We have a wonderful group of volunteers and we couldn’t manage without them. However…the more help we have, the more we can do! If you have some time to spare, and would like to do something really worthwhile to help cats and dogs in need, see below for the ways you could help. Please note that, because of the terms of our insurance cover, we are not able to accept volunteers under 18 years of age.
BECOMING A DOG WALKER
One of the most popular and enjoyable voluntary activities is Dog Walking…and our dogs love it! We have a friendly and dedicated band of dog walkers, but we often need more. As well as walking, you can play with the dogs and help socialise them in one of our grass compounds, The Dog House and the training areas.
We provide training and support to help you get started, so if you are interested in joining our team please click below for more information.
BECOMING A CATTERY HELPER
Our cattery volunteers help in a variety of ways…and the cats love the extra attention! Tasks include cleaning and socialisation (also known at The Ark as ‘cat cuddling’!). Spending time with some of our cats can be very satisfying, whether working with cats who already love a fuss, or with those who have lived a life on the road as a stray and are unused to people being friendly. This can really help improve our cats’ chances of finding new homes
From time to time we do recruit additional volunteers to join our team. If this appeals to you, please click below for more information.
FUNDRAISING
Our fund raising team organise all our events and they are always on the lookout for more help!
Please click below for more information.
CAKE BAKING
We always need homemade cakes to serve in our tearoom when we have an Open Day and also to sell on our homemade cake stalls.
Our small band of cake bakers would love you to join their group as our visitors always support our tearoom and love their cup of tea and cake.
PRACTICAL HELP AT THE ARK
We sometimes need help at The Ark with day-to-day tasks such as General Maintenance, Cleaning and other routine jobs. So, if you are good at DIY, you may be able to help us.
We also have 6 acres of grounds with dog walking paths and several grassed dog exercise compounds, as well as six cat gardens, The Dog House garden and lots of flower tubs. If you like Gardening, all of this needs the attentions of green fingered volunteers!
If you think you could help with any of these very practical ‘hands on’ volunteer roles please ring The Ark on 01335 300494.
AWAY DAYS/COMPANY VISITS
Some companies offer their staff the chance to spend a day away from the workplace helping out at a local charity. We have had several company teams helping us in the past and they have carried out tasks such as repairing the pot holes in our drive, painting and staining fences and sheds, grass cutting and gardening.
If you would like to spend a day working at The Ark with your colleagues, please ring us on 01335 300494 to discuss this.
We are proud of The Ark and we think it is a cheerful, friendly place. If you are thinking of joining our volunteers and want to find out more about any of the activities above, you can get in touch by email at ashbourneanimalwelfare@yahoo.co.uk or give us a call on 01335 300494.