Become an animal rescue volunteer
At the RSPCA, we believe in a world where animals are treated with compassion and respect. Making that vision a reality takes dedication, teamwork – and the support of our incredible animal rescue volunteers (ARVs). On this page you’ll discover the role and impact of ARVs, and learn how to register your interest.
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What is an animal rescue volunteer?
Animal rescue volunteers are a vital part of the RSPCA’s frontline team, providing practical, hands-on support to animals when they need it most. Whether rescuing and transporting an injured animal, helping a vulnerable pet reach veterinary care, or supporting an animal on its journey to safety, ARVs help make sure animals receive the right care at the right time.
The role can make a real and immediate difference to an animal’s welfare. By stepping in to help animals in need, ARVs not only give them the best possible chance of recovery and rehabilitation, but also free up frontline officers to focus their specialist skills on the most serious cases of cruelty and neglect.
Every rescue, every journey and every act of support contributes to our work to protect animals and improve their lives.
The impact of the ARV role is clear: without these volunteers giving their time and expertise, many animals would have to wait longer for help. Their contribution is not only supporting our frontline teams, it’s directly improving outcomes for animals in need and helping us build a stronger, more connected movement for animal welfare.
What to expect as an animal rescue volunteer
From your day-to-day activities to the often lifelong impact you’ll have on animals, here’s everything you need to know about being an ARV.
What does an ARV do?
As an animal rescue volunteer, you’ll play a hands-on role in helping animals when they need us most. No two shifts are the same; you could find yourself rescuing a sick or injured fox, bird or other wild animal, transporting a neglected pet to the vet, or supporting one of our frontline officers with their work.
It’s a practical role. You’ll be out and about, responding to tasks and helping animals get to safety and receive the care they need. And while every day will be different, you’ll always have the opportunity to make a direct and immediate difference to an animal’s life. Want to know what it’s really like? Hear from one of our current ARVs in this short video.
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What do I need to become an ARV?
You don’t need any previous experience – just a passion for animal welfare and a willingness to get stuck in. We’ll provide the training you need to carry out the role safely and confidently.
Because animal rescue volunteering is a hands-on, varied role, there are a few practical requirements:
- 1 A minimum commitment of 16 hours a month: You can make this work around your life, whether that’s volunteering for full days, half days or spreading your hours across the month.
- 2 Your own hatchback-sized vehicle: This is essential for transporting animals safely and for getting to the locations where your help is needed.
- 3 A smartphone: You’ll use this to receive and manage your tasks while you’re volunteering.
- 4 Training before you start: You’ll complete some online training followed by a weekend of in-person training. Training dates will be shared when we’re recruiting.
The difference you’ll make
As an ARV, you’ll see the difference your time can make first-hand. Whether you’re getting a vulnerable animal out of a dangerous situation, taking an injured animal to receive treatment, or helping an animal begin its journey towards recovery, your actions can have an immediate impact on their welfare.
Your support also makes a difference beyond the animals you directly help. By taking on essential rescue and transport tasks, you’ll give our frontline officers more time to focus on the most serious cases of cruelty and neglect – cases where their specialist skills and expertise are needed most.
Looking after you
Animal rescue can be incredibly rewarding – but it can also be challenging. At times, the role may involve seeing animals who are suffering or have experienced cruelty and neglect. Sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, there will also be occasions when an animal can’t be rehabilitated.
We understand that these experiences can be difficult, and your wellbeing is important to us. That’s why we provide a comprehensive wellbeing support package to help our volunteers through challenging situations.
Being an ARV isn’t for everyone – but if you’re passionate about animal welfare, enjoy a practical role and want to make a tangible difference, it could be an incredibly rewarding way to support the RSPCA and the animals who need us most.
Learn more
Ask an animal rescue volunteer
After a 48-year career as an NHS nurse, Graham wanted to continue helping others in retirement. His passion for animal welfare led him to become an RSPCA animal rescue volunteer, where he now supports animals in need across his local community.
As one of the first volunteers to complete advanced rescue training, Graham has developed the skills to respond to a wide range of incidents, from rescuing animals trapped in difficult locations to supporting welfare investigations. He also responds to suitable rescue calls when local Inspectorate teams are under the greatest pressure, helping more animals receive timely assistance while allowing Inspectors to focus on the most urgent welfare concerns.
One rescue Graham will never forget involved freeing a badger cub tangled in football netting. Thanks to his training and specialist equipment, the cub was safely rescued and taken for rehabilitation. Not every rescue has a happy ending, but Graham says every call matters.
"Every rescue is different. You never know what you'll be called to, but knowing you've helped an animal when it needed it most makes every call worthwhile."
Animal rescue volunteers like Graham play a vital role in frontline animal rescue, helping animals get the care they need when it matters most. If you're looking for a rewarding way to use your time and skills, volunteering could be the perfect opportunity.
Figures from the 2025 Activity Outcome Report.
How to become an ARV
Ready to make a real difference to animals in need? We recruit new animal rescue volunteers each spring and autumn. Register your interest today to hear about upcoming opportunities and take the first step towards joining our team.
In the meantime, please take a look at our current RSPCA animal welfare volunteer roles and opportunities to see how you can get involved.
