Animal Welfare Volunteer

Role Title: Animal Welfare Volunteer - Hygiene, Welfare & Enrichment 
Level: Level 1 (Entry Level) 
Volunteer Manager: Volunteer Coordinator 
Where you will be based: Hope Rescue Centre 

Why we want you 

For many of the dogs who arrive with us, the world has become uncertain, overwhelming, or simply unfamiliar. The kennel can either add to that stress - or begin to soften it. 

The environments we create matter more than we often realise. Clean, well-prepared, predictable spaces help dogs to rest, to feel a little safer, and to start finding their feet again. 

In this role, you are a vital part of that process. Through the care you put into cleaning, preparing, and maintaining each space, you help shape how a dog experiences their day. You’ll also support simple enrichment within the environment, adding moments of interest, comfort, and choice. 

It’s quiet, often behind-the-scenes work, but it has a powerful impact. The consistency, attention, and care you bring form the foundation that allows everything else to happen, from recovery to learning to, eventually, moving on. 

What you will be doing 

This is a practical, care-focused role centred on maintaining clean, safe, and supportive environments for dogs. Your work underpins every aspect of their welfare, helping to prevent illness, reduce stress, support rest, and create the conditions dogs need to feel more secure during their time with us. 

  • Cleaning kennels, dog runs, and paddocks to maintain high standards of hygiene, safety, and comfort 

  • Carrying out laundry tasks, including washing, drying, organising, and restocking bedding and materials throughout the day 

  • Resetting kennel and run spaces so that each dog has appropriate bedding, fresh water, and enrichment available 

  • Preparing and placing enrichment items to support natural behaviours and provide positive outlets within the kennel environment 

  • Creating simple daily enrichment opportunities or occasional enrichment set-ups within runs, with guidance from the team 

  • Supporting feeding routines and ensuring spaces are prepared appropriately 

  • Working around dogs with different needs, temperaments, and stress levels, following guidance to maintain a calm and predictable environment 

  • Contributing to the overall cleanliness, organisation, and smooth running of the kennel environment as part of a wider care team 

What you’ll develop 

  • A strong understanding of how cleanliness, routine, and environment directly influence how dogs feel and cope 

  • Observation skills to notice subtle changes in behaviour, appetite, and presentation 

  • Confidence working within structured care systems that create predictability and reduce stress 

  • An understanding of enrichment and how to use it thoughtfully to improve dogs’ day-to-day experiences 

  • An appreciation of how consistent, high-quality care supports emotional regulation, recovery, and future learning 

What will help you thrive 

  • A calm, thoughtful approach around animals 

  • Curiosity and openness to learning 

  • Consistency and reliability 

  • Ability to work alongside others in a structured environment 

  • A safety-minded approach, with the ability to follow guidance and procedures carefully and consistently 

What’s in it for you 

  • Develop practical experience in supporting high-quality animal care through environment and routine 

  • Build confidence understanding how you’re the environment can influence how dogs feel, settle, and cope 

  • Be part of a team that prioritises welfare, ethics, and evidence-based practice 

  • Gain experience that can support future pathways in animal care, behaviour, or related fields 

  • Make a genuine, visible difference to dogs’ daily experiences through the care and environments you help create 

  • Be part of a supportive team and feel connected to a shared purpose 

  • Build confidence at your own pace in a structured but welcoming environment 

  • Meet new people and develop a sense of belonging within the organisation 

  • Experience the positive impact of contributing to something meaningful 

How you can grow here 

This role provides a strong foundation in understanding what dogs need to feel safe, settled, and able to cope within a kennel environment. This includes developing confidence in creating and supporting enrichment within kennel spaces, helping to improve dogs’ day-to-day experiences. 

Many volunteers choose to build in this area, becoming highly skilled in maintaining high standards of care and creating supportive, enriching environments within the kennel setting. 

If you’re interested, there may also be optional opportunities over time to move towards more direct dog-facing activities, such as walking or supporting puppy socialisation. These pathways are guided, with space to observe, learn, and build readiness before taking on additional responsibility. 

You’ll be supported to develop in a way that suits you, whether that’s deepening your skills within care or exploring other areas across the organisation as new opportunities emerge. 

Please note: satisfactory references are required for all volunteer roles. Some roles may also require a DBS check as part of the onboarding process. 

Applicants must be aged 18 or over. Applications from under 18s will not be processed and will be removed without further contact.  

 

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