Volunteer with us

We would not be able to give our dogs and cats the high standard of care we are so proud of without our dedicated team of volunteers. Over 600 volunteers, working on and around our three sites in London, Old Windsor and Brands Hatch, provide companionship, stimulation and exercise for our dogs and cats and assist staff in kennels, offices, as well as carrying out education talks, welcoming visitors to the sites,  and providing foster care for our dogs.

Current opportunities

All Sites

We are currently recruiting for Dog Fosterers across all of our sites.  Please visit our Dog fostering section to find out more information and details on how to apply.  

London Site

We are currently recruiting for Information Volunteers at our London site, for every day of the week. Please click on the link below for more information.

We are also recruiting for Rehoming Administrative Volunteers. Please click on the link below for more information.

We are currently recruiting for Dog Foster Carers for our London site.

Old Windsor Site

We are currently recruiting for Dog Foster Carers for our Old Windsor site.  Find out about Dog fostering

Brands Hatch Site

We are currently recruiting for Dog Foster Carers for our Brands Hatch site.  Find out about Dog fostering

Other Opportunities

Although we are unable to manage a waiting list of people interested in volunteering, we do advertise for animal welfare and office volunteers on this page on an ad hoc basis.

Please check back regularly for other opportunites in all departments at our three sites as they are always coming up!

Volunteering - a real commitment

Because of the extensive training our Animal Welfare Volunteers receive in order to ensure their safety and maintain consistency in how our dogs and cats are socialised, we are only able to recruit a very limited number of volunteers. Recruitment takes place on an 'as-needed' basis and all roles will be advertised on this page. 

The recruitment process is quite competitive. We do ask people to think extremely carefully about being able to commit their time before applying. We ask for a minimum of six months commitment but we'd ideally like people to remain with us a lot longer. We have to turn down many good people each recruitment round so it's disheartening if new volunteers leave within just a few months of starting. It's the dogs and cats that miss out on that non-existent volunteer's time! 

There are a number of ways you can volunteer at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, from working directly with animals to helping out with events and in our offices.

Please be aware that for insurance reasons we are unable to accept volunteers who are less than 18 years of age.

Volunteers also help with outreach work, education events and administration across various departments. Our Volunteers also represent the Home at shows and events.

Volunteers help at all three sites, Battersea, Old Windsor and Brands Hatch.

Why volunteer with us?

  • To develop existing skills and gain new ones
  • To meet new people
  • To find out more about what we do and be part of a team
  • To have fun
  • To do something that is both challenging and rewarding
  • To spend quality time with our dogs and cats

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Registered charity No. 206394