Volunteering with us

PLEASE NOTE *We are not currently onboarding volunteers, but please feel free to download and complete an application form below and send it back to us, we will contact you as soon as the next intake starts.*

Becoming a volunteer at Richmond Exotics means becoming a valued part of our small, passionate team — the people who make it possible for us to rescue, rehabilitate, and educate every single day. Our volunteers are at the heart of the charity. You help us continue our mission, support the animals we care so deeply about, and keep the rescue running smoothly for the community that depends on us.

Volunteering with us isn’t just about cuddling animals (though you’ll definitely meet some characters). The reality is a lot more cleaning, scrubbing, spraying, refreshing water bowls, and dealing with the glamorous world of reptile poop. But if you love animals, love learning, and love being part of something meaningful, you’ll fit right in.

We have three key volunteer roles:

🐢 Morning Animal Care & Prep Assistants (8am–11am daily)

These volunteers help us get the rescue ready for the day. You’ll be:

Feeding and spraying animals and enclosures
Cleaning and refreshing water bowls
Carrying out morning welfare checks
Helping prepare the rescue for opening

This role is perfect for early birds, people who love hands‑on animal care, and anyone who doesn’t mind getting a bit mucky before most people have had their first coffee.

💛 Rescue Reception Volunteers

Our reception team is the face of the charity. You’ll be:

Welcoming visitors
Helping with enquiries
Encouraging donations
Creating a warm, friendly first impression

If you enjoy chatting with people, supporting families, and representing the rescue with confidence and kindness, this is the role for you.

🦎 Rescue Room Assistants

These volunteers work directly with the public during opening hours. You’ll be:

Supporting visitors as they explore the rescue
Assisting with adoption and surrender appointments
Helping maintain high standards of animal welfare throughout the day

This role suits people who enjoy a mix of public interaction and animal care, and who can stay calm, friendly, and helpful even on busy days.

How to Apply

Download and fill out the application form below. You can email it to us a richmondexotics23@gmail.com, or print it off and bring it along to us!
This round of applications closes on 20th April.

We’re expecting extremely high volumes of interest, so unfortunately we won’t be able to call everyone back.
If you are successful, we will contact you to arrange a chat and an informal visit.

If you aren’t selected this time, please don’t be discouraged — we’ll be holding further rounds of applications throughout the year as the rescue grows.

Age Requirements

Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times while volunteering.
There is no upper age limit — if you’re able to safely carry out the role, you’re welcome.

If you want to make a real difference, learn new skills, support animal welfare, and become part of a warm, dedicated community, we’d love to hear from you.

Richmond Exotics is built on people like you — people who care, who show up, and who help us give every animal the chance they deserve.

View and Download the Application Form here:

Application Form