Volunteer at Cats Protection Essex Cat Centre
Without volunteers, Essex Cat Centre simply wouldn't exist. Our amazing, friendly volunteers are a diverse group with a shared love of cats who fit volunteering around their home lives and personal commitments.
We're often looking to welcome new volunteers to join our brilliant team. As well as meeting great people and making an incredible difference to the cats of Essex, you'll enjoy practical benefits such as discounted pet insurance. You can find out more about volunteering for Cats Protection here.
There is a selection process to allow us both a chance to learn more about each other and ensure we have selected the right role for you. The process is as follows:
- Application form
- Character references
- Interview call/chat (includes role discussion)
- Online learning
- Face to face induction (these will be on weekdays only)
Applications will open on Friday 27th February 2026. We ask that volunteers joining us at this time attend an in-person induction at Essex Cat Centre in April or May 2026 (sessions will be during the day on weekdays).
If you are keen to know more about the current opportunities, please contact volunteering@chelmsford.cats.org.uk.
Veterinary EMS Placements
We do host veterinary students for the required 2-week EMS placement for university studies. If you are interested in applying for this experience, please email volunteering@chelmsford.cats.org.uk. We often receive a lot of enquiries for the summer holidays, so please get in touch to start the application process early to reserve your space.
Writtle College / ARU Student Placements - applications closed
We do host Writtle College students for their work experience placements.
Applications for the 2025-26 academic year have now closed.
Applications for the 2026/27 academic year will open in August 2026.
Duke of Edinburgh - fully booked for 2026
Thank you for your interest in completing your Duke of Edinburgh volunteering placement with us to support our cats. We are now fully booked for the placements in 2026.
Cat Care Experience for Young Volunteers - 2026 bookings not open yet
The Cat Care Experience is for young volunteers age 10-18yrs inclusive. It runs during the summer holidays. It is an opportunity for young people in the local community to visit our centre for an afternoon to receive a tour of the centre, assist with a few cat care activities to support the cats in care, and also to meet a couple of cats.
This opportunity is available as a one-off experience for each young volunteer, running from 12noon to 4pm. There is a limit on the number of attendees per session, to ensure that each individual has a beneficial and meaningful experience, with direct interaction with the staff and cats.
