Out of the Woods Rescue (OOTW) is powered by volunteers. As a 100% volunteer-run, foster-based animal rescue, we rely on people generously giving their time and skills to help us rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals across Melbourne.
You don’t need to foster an animal to make a difference. There is a huge amount of work that happens behind the scenes to keep our rescue running, and we offer a range of volunteer opportunities that can be completed remotely or flexibly around work, study and other commitments.
Whether you have experience in animal rescue or you’re simply looking for a meaningful way to contribute, we’d love to hear from you.
Current Opportunities
Foster Carer Check-ins Volunteer
Our foster carers are at the heart of OOTW. Because we don’t operate a shelter, the animals in our care live in foster homes across Melbourne, making regular communication with our carers an important part of ensuring both our animals and our volunteers are well supported.
Our Foster Carer Check-ins Volunteers are allocated a small number of foster carers to contact once per week via Facebook Messenger. They check how their foster animal(s) are going, make sure they have everything they need, and flag any health, welfare or support concerns to the appropriate member of our team.
This role is not expected to provide veterinary advice or solve complex problems. The role is to be a friendly, consistent point of contact and help make sure our carers feel connected and supported.
- Time commitment: Approximately 1–2 hours per week
- Location: Remote and flexible
- Experience required: No previous animal rescue experience necessary.
Apply via SEEK Volunteer here: https://www.volunteer.com.au/volunteering/245388/Volunteer-Foster-Carer-Check-ins-Coordinator
Volunteer Transport Coordinator
Our volunteer transport team helps keep OOTW moving, assisting with the transport of animals to veterinary appointments and foster homes, as well as the movement of supplies and other rescue essentials.
We’re looking for a Volunteer Transport Coordinator to provide the administrative support behind our transport volunteer program.
This primarily involves monitoring volunteer applications, communicating with applicants, onboarding new transport volunteers, collecting volunteer agreements, checking driver licences and other required compliance documentation, and keeping our volunteer records organised and up to date.
This is an administrative role. There is no expectation to personally complete transport runs or coordinate individual journeys.
- Time commitment: Generally less than one hour per week
- Location: Remote and flexible
- Experience required: No previous animal rescue experience necessary, good organisation and attention to detail are important.
Apply via SEEK Volunteer here: https://www.volunteer.com.au/volunteering/245387/Transport-Coordinator
Transport Volunteer
As a 100% foster-based rescue without a shelter facility, our animals are cared for in homes across Melbourne. This means we regularly need help getting animals where they need to go, and our volunteer transport team plays an essential role in making that happen.
We are always looking for reliable volunteers who can assist with occasional transport across Melbourne, including taking animals to and from veterinary appointments, moving animals between foster homes and transporting food, medication or other supplies when needed.
There is no minimum number of trips required. Transport requests are shared with our volunteer transport team on Facebook Messenger as they arise, and you can simply put your hand up for the trips that suit your location and availability. There is no expectation that you will be available for every request.
You’ll need your own reliable vehicle and a current driver’s licence. Our team will provide you with the information you need for each trip.
- Time commitment: Completely flexible – accept transport requests when you’re available
- Location: Various locations across Melbourne
- Requirements: Current driver’s licence, access to a reliable vehicle
Apply for our Volunteer Transport team here: https://form.jotform.com/252262732804858
Why volunteer with OOTW?
Volunteering with OOTW is an opportunity to contribute directly to animal rescue in a way that works with your skills and availability.
Our volunteers help us build a rescue that is organised, responsive and sustainable. Whether you’re supporting a foster carer, processing an application or helping behind the scenes, your contribution ultimately helps us provide better care for the cats who rely on us.
As part of the OOTW volunteer community, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Make a practical difference to cats and kittens in need.
- Be part of a passionate, entirely volunteer-run organisation.
- Contribute from home through our remote volunteer opportunities.
- Volunteer flexibly around your existing commitments.
- Build experience in animal welfare, volunteer coordination and not-for profit operations.
- Work alongside people who share a commitment to improving outcomes for animals.
Can’t see the right opportunity?
Our volunteer needs change throughout the year as the rescue grows. If none of our current opportunities are quite the right fit, keep an eye on this page for new roles as they become available.
Every person who gives their time to OOTW helps us do more for animals in need, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who chooses to be part of it.