It is a job that involves much more than just “pats and cuddles”.  

But for the staff and volunteers at Launceston’s RSPCA Animal Care Centre, they’re not in it for the perks. 

For the past seven years, Janet Brown of Evandale has been lending a helping hand to some of the centre’s lesser known animals including rabbits and guinea pigs. 

In a role she described as “tough, but rewarding”, Ms Brown said it was the little moments that made it all worthwhile. 

“The thought of working with animals was what first appealed to me, but it wasn’t something I had ever done before,” she said. 

“I started working with cats, but really what I do now is take care of the bunnies and the guinea pigs.

“I don’t think it is the job people often think it is. 

“There is definitely a lot of poo to contend with, for instance. 

“A lot of people think it is just pats and cuddles, but they don’t realise how much work is involved. 

“But if I get the pleasure of seeing them get adopted out to a home, it is all worthwhile.”

Ms Brown is one of about 15 regular volunteers at the Launceston Animal Care Centre. 

With jobs ranging from walking dogs, cleaning cages and picking up poo, centre manager Lorraine Hamilton said they formed the “backbone” of the organisation.

“The RSPCA would not operate without its volunteers,” she said. 

“Someone like Janet is just vital to what we do here, as well as all of our staff members. 

“The biggest challenge for us is being able to rely on people. 

“What we see a lot is people who come here with a love of animals, but they aren’t able to commit to the hours. 

“Or they don’t like the reality of the jobs involved when it comes down to it. 

“Someone like Janet – we know she is always going to turn up. 

“She gets the job done rain, hail or shine and she does it with love.”

Last week RSPCA Tasmania celebrated its 140th anniversary. 

The then Society for Protection of Cruelty to Animals was formed on July 19, 1878. 

Its catalyst involved a case of animal cruelty against a cat, but in the 19th century the majority of cases often involved underfed work horses on the streets, as well as dog fights and domestic animal abuse. 

Dealing with these cases formed the majority of the work for the SPCA inspectorates at the time. 

But the organisation maintained a constant barrage of advocacy for better animal conditions and laws to support its needs. 

A royal warrant was granted to the Tasmanian SPCA in 1956 and in 1980 the Tasmanian RSPCA helped in the formation of the national body known as RSPCA Australia.

Now decades later, the Tasmanian branch has repurposed its focus back to those original core values. 

For Ms Brown, she said seeing being able to make a “real difference” to the welfare of animals made it all worthwhile. 

“They definitely get to you,” she said. 

“I fostered 11 babies recently and I ended up keeping six of them. 

“You definitely do get attached, especially if there is one left that we can’t find a home. 

“It is certainly not a glamorous job, but that isn’t why you do it. 

“There is nothing glamorous about working for the RSPCA, but you do it because hopefully you are making a real difference.”

On June 1, RSPCA Tasmania officially closed its Hobart centre, as part of plans to divest a number of “non-core practices”.

Last month it was also revealed that the Launceston Animal Care Centre could close by August, unless a sustainable funding solution is found.

The centre is currently running at a loss of about $25,000 a month. 

But despite the financial hardships and the uncertainty surrounding the future, Ms Hamilton said the ensuring the welfare of Tasmanian animals would always be at the forefront – a sentiment echoed in the community. 

“We are always blown away by the support of the community and the last few weeks have been no different,” she said. 

“The concern of staff and volunteers has been, and always will be, for the animals. 

“No matter what happens, that will not change. 

“But it has been very encouraging to see the support from the community. 

“That is something we can always count on.”

As for Ms Brown, she said her colleagues at the Launceston Animal Care Centre had become “like family” – especially all of the animals. 

“I will keep doing this for as long as I can,” she said.

“And I will probably end up adopting more animals as I go, because I get so attached. 

“This is my job, but I love it so much.”

For more information about volunteering for RSPCA Tasmania, visit www.rspcatas.org.au. 

All animals available for adoption can also be viewed at www.adoptapet.com.au.