Volunteers are valued members of The Lost Dogs’ Home community. They are vital to the daily running of the Home, as well as the running of special events. Before you can start volunteering, there are a few steps to take, so please read this page carefully to give your application the best chance of success.
If you have any further questions after reading the below information, please contact our Volunteer and Work Experience Coordinator on (03) 9321 8786 or volunteering@dogshome.com.
General Requirements
Before you apply, please check you can provide the following supporting documentation:
- Proof you are 18 years of age or older
- Current police check less than 6 months old
- Written reference from a previous employer or volunteer organisation
- Signed volunteer agreement form (included in the Volunteer Application form download)
Application Process
- Check the volunteer descriptions below to see if we are currently accepting applications and to see if you meet the role specific requirements
- Download the Volunteer Application Form
- Gather your supporting documentation as listed above and on the form
- Photocopy or scan your documents
- Mail or hand deliver application form and documents to:
Volunteer Coordinator
The Lost Dogs’ Home
2 Gracie Street
North Melbourne Vic 3051
or email them to volunteering@dogshome.com
Interview and Training Process
If your application is successful for further review, you will be contacted by phone or email to organise a time to come into the shelter for an interview with our Volunteer Coordinator. Please bring your drivers licence or another form of photo identification when you come in. Successful applicants will also be required to attend a training session to follow the interview.
Volunteer Roles
Dog Walking Volunteers
We are currently looking for volunteers to join our dog walking team. To apply, please send in your completed application including all supporting documentation as outlined on the form.
Download the Volunteer Application Form (dog walking)
Role
Our team of volunteer dog walkers exercise, interact and assist with training the dogs which are currently available for adoption, within and around the premises of The Lost Dogs’ Home. This program reinforces good behaviour to help prepare the dogs for their new homes, and improves their well-being while at the shelter.
Requirements
- Volunteers are allocated a weekly shift of one hour (minimum). This will be at a regular rostered time.
- Dog walking shifts are available between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
- Volunteers should be comfortable handling dogs of all sizes, breeds and energy levels.
- Volunteers will be required to attend an interview (during work hours) and a weeknight training session (after hours) should their application be successful.
- Volunteers are required to have an up to date tetanus injection.
Event Volunteers
Thank you for your interest, however we do not currently have any vacancies for event volunteers. Please check back again soon, as we will update this section when we are looking for event volunteers.
Administration Volunteers
We are currently looking for volunteers to help in our administration departments. To apply, please send in your completed application including all supporting documentation as outlined on the form.
Download the Volunteer Application Form (administration)
Role
Our administration volunteers work within various departments of The Lost Dogs’ Home, including the National Pet Register. Tasks include opening mail, sending out registration tags, filing, collating, basic data entry and scanning.
Requirements
- Volunteers should be able to commit to a regular weekly shift.
- Some tasks can be monotonous, but are an essential help to the Home.
- Training sessions prior to commencing volunteer work are not required for Admin Volunteers – on the job training is provided.
Work Experience
The Lost Dogs’ Home offers a work experience program to allow Year 10 students the opportunity to learn about animal care, shelter work and responsible pet ownership while working in a shelter environment. Students must book a full work experience week, from 8am until 4pm, Monday to Friday.
This program books up very quickly, so we advise contacting us as soon as possible at the beginning of the year to book in your requested week.
To check if the dates you require are still available, please view our online calendar or contact our Volunteer and Work Experience Coordinator on 03 9321 8786 or workexperience@dogshome.com.
Download the Work Experience FAQ’s
Download the Secondary School Work Experience application form
Corporate Volunteers
The Lost Dogs’ Home provides corporate volunteers with the opportunity to complete voluntary work at the Home.
If you are allocated a corporate volunteer day by your employer, and would like to complete your day at The Lost Dogs’ Home, please contact 03 9321 8786 or volunteering@dogshome.com for more details.
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