Supporting the people who care for companion animals.

20 sessions × 1 hour (Online)

A structured, confidential mentoring program designed specifically for people working with companion animals.

This program supports:

• Shelter and rescue staff

• Volunteer coordinators

• Foster carers

• Animal behaviour and welfare workers

• Animal management officers

• Emerging and experienced leaders

What the mentoring covers:

• Managing compassion fatigue and burnout

• Ethical decision-making and moral injury

• Conflict resolution and team communication

• Boundaries and role clarity

• Leadership development

• Navigating complex cases

• Career progression in the animal welfare sector

• Reflective practice and professional growth

Each participant receives 20 individual one-hour online sessions delivered over an agreed timeframe. Sessions are practical, reflective and solution-focused.

Outcome: Greater resilience, improved leadership capacity, clearer professional direction, and stronger emotional sustainability in animal welfare roles.

10 sessions × 2 hour (Online Group Program)

Our wellbeing series is designed specifically for people who work with animals and experience high emotional load.

These structured, facilitated online sessions may include:

• Guided meditation and nervous system regulation

• Art therapy and reflective creative practice

• Stress reduction techniques

• Grounding skills for high-intensity environments

• Managing grief and loss in animal welfare

• Building sustainable self-care practices

• Peer connection and shared reflection

Classes are delivered live online in small groups to encourage psychological safety and community connection.

Outcome: Improved emotional regulation, reduced stress, stronger peer support and enhanced workplace wellbeing.

Support the people who support companion animals.

CAFA volunteers play an important role in strengthening wellbeing across Australia’s animal welfare sector. Our volunteers help facilitate programs, support participants, and contribute to safe, respectful and supportive learning environments.

We welcome volunteers with lived or professional experience in animal welfare, community services, wellbeing, education, or peer support — as well as those who are passionate about improving outcomes for people working with companion animals.

Volunteer Requirements

To ensure consistency and quality across our programs, CAFA volunteers are asked to commit to the following:

Time Commitment

• Agree to contribute a minimum of 20 volunteer hours

• Provide approximately 2 hours per week over a 10-week period

• Attend scheduled sessions reliably and communicate availability in advance

Training & Preparation

• Attend a mandatory 3-hour volunteer induction workshop prior to commencing

• Participate in program briefings and preparation activities as required

• Become familiar with CAFA values, wellbeing principles, and participant safety guidelines

Role Expectations

• Support a respectful, inclusive and psychologically safe environment

• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality

• Assist facilitators during mentoring or wellbeing sessions where required

• Provide peer encouragement and practical support to participants

• Follow CAFA policies relating to safeguarding, privacy and ethical conduct

Professional Conduct

• Demonstrate respectful communication at all times

• Work within the scope of the volunteer role (not providing counselling or clinical advice)

• Raise concerns promptly with CAFA coordinators

What Volunteers Receive

• Structured training and ongoing guidance

• Experience supporting national animal welfare initiatives

• Opportunities to build leadership and facilitation skills

• Recognition of volunteer contribution (certificate or reference upon completion)

• Connection with a supportive community committed to sustainable animal welfare

Who Should Apply?

We encourage applications from:

• Animal shelter and rescue volunteers or staff

• Foster carers and coordinators

• Veterinary and animal welfare professionals

• Students and emerging professionals

• People with lived experience in the companion animal sector

Interested in volunteering? Contact CAFA to register your interest and learn about upcoming induction dates. Together, we can support the wellbeing of Australia’s animal welfare community.