Volunteering FAQs

Q. Can I claim volunteer expenses?
A. Regretfully The Mayhew Animal Home does not provide expenses for volunteers at present.

Q. How much time do I have to commit?
A. This is very much determined by the vacancy you are interested in. Hands-on volunteering with animals requires commitment to a weekly rota, with each session lasting at least 3 hours. An events volunteer may only give 3 hours per month, depending on availability and where the events are taking place. The job description for each vacancy includes the commitment required.

Q. I work a shift pattern and want to be a kennel volunteer; can I volunteer at different times each week?
A. Unfortunately not. We are currently looking for volunteers who can work to a rota and this will require each volunteer working the same time each week.

Q. Do I need experience to volunteer?
A. Experience is advantageous, but not essential as basic training will be given.

Q. Will I be able to work hands-on with all the animals?
A. This is unlikely. We are currently taking on volunteers who will dedicate themselves to one section either dogs, cats or rabbits. However, you can apply for all sections, and if successful with more than one application you will be asked to choose which section you would prefer.

Q. Why does The Mayhew need volunteers?
A.The Mayhew employs a minimum level of staff to keep outgoing costs down, so we need volunteers to support our staff. Any money saved goes towards running The Mayhew Animal Home’

Q. Will I need to provide references?
A. Yes, we require one professional reference. The Mayhew is dependent on the generosity of the public and so we have a responsibility to protect the money and goods donated to The Mayhew and the safety of staff, students, other volunteers and the animals in our care.

Q. When can I start?
A. If your application is successful you will be invited to an informal interview in September 2008. If we decide to take you on after interview we will offer the relevant training session during September and October 2008, after which you will start immediately.

Q. What if I’m taken on as a volunteer but decide I don’t like it?
A. For most roles volunteers start on a month’s trial to make sure both they and The Mayhew Animal Home are happy with the arrangement. At the end of the month the volunteer will have an informal review with the Volunteer Co-ordinator to discuss how the first month has gone, and to address any issues that have arisen. At this stage the volunteer may decide volunteering is not for them, or indeed The Mayhew may feel the volunteer doesn’t suit the role.

Q. Does The Mayhew Animal Home offer short-term work experience placements?
A. Yes, The Mayhew Animal Home does offer limited work-experience placements which are typically full-time placements for one or two weeks. This is co-ordinated by one of our Supervisors.

Q. I’m under 16 years old, can I volunteer?
A. We are unable to take volunteers younger than 16 years old due to insurance and liability cover. The only alternative at The Mayhew for younger people are work-experience placements.

Q. What is the difference between volunteering and doing the NVQ in Animal Care?
A. Volunteering is an unpaid, open ended position which does not have a qualification at the end. The NVQ is a part-time qualification (3 days a week) that usually takes eighteen months to complete. The cost of the qualification (approximately £850) is covered by The Mayhew Animal Home, but the student does not receive payment for their work. For further information about the NVQ in Animal Care, click here.

Q. How do I apply?
A. Take a look at the role you're interested in and visit the bottom of the page for an application form.