Volunteers are the backbone of the organization.

AWARE volunteers share a common concern for wildlife and the environment. They give their time and resources to care for the animals in rehabilitation and help them have a second chance at life in the wild. 

AWARE has three main on-site volunteer opportunities: Animal Caregivers and Animal Care Assistants.  

Volunteer Animal Caregivers

Responsibilities

Volunteer Animal Caregivers perform all daily, basic animal care and facility maintenance under the supervision of a lead volunteer.  This includes, but is not limited to, animal feeding, cage cleaning, food preparation, laundry, dishes, sweeping, and mopping.  Volunteers may also be called upon to assist lead volunteers and Wildlife Care Supervisors in other animal care procedures as necessary.  

Requirements

No previous experience with wildlife is needed, but all volunteers must:  

• be at least 18 years old
• have their own transportation
• complete and sign a liability waiver form
• have a current tetanus vaccination
• vaccinate all domestic pets and advise staff of any pets that have not been vaccinated
• provide proof of rabies vaccination if working with rabies-vector species
• provide personal references and agree to the possibility of a background check
• become an AWARE member ($30 one-time membership fee that will be refunded at request upon completion of commitment)

Volunteer Commitment

Volunteer Animal Caregivers undergo an approximate 10 week training (10, five-hour shifts).  At the completion of training, we require a minimum 4 month commitment (one shift per week). 

For more information or to become a volunteer, please complete the Volunteer Services form.

Volunteer Animal Care Assistants

Responsibilities

Volunteer Animal Care Assistants assist the Volunteer Animal Caregivers with the daily tasks needed to care for the wildlife at the center.  Responsibilities include food preparation, dishes, laundry, cleaning cages, and as necessary, being trained in a particular species (e.g., songbirds). 

Requirements

No previous experience with wildlife is needed, but all volunteers must: 

• be at least 18 years old
• have their own transportation
• complete and sign a liability waiver form
• have a current tetanus vaccination
• vaccinate all domestic pets and advise staff of any pets that have not been vaccinated
• provide proof of rabies vaccination if working with rabies-vector species
• provide personal references and agree to the possibility of a background check
• become an AWARE member ($30 one-time membership fee that will be refunded at request upon completion of commitment)

This opportunity has been designed for individuals who cannot make the full Animal Caregiver committment (e.g., college students home for summer) but still want to assist with animal care activities.

For more information or to become a volunteer, please complete the Volunteer Services form.