Volunteer

In a more hands-on role, Volunteer Rescuers are a vital part of helping wildlife in need; responding to calls from our Emergency Response Service to attend to injured, sick, or orphaned native animals. The Rescuer assesses the situation and depending on their experience level will then undertake the rescue or seek further help or advice from our Emergency Response Operators. Rescuers attend many different situations and help a wide variety of native species.

The Rescuer then transports the animals to a licenced wildlife shelter, foster carer or veterinarian. You will need to be comfortable both handling the animals and liaising with members of the public. When starting out, there is the opportunity to commence as a 'transport only' volunteer as you become familiar with the species and cases in your area. You will need to have access to a suitable vehicle and be able to afford the ongoing fuel and equipment cost to support yourself in this role.

Please see our 2024 list of training dates HERE 

If you have any questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Volunteer Transporters play a vital role in transporting injured, sick and orphaned wildlife; responding to calls from the Emergency Response Service and attending to the transportation between Vet Clinics and licenced Wildlife Carers. It requires minimal handling of animals as the wildlife are usually already contained and ready for transport.

This is a great role for anyone who wants to help our wildlife with a less hands-on approach.

You will need to have access to a suitable vehicle and be able to afford the ongoing fuel and equipment cost to support yourself in this role.

Wildlife Foster Carers and Shelters are volunteers licenced under the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. (DELWP)

Foster Carers are like apprentices, learning how to care and rehabilitate injured, sick and orphaned wildlife under the guidance of a Wildlife Shelter.

We recommend training as a Wildlife Rescue & Transport Volunteer first, to gain experience with animal handling. This helps you to understand and build networks with Wildlife Shelters and Vet Clinics which increases your knowledge and skills on the road to becoming a Foster Carer. A Foster Carer looks after wildlife within their own home and personally pays for required enclosures and specialised food for those animals.

Click here for more information on how to become a Foster Carer.

Because of privacy laws, we are unable to supply you with information on your local shelter. DELWP hold all of the Shelter and Foster Carer licences so they may be able to provide you with the information you require.