volunteering with qld Guinea pig refuge
“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.”
Our volunteers are the backbone of our organisation, and the Refuge would not exist without the time and effort given by those who offer their help. This form must be completed by anyone applying to become a volunteer for Qld Guinea Pig Refuge.
The Refuge has open days on the first and third Saturday of each month; however, our volunteers perform various tasks every weekend. As we don't have an actual shelter, the Refuge hires the Albany Creek Scout Den as the venue for open days. All our guinea pigs live with foster carers and the majority of our shop stock, Pig'n'Mix and hay is located at a volunteer's house close by the Scout Den.
Please note, volunteers must be over the age of 18 due to insurance and Blue Card requirements. Open days are very busy, and other volunteers do not have time to supervise younger children during the day. It is also preferred that volunteers have previous experience with guinea pigs.
Open Day volunteering opportunities
Full Day Volunteers
Ideally, the Refuge requires people to volunteer for the whole day from 8:00am to 4.30pm at the latest, depending on how long pack up takes. If that is not possible, you may be able to share a half day with another volunteer. This time frame covers set up, pack up, Open Day duties and a lunch break. Volunteers are rostered to ensure we always have enough hands on deck to evenly share the workload.
Positions include general support, adoption assistants and piggy parlour volunteers.
Piggy Parlour Assistants
Not available for a full day? This might be a better option for you!
Piggy Parlour Assistants help to bathing piggies in the warmer months, administer worm and mite treatment orally via a syringe, cut nails and trim piggies' hair. We also have another person volunteering at the piggy parlour all day, so you won’t be alone. Training will be given to all new volunteers, beginning with the simple tasks and then progressing.
This position is 9:30am-1:00pm or 9:30am-3:30pm
Food Mixing
The Refuge mixes our own Pig'n'Mix every Open Day behind the scenes. This takes around two hours and is done in the morning of each Open Day.
This volunteer position is a great option for those needing a shorter volunteer role.