Volunteering with animals is one of the most popular categories of search on the do-it.org.uk website. But how much do you really know about animal charities and the ways in which you can give time to help them?

Which role?

Many charities say that their biggest challenge is getting enough people for roles that don't involve working directly with the animals. Fundraising and admin might not have the immediate appeal of dog walking, but they are just as important.

"These roles are vital for animal charities," says Karen Shaw of the RSPCA , "and they also provide volunteers with a great chance to use, or learn, skills."

Janet Compton, Head of Volunteering at PDSA , says that the key is matching the person to the opportunity. "By ensuring that we provide roles that people enjoy," she says, "and managing their time in a professional way, we have managed to double our volunteer numbers in the last seven years."

Behind the scenes

To help you decide what suits you best, we've put together three articles that go behind the scenes of volunteering with animal charities. What do volunteers do, and why do they do it?

Karin Modig speaks to people volunteering in animal sanctuaries (did you know there is a monkey sanctuary in Cornwall?)

Hannah Jolliffe looks at roles that involve working directly with animals, and finds that volunteers need real passion and commitment.

And Mo Kanneh finds that it's not just people who help animals. Animals, helped by volunteers at organisations like Pets As Therapy, can return the favour.

There are thousands of volunteering opportunities with animal charities on the do-it.org.uk database - search for opportunities in your local area.

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