Last updated: 8 Oct, 2021
Published on: 22 May, 2019
Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2019!
We 💚 our vollies
Our free online Helpdesk is often a lifeline - being the first line of support for people and pets in crisis. It takes a dedicated team of superheroes including volunteers to make sure that every enquirer receives the advice and assistance they need.
That’s anything from adoption support for potential adopters, to advice on behavioural issues, crisis care or rehoming solutions for pet owners, to technical support for rescue groups and free operational support and assistance with more complex or critical animal rescue cases.
Just to put it all into context, they’ve responded to 15,938 messages the last 12 months!
Nik & Claire are just two of our amazing, dedicated volunteers who respond to these enquiries. We asked them to share a little about their passion for pets and all things volunteering for PetRescue...
Tell us why you chose to volunteer with PetRescue.
Nik: I had previously fostered cats and kittens for a rescue group, but since starting my own cattery I haven’t been able to do so. I saw the advertisement for the PetRescue volunteer position and couldn’t wait to apply - it allows me to join together my two passions – animals and computers! It was also helpful knowing the hours were flexible - I am able to log on to do some volunteer duties whenever I have the chance, as opposed to having set hours which I wouldn’t be able to commit to.
Claire: I had been thinking for some time about volunteering for an animal welfare organisation and knew of PetRescue’s great work after adopting my beautiful cat Mika (who has sadly now passed) from one of their members, Cheltenham Cat Rescue, as part of The Adoptables program. Mika and I were also featured as a 'Happy Tail' so I was a fan! When I saw the PetRescue advertisement I felt like the volunteer role was made for me, all I needed was some time, an internet connection and of course a love for our furry friends.
What is the best thing about volunteering?
Nik: The sense of joining a ‘community’ of like-minded people who share the same passions. Of course, knowing that you might just be making a small difference to the lives of others (furry and human) is a big bonus too!
Claire: Doing something worthwhile with my time. I’ve got a busy job and social life but I’m lucky enough to have a bit of downtime too. It’s nice that I can use some of that time to help animals find their forever home.
Nik with a resident of Villa Kitty Bali in Ubud.
Three words that best describe you?
Nik: Sensitive, caring, perfectionist.
Claire: Friendly, determined and reliable.
What advice would you give someone who wants to start volunteering?
Nik: Go for it - look for opportunities with groups or organisations who are involved in areas you have a keen interest in! It can be overwhelming to begin with as there is much to learn, but when you find that right place to volunteer with, it brings a great sense of satisfaction. You have nothing to lose by giving it a try!
Claire: Find something you’re passionate about and decide what time you can give and then go for it!
What did you feel were some of your biggest achievements or wins as a volunteer?
Nik: The biggest amount of joy I have had was the positive feedback that a profile I had helped write for a cat with special needs helped him find his furrever home - it was the best news ever!
Claire: There’s no specific win or achievement but it’s really satisfying when you can help fellow animal lovers. Whether it be a stray animal they’re trying to help, or they’ve lost a pet. I can now share the same information and links from PetRescue on local Facebook pages when people are in similar situations and reach out to the community to assist.
Claire and her beloved Mika - their love story will melt your heart.