Volunteer & Foster

From Kerikeri to Invercargill - and everywhere in between! We are looking for volunteers across the country. You can help at one of our 27 Centres, in more than 90 Op Shops, at local events and fundraisers, or even from home.

See all available volunteer positions

From animal care and fostering to op shop roles, fundraising, administration support, volunteer driving and toy making, there’s an opportunity to suit you.

Can’t find the right vacancy today? We update our website regularly, so check back soon for new opportunities that might interest you.

See all available volunteer positions

There are many ways to volunteer, whatever your age, background or ability. We welcome and value people from all communities and walks of life.

Volunteer opportunities for children under 16 are limited, but there are still plenty of ways to get involved. If you can't find a suitable role, you could have fun fundraising for animals instead.

Volunteering with SPCA is a rewarding way to meet people who share your passion for animals and their wellbeing. You can also:

• learn new skills and build on the ones you already have
• try something new
• do meaningful, rewarding work
• build confidence and communication skills
• enjoy a sense of achievement
• give back to your community

Every volunteer role offers opportunities to learn, grow and make a difference - the more you put into the experience, the more you can get out of it.

See all available volunteer positions

The time commitment varies depending on the role and location, and the expected hours, shift pattern and length of commitment will be outlined in each role description.

Centres and Op Shops offer a range of shifts, typically between 8 am and 5 pm. Foster placements can vary in length depending on your availability and the individual needs of the animal.

Whether you can help regularly, for a set period or occasionally, there are many ways to make a difference.

See all available volunteer positions

After you register your interest online, you’ll receive an email explaining the next steps and further information needed. Please check your junk or spam folder if it does not arrive. Depending on the role, you may be asked for additional information, to read our Health and Safety guide and agree to the relevant volunteer or foster agreement.

Once your application is complete, we’ll send it to the relevant SPCA Centre or Op Shop. The local team will review it and contact you about the next step, which may include an interview, orientation, training or a discussion about suitable opportunities.

Please note that response times can vary depending on the location, the role you have applied for, and local capacity. We appreciate your patience while centres and shops review applications.

If your circumstances change, or if you have any questions about your application, please contact volunteer-applications@spca.nz.

Where possible, we’re happy to offer student placements, work experience and opportunities to complete community service hours. Availability depends on the placement requirements and the capacity of the local SPCA Centre or Op Shop.

Availability varies by location and time of year, and we consider each request individually. Some Centres may ask you to commit for a minimum period so you can get the most from the experience and provide consistent support. Please check for student placement opportunities listed for your local centre or apply for a suitable ongoing volunteer role, including details of what you need from your placement.

If you need to complete hours for school, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award, the William Pike Challenge or another programme, we’d love to hear from you. Please email volunteer@spca.nz and include:

• Your school, university, or organisation
• The purpose of the placement
• The number of hours required
• Your preferred SPCA location
• Any specific learning outcomes or requirements

Our team will review your request and let you know whether a suitable opportunity may be available at your local SPCA Centre or Op Shop.

We do! SPCA welcomes enquiries from businesses, community groups, and organisations interested in corporate volunteering.

Corporate volunteering opportunities vary by location and are dependent on the needs and capacity of individual SPCA Centres and Op Shops. Activities may include one-off volunteer days, practical projects, environmental improvements, maintenance, cleaning, sorting donations or other tasks that support animal welfare and local operations.

As our Centres operate differently and resources vary throughout the year, we cannot guarantee that corporate volunteering opportunities will be available at every location or for every group.

If your organisation is interested in volunteering with SPCA, please contact volunteer@spca.nz and include:

• Organisation name
• Number of participants
• Preferred location
• Proposed date(s)
• Any health and safety requirements
• Whether you are seeking a one-off event or an ongoing partnership

Our team will review your request and work with the relevant SPCA Centre or Op Shop to determine whether a suitable opportunity is available.

No, previous experience is required for many of our volunteer roles. We’ll provide the induction, training and guidance you need.

Some specialised roles may require particular skills, experience, licences or facilities; these requirements will be explained in the role description.

Absolutely! You’ll receive an induction and the training needed for your role, along with guidance from your local SPCA team. New centre and op shop volunteers may complete supported training shifts, while fosterers receive relevant manuals, animal information and ongoing support throughout each placement.

Volunteer and foster vacancies reflect each location’s current needs and capacity to welcome, train and support new people. If you can’t see a suitable role nearby, the local team may simply not be recruiting at the moment.

Please check back regularly, explore opportunities at a nearby location, or consider other ways to help - such as fundraising or volunteering from home.

For questions about an application, email volunteer-applications@spca.nz. For general volunteer or foster enquiries, email volunteer@spca.nz.

If you already volunteer or foster with us and your question is specific to your role, shift or location, please contact your local Centre or Op Shop directly.

Volunteering can help you gain useful skills and experience, but it does not guarantee paid employment with SPCA.

All paid roles are advertised separately and follow our usual recruitment process. Volunteers are welcome to apply for roles that suit their skills and experience.

To volunteer with SPCA you must be living locally in New Zealand so we can complete the required checks, induction and training. You’ll also need a New Zealand phone number, local address and New Zealand-based emergency contact.