ATTENTION:
HHS TWRC Wildlife Center is now accepting volunteers!
We rely greatly on our volunteers for the daily operations of the organization. Join us for a Volunteer Interest Meeting to learn more about our organization and how you can get involved. Our volunteer process involves an application review, a mandatory Orientation that covers best practices for volunteering at HHS TWRC, and additional training in your area of interest.
Below you will find our 2023 Calendar outlining the dates for our Interest Meetings and Orientations. All prospective volunteers are required to attend an Interest Meeting prior to attending Orientation. If you are interested in volunteering, RSVP with your preferred date by emailing our Volunteer Coordinator.
Scroll down to view more details on how our volunteers help us in achieving our Mission.
2023 Volunteer Interest Meeting
January 10, 2023, at 6PM
February 21, 2023, at 6PM
March 14, 2023, at 6PM
April 11, 2023, at 6PM
May 9, 2023, at 6PM
June 6 , 2023, at 6PM
2023 Volunteer Orientation
January 17, 2023, at 6PM
February 28, 2023, at 6PM
March 21, 2023, at 6PM
April 18, 2023, at 6PM
May 16, 2023, at 6PM
June 13, 2023, at 6PM
Get involved in one of the many volunteer opportunities here at HHS TWRC Wildlife Center!
Volunteering is easy and fun! Here is what you need to know to begin volunteering with us:
There are two areas in which you can volunteer: the Main Center and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Department:
- The Main Center is where our Wise Owl volunteers help with accepting animal admission and where Critter Care works with our Animal Ambassadors.
- The Wildlife Rehabilitation Department is where we house admitted wildlife for onsite rehabilitation.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Volunteers must be 18 years or older**
- Commit to one 4-hour shift per week.
- Volunteers pay a yearly $40 registration fee which covers your HHS TWRC Wildlife Center T-shirt, hands-on training with experienced staff, as well as help cover the high cost of caring for the animals every day.
- New volunteers are required to attend an orientation that covers all aspects of volunteering with HHS TWRC Wildlife Center.
** If you are not 18 years of age, but you love animals and are looking to volunteer, please visit https://www.houstonhumane.org/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities.
Qualifications:
- Appreciation of all wild animals.
- A clear understanding of HHS TWRC Wildlife Center's mission
- Ability to follow instructions and willingness to assist wherever needed. All volunteers will be expected to clean cages, wash dishes, complete laundry, clean floors, etc.
- Patience and ability to communicate and work with others.
- Physical ability to spend 4 hours standing, walking, bending, twisting, and lifting.
- Reliable and punctual.
Disclaimers:
- Critter Care and On-Site Wildlife Rehabilitation Volunteers must be able to handle both live and dead insects.
- Carcass feeding - feeding portions or whole (dead) prey - is one of the ways we enrich animals' lives to support their physical, mental, and social health and to stimulate natural behaviors in the wild. Some animals in Critter Care and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Department receive whole prey in their diets.
- Tetanus shot is recommended for all Wildlife Rehabilitation and Critter Care volunteers.
- Please know that peanuts and other tree nuts are used in the diets of our animals and those with allergies may be frequently exposed.
- We are not currently providing hours for court-ordered community service.
Critter Care
Our Critter Care Crew (formerly known as Lizard Lounge) works in the Center where the HHS TWRC Ambassador Animals reside. This is the first thing the public will see when they come through the door, so it is imperative that it be maintained to the highest standards. Our ambassador animals are critical to the success of our education program and deserve the best quality diets as well as a variety of enrichment activities.
This volunteer position is responsible for the daily feeding and care of all ambassador animals. In addition, Critter Care volunteers are also responsible for washing dishes and crates, animal laundry, assembling animal aquaria, diet preparation, and other activities that support the center as a whole.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Department (formerly known as Animal Care Program)
As an on-site Wildlife Rehabilitation Department Volunteer (WRD Volunteer), you will have the opportunity to help with all types of tasks relating to the rehabilitation of wildlife. These tasks include feeding and weighing animals, cleaning cages, washing dishes, etc.
Experienced volunteers may be trained to provide ICU care to different wildlife. These animals may have faced trauma, dehydration, acute illness, or broken bones, and require intensive care during their stay in the Wildlife Rehabilitation Program.
To receive ICU training, you must have worked at least 20 hours in the program and must be pre-approved by the management team.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Department Volunteers need to be reliable in their commitment. We are a working wildlife hospital and expect wildlife rehabilitation volunteers to show up for their shift as scheduled. Your presence is crucial in making sure the patients get the proper care. If your schedule is unpredictable or if you have situations in your life at the present moment that may cause you to be frequently absent, please consider volunteering in a different capacity.
Interested in Volunteering?
Below you will find the link to complete your volunteer registration. Only volunteers who have completed the orientation process will be given the passcode to complete their registration. Returning volunteers should complete registration for their fees by December 31st for the following year. Off-Site Rehabbers, please also use this link below to register. NOTE: If you are a new Off-site Rehabber, please get approval from the Hospital Manager before registering.
