We’ve got an exciting opportunity for volunteers to support Bristol Animal Rescue Centre, within our Facilities team – helping to care for our site as well as the future of its animals. 

In this multi-faceted role you’ll be undertaking a wide range of duties, from driving animals in  need to medical / rehabilitation specialists; to helping us ensure our site is health and safety compliant. 

On one day, for example, you might be transferring animals from our Clinic or Animal  Rehoming Centre, to other rescues we partner with in the South West. You might be  involved with taking dogs, cats, small animals (like ferrets and rabbits) to and from veterinary  practices in Bristol. Then, on a different day, you may be testing our emergency lighting, looking after our plants and helping to collecting supplies. 

Every effort makes a difference and our volunteers are such a support to our team – making  a vital difference to the lives and the outcomes of the animals in our care. At our charity  you’ll be volunteering within a team of passionate and dedicated people who are all committed to make a difference to animal welfare. 

Whether you are an experienced individual looking to support our work using your valuable  skills, or whether you are passionate about our cause and want to gain an insight into what we do – this could be the volunteering role for you. 

What would I be doing as a Facilities and Animal Transfer Volunteer? 

• Transferring sick and injured wildlife and domestic animals to a local vet practice or wildlife centre eg. in Taunton or Wiltshire. You would be driving the Bristol A.R.C. van which is specially equipped for transporting animals 
• Helping the Maintenance Team with various aspects of building maintenance and  facilities at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre. This might include painting, drain and  gutter maintenance, changing locks for instance 
• Generally keeping the Charity site clean and tidy, and supporting with weeding / gardening 
• Other ad-hoc driving duties on a needs-basis, for example collecting and dropping off donations

What’s important for me to know? 

Part of your day might involve transferring animals, and this will take priority when the need arises. Therefore we are looking for someone who has a full, clean, category b driving licence for this role. In addition we would ask that as a volunteer, you can: 

• adhere to our protocols, procedures and policies as set out in your training and guidance 
• keep within time boundaries, and transfer animals in a timely manner (to the best of  your ability) 
• ensure that appropriate footwear and PPE is worn when directed and as necessary
• update us with any changes to your driving license or driver status 

How often would I volunteer?

We are looking for volunteer support each week on: 

Thursday and / or Friday between 10am and 4pm 

      We can offer flexible hours on these days.  

What skills and attributes might I need for this role, ideally? 

• Experience, enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved is always a great help, and we would like to hear in particular (with specific examples, if you can) about your: understanding of health and safety, and its importance 
•  competence in any aspects of site or building maintenance; and general ‘DIY’ skills as detailed above
•  communication skills and ability to follow and carry out instructions 
•  driving licence and its ability to enable you to drive B category vehicles (Transit Van) 
•  confidence driving longer distances, and your feelings about using a utility vehicle
•  interest in animal welfare 
• character, personality and your motivations for volunteering 

What might I get out of volunteering with Bristol A.R.C.? 

• The opportunity to volunteer with Bristol’s oldest and largest Animal Rescue Centre 
• training and guidance to help you become a volunteer. This will include general information, as well as specifics about the role 
• ongoing support from your designated Volunteer Supervisor – the Facilities and Health and Safety Manager, as well as the Volunteer Coordinator 
• the chance to learn about the ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of an animal welfare organisation 
• opportunities to see other animal sites and centres, and meet like-minded people 
• we hope you would find it rewarding directly contributing to animals’ rehabilitation, through undertaking transfer journeys 
• the potential to gain new skills, and make new peers and friends through your volunteering 

I haven’t had much experience. Can I still apply? 

Knowledge in the area of building maintenance or health and safety is desirable, yet we welcome applications from anyone. If you are not particularly experienced, we would be pleased to hear about all the other relevant skills or qualities you feel you could bring to the role. 

What else might I need to consider, before I apply? 

We ask that applicants bear in mind that whilst transporting animals is an important part of this role, this does not involve socialising the animals 

This role would suit someone who is comfortable undertaking duties independently and using their initiative, as required 

A percentage of your time volunteering would be spent around the Centre in different areas and this will be quite a physical role 

We hope that our volunteers will stay with us for a period of at least six months, as we think this will allow the chance to get the best out of the experience. If you wish  for a shorter-term or more ad-hoc role, you may wish to consider our Fundraising or Events Volunteer roles 

Our volunteering roles are popular and we kindly ask that you consider the time and  regularity that you can commit to the role, to ensure this is the right fit 

We welcome applications from anyone over the age of 18 years old 

If this role doesn’t feel quite the match for you, we have a wider variety of roles that we advertise for periodically on our website 

What happens next, after I have made an application? 

After the closing date, we will review your application and read through all the details you have given us. If your application is then successful, we will be in touch to arrange an informal interview at our site. 

Thank you very much indeed for your interest in volunteering with us.  For any questions or queries please contact us at volunteering@bristolarc.org.uk