Apply through the approved volunteer form
Use the APES volunteer application form to register your interest. APES will review suitability, availability, training needs and role fit before confirming any volunteer placement.
Animal care and cleaning
Support supervised animal areas with cleaning, bedding changes, enclosure resets and routine welfare checks.
Feeding and enrichment
Help prepare feeds, refresh water, set up enrichment and support species-appropriate daily routines.
Housekeeping and laundry
Keep rescue spaces supplied with clean towels, bedding, carriers, bowls and practical day-to-day equipment.
Volunteer roles APES may need
Volunteer needs can change with rescue intake, animal welfare priorities, staff capacity and public demand. These role types are examples of support a rescue may need; APES will match applicants to safe, supervised work where there is a suitable vacancy.
Transport support
Assist with collections, transfers, appointment travel and supply runs where vehicle, insurance and handling requirements are met.
Foster care support
Provide suitable temporary care or holding support only where APES has assessed the home, species needs and safeguarding expectations.
Adoption and home checks
Support rehoming follow-up, adopter preparation and home-check activity after training and under APES procedures.
Reception and enquiries
Help visitors and callers reach the right APES route, with clear signposting and respectful public-facing communication.
Fundraising and events
Support community stalls, campaigns, donation drives, sponsor activity and public awareness events.
Education and outreach
Help with talks, learning resources, responsible ownership messaging and supervised public education activity.
Retail and donation sorting
Sort donated goods, prepare stock, support shop or stall activity and keep fundraising materials organised.
Site maintenance
Help with gardening, basic repairs, safe storage, practical improvements and centre upkeep where skills and supervision fit.
Administration and records
Support data entry, follow-up calls, document organisation and routine admin while protecting sensitive information.
Photography and profiles
Help create animal photos, adoption profiles, campaign materials and social updates in line with APES privacy and welfare standards.
Student placements
Coordinate placement interest through approved APES routes so training, supervision and suitability can be reviewed before any placement.
Specialist support
Offer qualified help with veterinary nursing, behaviour, species care, safeguarding, finance, compliance, IT or other professional skills where appropriate.
Before you apply
Because volunteering can involve public-facing support and animal welfare activity, APES may need to assess suitability, training needs, availability and role fit before confirming a placement.
Role matching
APES should continue to match applicants to practical, supervised roles rather than promise immediate placement. Some roles may be occasional, seasonal, remote, centre-based or limited by animal welfare need.
Checks and onboarding
Depending on the role, APES may need to review age suitability, availability, safeguarding expectations, training needs, DBS-related considerations and induction requirements before confirming a placement.