Volunteer Opportunities
Would you like to help give injured, orphaned or ill wild animals in Inyo and Mono counties a second chance? Even if you have only a few hours a month to spare, you can make a difference for local wildlife by becoming part of Wildcare Eastern Sierra's dedicated support group.
As a nonprofit organization, we depend upon volunteers to provide care for injured, sick and orphaned native wildlife. Currently, there is a group of about 40 volunteers with varying amounts of experience. About 18 volunteers do animal care, while others help with transport, education, fundraising, rescue and return, and maintenance. Some volunteers work at the Center; others care for patients at home.
Wildcare Eastern Sierra receives animals from a large geographical area (a 100-mile-wide corridor about 200 miles in length that runs along US Highway 395 in the Eastern Sierra). Because of these distances, Wildcare Eastern Sierra has adopted a structure used by many rehabilitation facilities. Supporting the central facility is a foster care system in which trained volunteers care for many of the animals in their homes. Some volunteers have pens or aviaries on their own premises, while others care mostly for baby animals who need no more than an incubator or small cage.
If you are interested in becoming an Wildcare Eastern Sierra volunteer, contact us at (760) 872-1487.
Training:
Since 2000, Wildcare Eastern Sierra has offered orientation and training for new people interested in wildlife rehabilitation. Active, senior volunteers receive advanced, continuing education training in wildlife rehabilitation techniques such as fracture and wound management, initial care and treatment, zoonoses, physical therapy, and more. Animal care volunteers are required by CDFG to have four hours of continuing education yearly. At least two advanced classes per year are offered, and are taught by staff members.
Animal Care Volunteer Requirements:
Volunteers must commit to one 4-hour shift per week during the busy season.
All new volunteers must attend the two training sessions offered in early spring.
Volunteers should be prepared to get dirty, follow instructions for safe and effective animal care, and learn a lot!
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
We'll notify you of upcoming training sessions.
Click on map and enter your starting point for directions to our facility.