Would you like to be a save-a-dog scheme volunteer ?

Volunteers are a vital part of our daily work and, in fact, essential to our very existence! There are many ways to contribute — from cleaning kennels to fund-raising — but our single greatest need is for volunteers who can commit to a regular shift of hands-on work at the shelter. Much of the work is physically demanding but it's very rewarding to know that all that cleaning, feeding, dish-washing and laundry is contributing directly to the animals welfare and supporting our mission to save as many dogs and cats as possible.

We're passionate about our no kill policy so we're happy to put in the effort and hard work required to care for the animals 365 days/year. If you think you have what it takes to join us, we'd love to hear from you!

We really value commitment to a regular shift. Many volunteers work a half-day or full-day shift each week or fortnight. We try to maintain a volunteer roster to ensure all shifts are covered.

Yarramabat property volunteers

Save-A-Dog Scheme is in need of volunteers to undertake maintenance work at its 33 acre property at Yarrambat kennels and cattery boarding facility which gives temporary shelter to SADS dogs and cats while they are waiting for permanent adoption.

This property is owned by SADS and is 33 acres of undulating terrain located in beautiful countryside approximately 5 kms from Hurstbridge. It is a wildlife corridor giving sanctuary to kangaroos and other native species as well as the companion animals saved by SADS.

The main maintenance requirements are using a tractor to slash grass, haul fallen timber and generally relocate heavy objects. Added to this a ride-on mower is used to maintain the lawns closer to the house and kennels.

Other maintenance intermittently required involves carpentry and general “handyman” jobs.

In short it is very similar to running a private farm.

For further information please email sads@saveadog.org.au

Shelter volunteer tasks

Volunteers assist with many shelter and administrative tasks, and some may progress to walking dogs and hands-on care of the animals. Volunteer tasks include:

• Cleaning the kennels and cattery

• Feeding

• Grooming

• Laundry and dishes

• Office work

• Fundraising, marketing, graphic design, etc.

• Gardening and maintenance


Enquire about volunteering

To discuss volunteering, please email volunteer@saveadog.org.au with your experience.

All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and have a current tetanus vaccination before starting with SADS.

For reasons beyond our control volunteers who work at the shelter must be at least 18 years of age. Unfortunately that means we're unable to accept anyone under 18 for work experience, community service, the Duke of Edinburgh Award or similar projects.

However we love to encourage interest in animal welfare in younger people, so we're certainly open to projects that don't involve direct participation at the shelter. If you have an idea in mind, feel free to contact us by emailing admin@saveadog.org.au to discuss it — and please bear in mind that SADS' permission is required for any project involving the use of our name. Thank you!