Volunteering

WALES IS LOOKING FOR CATTERY ,EQUINE AND FARM VOLUNTEERS. You will be providing support to the units feeding, cleaning, and caring for the animals. We need you to be able to work mornings and commit to regular weekly attendance. Volunteers must be over the age of 18. For the equine role experience with horses is required. You can find out more about Equine here , Cattery here and Farm here . Please email enquires to Wales@freshfields.org.uk

LIVERPOOL IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS You will be providing support to the units and caring for the animals. You need to be able to commit to regular attendance.To find out more and see the role description

Wildlife & Small Animals here.
Cattery here.
Kennels Assistant here.
Dog walker here
Laundry volunteers need to be able to pick up dirty laundry and return it clean and dry to the rescue. Find out more here.
Maintenance here
Home checker here
Administration & Reception here

Please email enquires to volunteer@Freshfields.org.uk

We have many opportunities for you whether you have lots of time or just a little, and we are encouraging all of you that may not have had the confidence before, to try it out and have a go. We will support you to make sure it’s a great experience. Read our Volunteering Policy HERE

We have over 150 volunteers across Merseyside and Wales who love their roles, are much valued and know the huge difference they make to animals in desperate circumstances. We simply cannot rescue animals without your help!

We invite you to join this life-saving team.

How to volunteer

• If you have any questions just call us and we’ll be happy to answer those.
• Complete the volunteer enquiry form HERE
• We will contact you to speak about your interest and if a role is suitable, we’ll invite you to come and meet us, or discuss next steps by phone.
• You will be provided with a member of staff to support you during your volunteer experience.

Why volunteer with us?

We have such a wide range of people, ages, and circumstances as well as different reasons for getting involved.

Cynthia Cattery Volunteer

I have been a volunteer at Freshfields Cattery for over 15 years and enjoyed every visit. I love being around adorable cats and kittens, they are all such different characters. They make you smile and laugh and I’m delighted when a loving home is found for them. The staff are wonderful, they support and care for the volunteers as well as the animals they look after.

It is lovely to be part of “the team” at Freshfields!

Laura Kennels Volunteer

Here is what Laura had to say about her time here –

“I joined Freshfields as a dog walking volunteer in March 2022 as I had not long moved to Liverpool, I didn’t know anybody, and I just love dogs!

This is a picture of me and Bobby, who was at Freshfields for quite some time until he found a wonderful new home last year. Bobby was very wary of new people and refused to be touched. We spent a lot of time together walking around the countryside and gradually he started to let his guard down as he felt comfortable around me. He let me stroke him, pick him up and give him all the cuddles he deserved.

This is why I love to volunteer here, to see the change the dog’s personalities start to shine through as you gain their trust and friendship.

The staff and volunteers all care so much about every single one of the dogs and we all share stories and photos of them”.

Vikki does some amazing work across the different units.

Here’s what Vikki has to say – I have been volunteering as a dog walker at Freshfields for 13 years. Over the years, I’ve got involved in other ways (home checker, gardening, painting and jet washing dog exercise yards to name a few!), and I find it a very rewarding experience. The volunteering I do is so different to my full time job, and I can be out in all weathers giving the dogs some much-needed exercise and fun! The staff do an incredible job caring for the animals, and it is wonderful to be part of a team of volunteers helping them.

Probably the best thing is building relationships with the dogs. Some haven’t had the best start in life, and it is lovely to see them come out of their shell and start to enjoy life. Much like Isla in this picture. She loves to go out for adventures in the car, so we go out for weekly trips, and she gets a walk – and hugs of course! I love playing my (small) part in their time at rescue, and watching them go off to their new homes.

You may want to volunteer because:

• You love animals and have a passion for giving them the life they deserve.
• You want practical work experience for a qualification or a job.
• You want to meet new people and make new friends (two and four-legged!)
• You want to gain confidence and identify your strengths
• You wish to improve health and wellbeing
• You would like to make good use of the knowledge and skills that you have.
• You want to be a force for good for those more vulnerable than yourself.
• You want to have fun doing something different and useful.

Opportunities for Everyone

We understand that people have different responsibilities, commitments, and personal challenges. We are dedicated to ensuring that if you want to get involved you can, in a way that works for you, in a role that you enjoy.

You can join in as a:

• Permanent volunteer – for just a few hours a week, or a few days a week.
• Corporate volunteer – team up with your workmates to show that your business cares about its community.
• ‘One day a Year’ Volunteer – helping out with events and fundraising for just one single day each year and not be asked for more.
• Back Up Volunteer – there to lend a hand ‘as and when’ you can.
• Distance volunteer – help with tasks you can do at your own pace from home.

Areas of Volunteering We Offer

You will be surprised at the breadth of roles available at Freshfields. Some roles may need previous experience, some not. All roles need enthusiasm and a commitment to animal welfare.

Broad categories include:

• Animal Rescue Centres – this could be helping in Cattery, Kennels, Small Animals & Wildlife, Farm, or stables. Or a home checker, a dog walker, horse welfare visitor.
• Charity Shops – sales assistants, window display, collection drivers.
• Fundraising and Events – administration support, fundraiser, event organisers and helpers, collection helpers, community ambassadors.
• Operational Support – reception support, maintenance, and gardening.

Please note: Volunteers must be over 16 years of age for insurance purposes, some roles are only available to those aged 18 or over. I.D and References will be required and DBS checks for some roles. We are not offering Duke of Edinburgh award schemes opportunities at this time.

Volunteering FAQs

Volunteer Policy

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

Donate Here

Lost & Found Pets