Volunteer With Us
Do you want to lend a helping heart to Happy Paws Happy Hearts?
If you love animals and have a passion for helping people, volunteering
with Happy Paws Happy Hearts is a great way to make a ‘paw-sitive’ impact.
Across the country, our helpful hearts come from all walks of life — students completing placements, both local and international students, young adults looking for purposeful work, retirees giving back, veterans and anyone with a generous heart and time to spare. No matter your story or stage of life*, volunteering with HPHH is a chance to connect, give back, and be part of something truly meaningful for both people and animals.
*You do need to be independent and be able to complete your volunteering duties without the assistance of a support worker or assistance animal to meet the requirements of our volunteering roles.
“What I have loved the most is seeing the positive effects it [HPHH programs] has on the participants and shelter animals”
Meet our helping HPHH hearts
Join our Helping Hearts Volunteering team
As a Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside people from all walks of life — including those living with disability, neurodivergence, mental health challenges, and veterans rebuilding confidence after service. You’ll play an important role in supporting their journey of growth, helping them build confidence, connection, and purpose. Along the way, you’ll also work hands-on with rescue animals, learn about animal welfare, and develop valuable animal-handling skills.
HPHH volunteers must:
Be at least 16 years of age or older
Complete screening checks that allow you to work with children and people with disabilities
Be friendly, and positive and enjoy meeting new people
Be confident working with domestic animals and willing to learn more about how to work with animals in a shelter situation
Be independent and able to complete volunteering duties without assistance of a support worker or assistance animal.
How you can lend a helping heart
In-session Support Volunteer
Help trainers facilitate meaningful sessions and support participants’ learning and engagement by creating a comfortable, relaxed and happy environment.
This role requires independent mobility as the volunteer will be walking, sitting, and bending down, as well as carrying or handling animals and equipment.
Event Attendance & Administration Volunteer
Help set up and deliver impactful events while promoting Happy Paws Happy Hearts. These roles may involve event coordination and capturing content (photo & video).
Project-specific Volunteer
Roles are designed around specific organisational needs and require expertise and experience (e.g. marketing and communications, business development, research and analysis).
Student Placements
Roles are based on university placements for students who need practical hours (up to 500 hours) to complete their degree and are interested in working with people from varied backgrounds and abilities.
Areas of study should be aligned with HPHH’s and participant needs (e.g. psychology, social work, health, sociology & veterinary science).
Application Process
Before becoming a part of our volunteer team, you will have the opportunity to meet (virtually) with a member of our Volunteering Team. This is your chance to learn more about the work we do, the volunteer roles available, and the next steps. After you’ve submitted your details through the Volunteer Application Form, we will get in touch to arrange a time to meet with you.
If you’d like to register your interest in volunteering with us, please submit your details via the form below.
Meet some of our helping hearts
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Barbara - Darwin, NT
A registered Mental Health Nurse, Barbara has worked across Alice Springs and Darwin and is currently working in alcohol and drug rehabilitation services.
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Adam from America - Wacol, Qld
From Boston to Brisbane: Adam’s short & sweet time volunteering on student exchange with HPHH
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Kousha, student volunteer - Wacol, Qld
Kousha first joined Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) on a student internship for his Bachelor of Counselling.
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![Happy Paws Happy Hearts Dakabin Volunteer - Kerryn]()
Kerryn – Dakabin, Queensland
With an aspiration of gaining experience working with vulnerable people and handling animals, Kerryn joined HPHH as a volunteer.
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![Happy Paws Happy Hearts Wacol volunteer Jenny]()
Jenny – Wacol, Queensland
Jenny started in our Handle Program, having had previous experience volunteering with the RSPCA and as a foster carer for animals.
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![Happy Paws Happy Hearts Dakabin volunteer Lee]()
Lee – Dakabin, Queensland
Lee became a volunteer with HPHH over two years ago as a part of his rehabilitation following a health scare that left him unable to return to work.
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![Happy Paws Happy Hearts Dakabin volunteer Nicola]()
Nicola – Dakabin, Queensland
Nicola has volunteered with HPHH since opening our doors at RSPCA Dakabin and has enjoyed every moment.
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![Happy Paws Happy Hearts Wacol volunteer Alex]()
Alex – Wacol, Queensland
Alex started volunteering in March 2023. With plans to study in the animal field, this arrangement perfectly matches his goals and interests.
