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It makes me proud knowing that I’m part of a wonderful organisation that devotes itself to strengthening the human–animal bond
Lort Smith volunteer Marigold and Miller
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Volunteer

We offer a range of rewarding volunteer opportunities. If you have a few spare hours a week, a love of animals and want to support your local community, Lort Smith might be the place for you!

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I’ve been volunteering in the kennels since 2017 – woof! I also did a one-week work experience placement in 2012.

On an average day I’ll arrive to the sound of excited woofing, as the doggies are always keen for a W.A.L.K. We always make sure the dogs’ rooms are clean and refreshed with towels and water before taking them out for their p-awesome outings. At the park, we like to run the dogs around, engage with them and give them treats when they sit obediently before crossing the roads. Often, we give some of the dogs a bath if they need some sparkling up, and other times I like to sit with them in their rooms to give some TLC.

It makes me proud knowing that I’m part of a wonderful organisation that devotes itself to strengthening the human-animal bond, helping pet carers and providing excellent pet care. I love coming in every week to spend time with the dogs and my fellow vollies. Volunteering at a place like Lort Smith is a big emotional investment, and sometimes there are challenges, but knowing that everyone there is committed to do the best they can for the animals makes it an inspiring place to be.

Every week there is something special to take with me when I finish volunteering – it always puts a smile on my face. Last week, for example, there were six gorgeous Maltese terrier puppies (only two weeks old!) that had found their way into the loving hands of our staff members. And then it’s the moments when some of our stubborn pooches begin to improve their behaviour, show a little more patience, or bound around with a spirited spring in their steps – so wonderful and rewarding to see.

At home my family own a Jack Russell named Toby. I remember selecting him as a young girl, and he is now 12 years old but still full of life. I know carers are biased about their pets, but Toby is seriously one of the sweetest, loveliest and most beautiful doggies we know. He needs a partner, though, and we are hoping to get another girl dog to join the family!

I believe it’s the simple things in life that matter most. I love spending time with my family, watching the football (go Richmond!) going out to brunch, or reading a book by the fire during winter. I also adore an active lifestyle, playing tennis, skiing, yoga, hiking and the like.

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in History and Anthropology), and thinking about progressing my studies in anthropology of development or public health.

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  • Lort Smith Animal Hospital
    North Melbourne
  • Emergency Hospital  | Clinic
  • 24 Villiers Street
    North Melbourne VIC 3051
  • 03 9328 3021
  • [email protected]
  • Lort Smith Campbellfield
    Veterinary Clinic
  • Clinic | Adoption Centre | Dog Park
  • 25-35 Berwick Road
    Campbellfield VIC 3061
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    03 9287 6417
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    +61 3 9287 6424
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    +61 403 047 945
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  • ABN 87 004 238 475

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Lort Smith acknowledges the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation as the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Lort Smith values and celebrates diversity in our community. We are committed to providing animal care services that are inclusive and support equality and accessibility.

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Is this an emergency?

If your pet is experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Major injuries
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Severe vomiting
  • Severe diarrhoea
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Unexpected or severe seizures
  • Inability to walk
  • Swollen abdomen

Or they need immediate help, do not book online, call our emergency number now: 03 9328 3021

Click here if you wish to continue with our quick and easy online booking.

If you have trouble finding an available appointment time, please call 03 9328 3021.

Our Privacy Policy explains how we manage your personal information.