RSPCA calls for 'Cat Cuddlers' and 'Rabbit Socialisers' following launch of rehoming centre in Manchester

‘It’s so valuable for the animals to have human contact’

Cat and rabbit (iStock)

If you long to quit your job and spend your days snuggling cats and rabbits, prepare to be covered in fur.

The RSPCA is currently looking for people to volunteer at its new animal rehoming centre at RSPCA Manchester and Salford.

The centre, which opened its doors on 15 July, has been on the lookout for animal lovers to spend time with their latest influx of furry animals since mid-June.

Two weeks after opening the centre, the charity has already taken in 31 cats and kittens, 49 rabbits, five mice and one hamster.

The organisation is currently advertising for 14 volunteering slots which will see successful applicants carry out a range of duties, from cleaning and feeding the animals to meeting potential adopters.

Susie Hughes, branch manager of RSPCA Salford tells The Independent that the roles of cat cuddler and rabbit socialisers are “hugely popular”.

Hughes continued: “We’ve been massively oversubscribed for the roles that we’re now fully booked for the time being. It’s so valuable for the animals to have human contact so that they can used to being in close proximity to humans and learn how to behave.”

Here are the roles currently on offer at RSPCA Manchester and Salford:

Volunteer Rabbit/Small Animal Care Assistant

The role involves volunteers preparing and providing food, medication, and water for all of the animals in the centre.

They must also clean the animal accommodation and observe the health and behaviour of the animals.

Volunteer Rabbit Socialiser

In addition to spending time with the rabbits and keeping tabs on their interactions with other humans and animals, volunteers will be required to help with the organisation’s feeding regime.

“You may work alongside other volunteers and you will be under the direction of the rehoming staff,” reads the job advert.

Volunteer Cat Cuddlers/Socialisers

Volunteers will be expected to “enhance the experience of cats whilst they temporarily reside at the adoption centre”, the job description reads.

“This will include spending at least 20 minutes with each cat positively interacting with them and recording observations of their behaviours,” it adds.

Volunteer Weekend Reception Staff

As per the job advert, successful applications will be expected to welcome visitors to the centre, respond to enquiries via phone and email, prepare adoption paperwork, and archive animal records.

Volunteer Cat/Dog Home Visitors

The advert’s description explains volunteers are to visit potential adopters in their homes would like to adopt from the organisation. They must also gather and impart advice on best practice for animal care.

As per the organisation’s Facebook announcement for the roles, those wishing to apply for the positions but fill in an application form available online here.

Full training will be provided for the roles. For more information about the positions, email rspcamcr_salford@btconnect.com.