Volunteer
Complete the NZCF Volunteer Application Form and join our team of dedicated volunteers making a difference in the lives of rescue cats.
Our sanctuary is based in Huapai, Auckland, and we rely on the support of regular volunteers to help with the day-to-day care of our cats. From feeding and cleaning to providing love and enrichment, volunteers play an important role in helping our cats live happy, healthy, and safe lives while they wait for their forever homes. We are looking for mature, reliable people who have a strong sense of responsibility, work well as part of a team, and genuinely care about animal welfare.
Volunteering at the sanctuary is also a popular way to complete community service or volunteer hours for programmes such as Duke of Edinburgh, St John, Scouts, Guides, church groups, university placements, animal science studies, and more. We are happy to sign off volunteer hours and provide verification where needed.
Duties
Volunteer duties include helping with the daily care and wellbeing of the cats at the sanctuary. Tasks may involve preparing and distributing food and fresh water, washing dishes, cleaning litter trays and sandboxes, sweeping and mopping floors, wiping down surfaces, changing bedding, and helping keep the sanctuary clean and comfortable for the cats. And of course, there are always plenty of opportunities for cat cuddles and giving our residents extra love and attention!
Shift hours
Volunteer hours are flexible, with shifts available seven days a week. Our usual shift times are:
Morning: 8:00am – 10:00am
Afternoon: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Age restrictions
The minimum age to volunteer independently is 14 years old. Volunteers aged 14–16 years must have a parent or guardian attend the induction with them. Children under 14 years old are welcome to volunteer, however a parent or guardian must remain at the sanctuary with them at all times.
Have questions?
If you have any questions about volunteering we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at volunteer@thenzcatfoundation.org.nz and our team will get back to you as soon as possible. Otherwise, simply fill in the Volunteer Application Form and get started helping cats in need.
What Our Volunteers Say
Hear from some of our wonderful volunteers about their experiences at the sanctuary and what they love most about helping care for our rescue cats.
"What I find most rewarding (aside from the love, purrs and cuddles) is when a timid cat gradually learns to trust you and you see them gaining confidence enough to come to you. I'm not in a position at the moment to have my own cats so looking after the cats here is the next best thing."
Tina
"I wanted to volunteer at an animal shelter but it had to be a "no kill" environment. So I started volunteering at NZCF in 2016 and have fallen in love with the cats there. I have also met some wonderful people. The Sanctuary is always looking at ways to improve systems and facilities and their priority is the health and well-being of the cats."
Toni
"Volunteering at the cat sanctuary let's me be the crazy cat lady I am at heart. I get to help a fabulous organisation and get loads of cat cuddles."
Justine
