Volunteer

Volgistics Log in

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Wildwoods!

We will be hosting two orientations for people interested in volunteering. April 13 at 6pm, and April 24 at 2pm. In order to participate, please fill out a volunteer application by April 10 (link below).

We are very limited in the number of volunteers that can work with animals, due to DNR regulations. For Spring/Summer 2024, we estimate that we will have 2-3 volunteer positions available in animal care.

Volunteering at Wildwoods is challenging and rewarding. As a Wildwoods volunteer, you’ll come into contact with animals that most people only see through windows, at a distance, or never at all. It’s thrilling, it’s a wonderful privilege, but it’s also a job that comes with great responsibility and often involves less-than-glamorous tasks. We work with sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife, and the actions we take may mean life or death for them. Volunteers must always keep the best interest of the animals in mind.

What we’re looking for

  • Reliability
  • Self-starters who can take initiative
  • People who can follow instructions and who are not afraid to ask questions and seek help
  • Individuals who agree with our mission, values and goals
  • Volunteers who are at least 16 years old and have reliable transportation

Whether you choose to do animal care, transportation, marketing, data entry or anything else, there are a few policies that every volunteer must agree and adhere to.

  • Follow policies and procedures set forth by staff
  • Maintain a quiet and calm demeanor around wildlife. Keep handling, talking, and loud noises to a minimum
  • Communicate any schedule changes with staff, and in a timely manner
  • Maintain a positive and respectful attitude
  • Follow proper sanitation procedures

Vaccinations

Every volunteer must have proof of a tetanus vaccination within the last 10 years. Any volunteer wishing to work with rabies-vector species like raccoons, foxes or bats must provide proof of a rabies vaccination and titer test within the last 2 years.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements of each volunteer position type are different, and you can read more about the specific demands of each on their description pages. For example, Animal Care volunteers must be able to work in a fast-paced and fairly physically demanding environment, while transportation volunteers must be able to sit for long periods of time and lift up to 50 lbs into/out of their vehicles.

How to volunteer

  1. Read our volunteer position descriptions to find a good fit for you.
  2. Complete an Application.
  3. We will reach out to you via e-mail with the date of our next orientation (expect an e-mail from us in January 2023 for this winter!).
  4. Attend our online orientation and discuss with our Wildwoods staff your areas of interest.
  5. Please note, we have very few positions available for direct animal care due to DNR regulations, but there are other ways to help!