Volunteers and interns are an integral part of the successful rescue, rehabilitation, and release of the over 4,000 patients that arrive at California Wildlife Center each year. Volunteers are present at CWC seven days a week, 365 days per year to assist the wildlife technicians with day-to-day animal care tasks including cleaning and maintenance of enclosures, and giving the patients their diets, medications, and enrichment. During the busy season (between February and October), CWC hosts up to 24 interns that take part in either the Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Internship or the Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship.

Interns take part in an intensive 10-week program where they not only learn and take part in daily hospital tasks but are also presented with opportunities to assist with complex cases and learn advanced skills. Interns may be able to learn data documentation skills, wound care techniques, fracture and bandage stabilization, administer subcutaneous medication or fluids, and participate in necropsy studies. Volunteers and interns alike donate their valuable time and in return learn invaluable skills in wildlife care, time management, the daily operations of an animal hospital, how to effectively work in teams, and about the identification and natural history of California native bird, mammal, and reptile species!

Volunteer and intern recruitment occurs on an as needed basis, but most is done in January and February, in preparation for the busy season. The volunteer and internship programs at CWC are not just for folks looking to gain hands on hours for veterinary school applications or related programs. California Wildlife Center seeks volunteers and interns of every background, profession and experience level who are passionate about wildlife, motivated and excited to learn new skills, and dedicated to giving every patient optimal care. Applications are open!