What Is Animal Volunteering at Birdsville / Petsville?

At Birdsville / Petsville, our volunteers are a vital part of our team. As a unique business combining retail, animal boarding and small animal rehoming, we offer a hands-on environment where you can gain real experience across multiple areas of the animal industry.

This is not just observation, it’s active participation in the day-to-day care of animals and the running of a specialised retail store. Our workplace can be fast-paced, physical and sometimes messy, but it is also incredibly rewarding for those who are passionate about animals and willing to learn.

Volunteering with us is ideal for individuals looking to explore a future in animal care, retail or related industries while building practical, real-world skills.

Volunteers may assist across several areas of the business, including:

Aquarium Care

• Cleaning aquarium glass and maintaining presentation
• Gravel cleaning and tank maintenance
• Refilling and monitoring water levels

Birds, Small Animals & Invertebrates

• Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
• Assisting with feeding and daily care routines
• Providing enrichment to support animal wellbeing
• Ensuring enclosures are clean, safe and presentable

Reptile Care

• Cleaning and maintaining reptile enclosures
• Assisting with feeding and monitoring turtles, lizards and snakes
• Helping maintain correct temperature and enclosure conditions
• Supporting safe, supervised reptile handling

Retail Support

• General store cleaning and organisation
• Assisting with stock presentation
• Supporting the team with day-to-day store tasks

Knowledge & Skills Required

To be successful in this role, volunteers should:

• Be reliable, punctual and committed
• Be able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Have a positive, hands-on attitude
• Be willing to learn and take direction
• Show genuine care and respect for animal welfare

Is This Right for You?

Before applying, it’s important to understand the expectations of working in the animal industry.

Requirements

• Minimum age: 16 years and over
• Physical ability: Must be able to lift up to 20kg
• Time commitment: Consistent weekly availability over an agreed period, Monday to Friday only (we’re not able to offer weekend volunteering)
• Transport: Reliable transport to and from the store

H3: Important Considerations

• Allergies: Due to exposure to seeds, dust, fur, feathers and animal waste, this environment may not be suitable for individuals with allergies
• Working conditions: Tasks can include cleaning animal waste, lifting heavy items and performing repetitive duties
• Responsibility: Animal welfare is our top priority. You must be able to follow instructions carefully and complete tasks correctly and consistently

If a volunteer is unable to follow directions or meet required standards, the placement may be ended. This reflects the level of responsibility required when working with live animals.

Please wear enclosed, closed-toe shoes at all times, for safety around our animals and enclosures. High heels, shorts and tracksuit pants aren’t suitable for the work involved. Smart casual clothing works best, and keep in mind your clothes may get a little dirty, since volunteering involves animal husbandry, cleaning enclosures, and general retail tasks like merchandising and store cleaning.

What You’ll Gain

Volunteering at Birdsville / Petsville provides:

• Hands-on experience working with a wide variety of animals
• Exposure to the retail and customer service environment
• Practical skills in animal husbandry and daily care
• Insight into the animal and pet industry
• A better understanding of whether this career path is right for you
• Experience in a supportive, team-focused workplace

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Work alongside experienced animal care and retail professionals
• Receive training and ongoing support throughout your placement
• Be part of a friendly, passionate and hardworking team
• Contribute to the care and rehoming of birds and small animals
• Gain real industry experience before entering the workforce

If you are dedicated, motivated and not afraid to roll up your sleeves and get involved, this is a valuable opportunity to start your journey in the animal industry.

Pathways & Programs

We offer a range of structured and flexible volunteer and placement opportunities, including:

• School Work Experience Programs
• TAFE Animal Studies Placements
• Youth Volunteer Programs
• Disability Services & Return-to-Work Programs

All placements involve direct interaction with animals and real workplace responsibilities.

If you’re a high school student, our School Work Experience page has the details specific to that program. Looking for paid work instead? Visit our Careers page.

How Do I Apply to Volunteer at Birdsville / Petsville?

To apply, please visit us in-store to express your interest, or get in touch by phone on (02) 9669 1766 or email at info@birdsville.net.au.

Successful applicants will be required to complete and sign a volunteer agreement and waiver before commencing.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get a feel for the team and day-to-day life at Birdsville / Petsville.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age to volunteer with animals at Birdsville / Petsville?

You need to be at least 16 years old to volunteer with us. Alongside the age requirement, volunteers should be able to lift up to 20kg, commit to consistent weekly availability, and have reliable transport to and from our Alexandria store.

Do I need experience to volunteer at Birdsville / Petsville?

No previous experience is required, just a genuine passion for animals and a willingness to learn and take direction. We provide training and ongoing support throughout your placement, so volunteers of all experience levels are genuinely welcome to apply.

What will I actually do as an animal volunteer?

Volunteers get hands-on with real tasks across the business, from cleaning enclosures and feeding birds, reptiles and small animals, to aquarium maintenance and general retail support. It’s genuine, active participation in daily operations, not just observation from the sidelines.

How do I apply to volunteer at Birdsville / Petsville?

Simply visit us in-store to express your interest in volunteering, or get in touch by phone or email. If successful, you’ll be asked to complete and sign a volunteer agreement and waiver before starting, and we’ll work with you to arrange a placement that suits your weekly availability.

Is volunteering at Birdsville / Petsville paid?

No, this is an unpaid volunteer opportunity, designed to give you genuine hands-on experience and real insight into the animal industry. It’s a great way to build practical skills and decide whether this career path is truly right for you.

At Birdsville / Petsville, volunteering is more than just experience, it’s an opportunity to learn, grow and become part of a team that genuinely cares about animals and the people who love them.