Volunteer

Why volunteer?

We are a non-profit charity organization so we depend heavily on volunteers in all areas of our organization to help with many different tasks at the Centre. Without our team of dedicated volunteers we couldn’t provide care to over 6000 patients a year!

It is also a great way to meet people with similar interests, and learn about native Ontario wildlife.

Who volunteers?

Want to see what a SPWC volunteer looks like? Look in the mirror. You look like a great SPWC volunteer! We use the expertise of many people from all walks of life. Please note that you must be at least 16 years old.

When can I volunteer?

SPWC is open 365 days a year, but depends heavily on the volunteers during our busy season from March to September. You must be prepared to dedicate at least one 4-hour shift per week when working on site. Volunteers are needed every day of the week.

What do volunteers do?

There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes at Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre. Animal care is just a portion of what we need help with. Caring for many animals at one time means that they create a lot of cleaning.

• Rescue & Transportation
  • Volunteer drivers are always needed. About a third of our patients have been brought in by volunteer drivers.
  • Volunteers help out SPWC by picking up patients in need and driving them to the Centre.
  • We ensure the finder has the patient contained before making driving arrangements.
  • Tax receipts at the end of the year are issued for kilometers driven
  • Drivers are desperately needed in all areas of Ontario, but especially Kingston, Belleville, Trenton, Peterborough, Brockville, Perth, Ottawa.
  • Drivers also assist with releases
• Fundraising and Organizing Events
  • Helps us to focus on the important task on hand…animal care! Without fundraising events and the generosity of others we wouldn’t be able to run such a large facility.
  • Fundraising volunteers help with preparation, planning and organization of events leading up to and on event days
  • Ideas for fundraisers are always welcome and needed throughout the year
• Data Entry/Reception
  • With over 6000 animals coming in the door, we always need help with entering our patients into our database.
  • Answering the phone or finding volunteers to pick up animals and bring them to the Centre. Volunteers are trained by experience staff when handling phone calls.

• Housekeeping and Maintenance duties
  • Laundry
  • Dishes
  • Organizing & restocking rooms
  • Repairing cages
  • General cleaning of rooms and building
  • Yard work & Gardening
  • Lifting is required

• Animal care
  • Feeding
  • Cleaning cages and enclosures
  • Enrichment for patients in care
  • Pre-Exposure Rabies Vaccination is required to work with rabies vector species (foxes, skunks, raccoons, bats etc.)
  • An up to date Tetanus shot is required before beginning
  • Lifting is required
  • Volunteers are on their feet most of their shift
  • Handling meat, dead mice, and worms is required
  • Volunteers work both inside and out in all weather conditions
  • New volunteers are trained by staff and/or experienced volunteers

Please note that our patients are wild and only handled when necessary and as little as possible. It is at the discretion of the staff and rehabilitators who may work with the animals and in what capacity.

How do I sign up?

Call (613) 354-0264 or  Click here to Volunteer!

Check out our Volunteer Testimonials.