To apply, please email Zac or Mirella at our main email address with:

• Your resume
• A cover letter that includes:
  • The suburb you live in
  • Your availability
  • An overview of your relevant experience
  • Any relevant certificates or achievements in the animal industry

Please note: Applications without a complete cover letter will not be considered.

Minimum requirements:

• You must be 18 years or older
• You must hold a valid driver’s licence

VCAL (or Similar) Work Placement Only

We no longer offer general high school work experience placements.

We do accept a very limited number of VCAL (or similar) placement students throughout the year. We only take two students per week, so we recommend applying early and making your application stand out.

To apply, please email Mirella or Zac with:

• Your full name, date of birth, address, resume, and cover letter
• Your school and program name (e.g. VCAL or equivalent)
• Your preferred dates (please provide three options)
• The number of hours you’re required to complete
• A short statement about:
  • Why you chose HHPG
  • What you hope to gain from your time with us
  • Your future goals in the animal care industry

If your application is tentatively accepted, we’ll invite you in for a short meet and greet before confirming your placement.

Certificate II or III Work Placement

We offer limited placements for students studying Certificate II or III in Animal Studies or a related course.

To apply, please email Mirella or Zac with:

• Your full name, date of birth, address, resume, and cover letter
• Your course name and education provider
• Your preferred days or dates
• The number of hours you’re required to complete
• A short statement about:
  • Why you chose HHPG
  • What you hope to gain from your time with us
  • Where you see yourself working in the animal industry

If your dates are tentatively accepted, we’ll arrange a short in-person meet and greet before confirming your placement.

Volunteering at HHPG

Volunteering is a fantastic way to gain experience, build confidence, and see if a career in animal care is right for you. We love welcoming reliable, passionate volunteers into the HHPG family.

To apply, please email Mirella or Zac with:

• Your full name, date of birth, address, resume, and cover letter
• Your availability (preferred days and times, which can be finalised later)
• A short statement about:
  • Why you’re interested in volunteering with us
  • What you hope to gain from the experience
  • Your future goals in the animal care world

Once a tentative spot is offered, we’ll invite you to meet us before confirming your position.

How to Stand Out in Animal Care

This is a highly competitive field, but if you’re serious about it, you can absolutely shine. Here are our best tips:

• Be proactive and volunteer at shelters or rescues
• Keep learning through courses, workshops, and information sessions
• Be willing to start at entry level and learn from the ground up
• Ask questions and take the time to observe and listen
• Follow and engage with animal care professionals and groups online
• Show initiative in your applications and conversations
• Get involved in events, adoption days, and community programs
• Submit a complete, professional application

If You’re Offered a Spot With Us

• Be punctual every day
• Dress appropriately and ask what is expected
• Be friendly, respectful, and professional at all times
• Follow all policies, especially around privacy, phones, and safety
• Ask questions and accept feedback openly
• Treat every dog in your care with patience, respect and kindness

What We Look For

We look for people who are:

• Assertive yet gentle
• Compassionate and respectful
• Strong communicators and reliable team players
• Flexible, adaptable and eager to learn
• Professionally presented
• Hold a driver’s licence and can provide a valid police check
• Ready to grow in their role
• Positive, warm and confident with both dogs and humans

Getting to Hairy Hounds Playground

By Train and Bus

• Closest stations: Williamstown North or Altona
• Approximately a 1 hour walk from either station
• Catch Bus 415 from the station for a shorter trip
  Check the latest PTV timetable here

By Car

• On-street parking is available
• Please park on Tennyson Street only
• Do not park on Bentley Street, as it is used by local businesses for short-term parking

All applications and enquiries to Zac or Mirella

We look forward to hearing from you.