Time Commitment and Training Requirements
Volunteering at California Wildlife Center requires that you attend a Basic Orientation and make a six-month minimum time commitment. During those six months, volunteers are required to provide at least 16 hours of service a month working a minimum of one shift per week. Length of shift is dependent upon volunteer department. Individuals who are unable to commit to this minimum monthly/hourly requirement are not eligible to participate in CWC’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Volunteer Program. Training classes will be required for those participating in Marine Mammal Response as well as those interested in working in Animal Care. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
Physical Requirements
Volunteers must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. (at least 50 lbs. for Marine Mammal Response and Rehabilitation volunteers), navigate uneven surfaces, climb stairs and hills, and generally perform physically strenuous activities for moderate intervals of time with exposure to temperature extremes. Volunteers should have no known serious health issues.
For additional information about our Volunteer Program, please review The Wildlife Rehabilitation Volunteer Guidelines.
To apply, CLICK HERE to create an account and complete an application.
Animal Care Volunteers
Volunteers are utilized seven days a week to help our Animal Care Department run. Wildlife Rehabilitation generates a lot of dishes and laundry, and each species requires a specific diet. In addition to these tasks, volunteers will be taught how to feed and clean our patients at various stages of care. Additional opportunities are available in the spring and summer to assist with the heavy load of babies requiring care as well.
To apply to be an Animal Hospital Volunteer, CLICK HERE to create an account and complete an application.
Marine Mammal Volunteers
CWC provides hands-on training to prepare volunteers for the intensely rewarding experience of Marine Mammal Rescue & Rehabilitation. Marine Program volunteers assist in the response and rescue of seals, sea lions, dolphins, whales, and sea birds. Volunteers also assist in the rehabilitation of Northern Elephant Seal and California Sea Lion pups. Spring and summer are the busiest seasons for responding to stranded marine mammals. Volunteer requirements for this program are the same as the animal care program. We seek individuals who are caring, communicative and able to donate four hours every week.
To apply to be a Marine Mammal Volunteer, CLICK HERE to create an account and complete an application.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
There are numerous volunteer opportunities available for individuals interested in facility maintenance and enclosure construction activities, animal transport, community outreach, and education, fundraising, and administration. Please contact us at jregalado@cawildlife.org if you are interested!
To apply to be a CWC Volunteer, CLICK HERE to create an account and complete an application.
If you have questions about volunteering at CWC, please email jregalado@cawildlife.org.