Behind every happy animal adoption story is a team of dedicated volunteers and foster carers making that possible.
This National Volunteer Week, Animal Welfare League Queensland’s Ipswich Rehoming Centre is encouraging compassionate locals to consider joining its volunteer and foster care community to help animals in need.
Its volunteers and foster carers play a vital role in every part of shelter life, generously giving their time, energy and care to help thousands of animals each year. From supporting daily shelter operations to spending time with animals who simply need comfort and companionship, every contribution helps create brighter futures for pets waiting for their second chance.
Volunteering with AWLQ is a meaningful and hands-on experience. Volunteers assist in active shelter environments and become part of a supportive and passionate community united by a love of animals. Whether it’s helping care for the animals, assisting visitors, supporting events or lending a hand behind the scenes, volunteers help make positive outcomes possible for animals in our care.
The search is on for reliable, hardworking and compassionate people who can commit to a regular four-hour shift each week for at least three months. Volunteers must be over 18 years of age and complete training and induction before commencing in their role.
For those unable to volunteer onsite, fostering is another incredibly rewarding way to help. Foster carers temporarily welcome animals into their homes, providing love, care and stability while they recover, grow or prepare for adoption.
Animals may require foster care for many reasons. Some are recovering from illness, surgery or injury and need a calm environment to heal. Others are young and need extra time before they are ready for adoption. Some animals simply benefit from extra socialisation.
Watching a frightened or vulnerable animal transform into a happy, healthy companion ready for their forever home is one of the most rewarding experiences imaginable.
To become a foster carer, applicants need suitable accommodation and transport, the ability to attend scheduled veterinary appointments, and any existing pets in the home must be up to date with vaccinations and parasite prevention.
If you have a love for animals and want to make a real difference in your local community, 2026 could be your year to volunteer. For more information or to register, visit awlqld.com.au/volunteering.
