you do one thing is certain - it’s a truly rewarding experience!
Why volunteer for us?
Volunteering for RSPCA Suffolk Central is one of the best ways you can support our work and help get more pooches and pussy cats back on their paws!
Joining us as a volunteer gives you the opportunity to use your skills, interests, and passion to help animals in a time and way that suits you. From cleaning cat pods to walking dogs, baking cakes, steaming clothes, and manning event stands, every hour that you gift us is converted into either direct care for a rescued pet, or generating funds to provide essentials like food and veterinary treatment.
Becoming a volunteer
We are always looking for enthusiastic animal-loving people to join our family of volunteers.
Take a look at the current available roles or get in touch to discuss particular interests or skills that you would like to share with us. Whether you are seeking regular, or occasional volunteering opportunities, we’ll do our best to find a role that is right for you.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Tracey, Home Visitor Volunteer
I have volunteered as a home visitor for many years, checking the suitability for rehoming a dog or cat, and often visit afterwards to see how their new family member has settled in. The only problem is that I often want to take the animal home with me instead!
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Sue, Cattery Volunteer and Fosterer
Over the years I have fostered 38 cats. It is always nice to see a cat come out of its shell and find a new, loving home. They are always greatly missed when someone adopts them but there is always another cat needing some help.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Pippa, Dog Walking Volunteer
What I love about volunteering at the centre is, well, everything really. I love being in a place that really, truly cares. The animals always come first, and the staff are all so dedicated to their furry, feathered (or otherwise) friends. The centre is such an important place to me, and I am truly grateful for every second I spend there.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Volunteering makes a huge impact!
With the help of our home visit volunteers, the Branch completed over 380 pre and post-home visits last year. Not only is it incredibly rewarding to see an animal happily settled in their new forever home but it also enables our animal care team to give more time to the rescued residents at Martlesham.
Martlesham Animal Centre
Our purpose-built Animal Centre at Martlesham cares for dogs, cats, small furries and birds; with around 90 animals in our direct care at any one time.
Our animal care team works hard to provide not only the welfare needs of animals in our care but also rehabilitation to give them the best possible chance of finding a new forever home.
Our shops
RSPCA Suffolk Central has five charity shops. One even features a dog-friendly coffee shop! Charity shop volunteers have fun rummaging through preloved treasure and offer helpful and engaging customer service to help raise thousands of pounds a year for our cause.
You can get involved too by shopping, donating or volunteering at an RSPCA charity shop in Ipswich, Felixstowe, Stowmarket or Bury St Edmunds.
HELP & ADVICE
Volunteer FAQs
How do I apply to be a volunteer?
Contact us by email on volunteering@rspca-suffolkcentral.org.uk or download an application form to begin your volunteering journey today.
We will then contact you to guide you through the process to get you started in a role that suits you.
Email usWhat volunteer vacancies do you currently have?
We are always looking for volunteers to join us.
Take a look at our current vacancies page or contact us on volunteering@rspca-suffolkcentral.org.uk to discuss particular opportunities, interests or skills that you would like to explore with us.
Our job roles Email usHow much time do I have to commit to volunteer?
As much as you are willing to give! Some volunteers give upwards of three shifts a week at a charity shop, others join us once a year for a few hours to help at an event. Whether you are seeking a regular volunteering opportunity, one-off or occasional volunteering, we are happy to help find a role that works for you.
Contact us on volunteering@rspca-suffolkcentral.org.uk about your specific interests. Please note, for training purposes volunteers at our animal home are preferred to offer at least one session per week.
Email usHow old do I have to be to volunteer?
We usually ask that volunteers are aged 16 or over, but if you are planning to volunteer with a carer, parent, guardian or as part of a work experience placement get in touch to see if we can welcome you.
Do I need specific skills to volunteer?
The most important skill you need to volunteer for us is a passion for animals. Whether you have lots of skills to offer or want to gain experience and knowledge by volunteering, we can help find a role that is right for you.
View our Job RolesI want to volunteer with animals but can’t see any roles available
Roles at our Martlesham Animal Centre are in high demand, but are advertised on our job roles page that contains both voluntary and paid for vacancies!
To ensure our staff have enough time to train and support our volunteers, we advertise for specific roles in our cattery and kennels as they become available. However, if you have specific experience or skills – such as in dog behaviour training – please reach out to us as we’d love to hear from you. Otherwise, check back soon!
View our current job rolesCan you accommodate group volunteering days?
Yes, we can!
To discuss your corporate or group volunteering needs contact us at fundriasing@rspca-suffolkcentral.org.uk and we will see if we can find a project that suits your skills and availability.
Get in touch Find out moreVolunteering for the RSPCA
See some of the RSPCA's pawsome volunteers in action!
How else can I get involved?
There are plenty of other ways to support the branch, from sponsoring a kennel or cat cabin at our Animal Centre, to visiting our shops, or rehoming a rescued animal. Find your way to get involved today.
