BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Volunteers are the heart of RSPCA West Dorset. Whether you’re helping care for rescued animals at Taylors Animal Centre, assisting in our charity shops, or supporting us as a branch trustee, your time and talent directly transform lives. Explore our volunteer and trustee opportunities below and find out how you can make a real difference to local animals in need.
Do you have a little spare time to make a big difference?
Our branch is always grateful for extra hands and friendly faces to help support our vital work in the local community. Whether you can give a few hours now and then or would like to get more involved, there are lots of ways you can help.
We’re looking for volunteers to support Taylors Rehoming Centre, caring for and helping to rehome cats, rabbits and small animals, as well as people interested in volunteering in our charity shops or helping with branch fundraising and events.
From animal care and customer service to event support and behind-the-scenes help, every role plays an important part in improving animal welfare locally. No matter your skills or availability, your time really does make a difference.
If you’d like to be part of a friendly, passionate team and help animals in need, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch using our form below to find out more about our current volunteering opportunities.
Opportunities
Volunteering with our Charity Shops
Our charity shops across West Dorset are the lifeblood of the branch, every sale helps fund the care of animals at Taylors Rehoming Centre and supports our work right across the local community. Volunteering in one of our shops is a brilliant way to meet new people, learn new skills, and know that your time is directly funding animal welfare on our doorstep.
We're looking for friendly faces to help with:
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Serving customers on the till and offering great customer service
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Sorting, steaming and pricing stock donations
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Creating eye-catching window and in-store displays
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Sorting and listing donated books, bric-a-brac and collectables
No experience is necessary — full training is given, and shifts are flexible to fit around work, family and other commitments. Whether you can spare a couple of hours a week or a full day, there's a role to suit you.
Volunteering at Taylors Rehoming Centre
If you'd love to spend your time around animals, our Taylors Rehoming Centre in Dorchester is always looking for dedicated volunteers to support our small but mighty team. You'll be working alongside our Centre Managers and animal care staff, helping to give our cats, rabbits and small animals the best possible experience while they wait for their forever homes.
Centre volunteering roles include:
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Cattery and small animal care — feeding, cleaning and enriching daily routines
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Socialising and handling animals to help them stay happy and settled
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Laundry, grounds maintenance and general centre upkeep
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Helping to welcome visitors and prospective adopters to the centre
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Supporting our reception and administrative tasks
Animal care volunteering does involve some physical activity and a commitment to regular shifts, as our residents rely on consistency and routine. Full training, guidance and PPE are provided, and you'll be supported by our experienced centre team throughout.
Trustees Volunteering
Behind every part of our branch's work is a dedicated board of trustees who volunteer their time, skills and experience to guide our strategy, ensure good governance, and make sure we're using our resources to have the greatest possible impact for animals in West Dorset.
We're always keen to hear from people who share our passion for animal welfare and would like to bring their professional skills to our board — whether that's in finance, HR, retail, marketing, fundraising, property management, or charity governance. As a trustee, you'll play a vital role in shaping the branch's future, supporting our staff and volunteers, and helping us remain a sustainable, well-run charity for years to come.
Trustee roles are unpaid but reasonable expenses are covered, and no previous trustee experience is required — just enthusiasm, sound judgement, and a willingness to commit a few hours a month to attending meetings and supporting branch decisions.
If you're interested in finding out more about joining our board, we'd love to hear from you — please get in touch via our contact page for an informal chat about current or upcoming vacancies or check our news & events page for any open trustee & job opportunities.
