Make a difference in the lives of animals by volunteering with Animal Welfare League NSW. Whether you’re helping hands-on at our shelter or supporting one of our volunteer-run branches, your time and dedication will change lives.
Volunteer at Kemps Creek Shelter (Limited Intake)
Our animal attendant volunteers play a vital role in ensuring animals are happy, healthy and well cared for while they wait for their forever homes.
Volunteers assist with a range of tasks, including:
- Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
- Walking and socialising animals
- Supporting training and enrichment programs
- Grooming and bathing animals
- Feeding and refilling water bowls
- Laundry and dishwashing
- General cleaning duties
Important information:
- Volunteers must be 18+ years old
- A minimum commitment of 4 hours per fortnight for 6 months is required
- Volunteers must be physically fit (able to lift 10kg)
- Public transport is limited, so own transport is necessary
- Volunteers must be up to date with a tetanus vaccination
Student Placements at Kemps Creek
If you’re studying Animal Care (Cert II, III, IV), AWL NSW offers limited placements to gain hands-on experience in a shelter environment. Student duties include:
- Animal handling and care
- Cleaning and feeding
- Enrichment and training support
- Shelter maintenance tasks
Please note: Student placements follow a structured roster and require regular attendance for the duration of the placement.
Volunteer at an AWL NSW Branch
(Open Year-Round)
AWL NSW has 20 volunteer-run branches across NSW, dedicated to improving animal welfare in local communities. These branches do not have shelters, but volunteers play a crucial role in fostering, rehoming animals, fundraising, and events.
How you can help:
- Foster Care – Provide a temporary home for animals in need
- Events & Fundraising – Help organise and run community events
- Photography & Social Media – Promote adoptable animals online
- Administration – Support with paperwork and meeting minutes
Volunteering FAQs
Applications open generally only quarterly for a two-week period to help us manage intake. When applications are open, we advertise on our social media channels and a link will be available on this page to apply.
Experience with animal handling is preferred but not required. Volunteers must be confident around animals, follow instructions, and work both independently and within a team.
If your application is successful a team member (either from Kemps Creek or a volunteer branch) will be in touch to discuss the volunteer opportunity further with you.
Yes! You can check which branches are accepting volunteers by completing the application form above.
If you’re unable to commit to Kemps Creek Shelter volunteering, consider branch volunteering or short-term opportunities like events or fostering.
Unfortunately, Kemps Creek volunteers must be 18+. However, some branch opportunities (like events or social media support) may be suitable for younger volunteers.
For Kemps Creek Shelter, yes – it involves lifting, bending, and handling animals. Branch volunteering includes a variety of roles, some of which are less physically demanding.
We understand circumstances change. If you can no longer volunteer, just let us know so we can adjust rosters accordingly.