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Get Involved
Please note: We have had an overwhelming
number of new applications submitted recently. If
you are interested
in
volunteering
with Project Wildlife, please complete the online
application, but know that all 2008 orientations are full and you
may be put on a waiting list to start in 2009. We appreciate your
patience and will get you started as soon as we can.
About Us:
Since 1972, Project Wildlife has been dedicated to rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife in
San Diego County. Over 10,000 animals from more then 240 species are brought to Project Wildlife each year
for help.
Project Wildlife is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supported entirely by donations. Although licensed
and permitted by California Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the Dept. of Agriculture, it is not
funded by any government agency.
The quality of life for our wildlife patients is of outmost importance. Because we deal with wildlife with the
intention of release, at times, euthanasia is the best course of action. All Project Wildlife volunteers,
working with animals or in other capacities are asked to support all decisions made by veterinarians and
medical personnel. Prospective volunteers are required to attend a volunteer orientation and complete basic
training programs. Advanced training programs are provided throughout the year for those volunteers who wish
to move into advanced positions.
Volunteer Paths
Minimum requirements for all Programs: volunteers must be at least 15 years of age, live in San Diego County,
and be able to meet the requirements to be a sub-permitee of Project Wildlife rehabilitation permits.
Administrative Program
The Administrative Program offers the volunteer the luxury of working in our main office with air conditioning,
and an ADA accessible elevator to reach our third floor office located at 4343 Morena Blvd. 92117. Volunteering
here means assisting our Executive Staff, Committees, and/or Board with data entry, phone calls, fundraising,
event planning, and technical writing. Opportunities are usually available M-F during business hours of 9-5.
Requirements: Must be able to travel to the business office, work on a computer, and commit to a minimum of
six hours a week.
Outreach Program
The Outreach Program means you are the FIRST contact with the public when they have an animal in need of our
services. Volunteers are needed in two capacities, on the Emergency Hotline, which is manned seven days a
week from 8-6 in split shifts, or on our Transport Team where you help collect animals from drop-off points
throughout the county and bring them to the central facilities or homecare locations. Volunteering in this
capacity allows you the option of working from the main office (listed above), from your home phone or as
you travel around the county on your regular commute.
Requirements: Must be able to talk on the phone, own a cell phone, own a vehicle able to transport small
carriers (if on transport) and commit to a minimum of five hours a week or one regular transport route. Highly
flexible scheduling options.
Education Program
The Education Program volunteer has many opportunities to use their existing skills or to learn new ones. Do
you know how to train animals? How to write educational programs? How to market programs to PTAs, Scouts, or
other groups? Do you like to talk to a crowd about wildlife? Volunteering in this capacity allows you the
option of working from the main office (listed above), from your home, at Animal Ambassador sites and/or at
local program sites.
Requirements: Must be able to work as a group, arrange own transport and commit to a minimum of four hours a
week or one program a month. Highly flexible scheduling options.
Wildlife Program
The Wildlife Program volunteer has two opportunities to learn basic skills, working at the Care Center located
at 887 ½ Sherman Street, 92110, or at North County at 2481 Palomar Airport Road, 92010. Basic training is completed
on wildlife patients, mostly songbirds, in approximately 10-12 shifts. Advanced training is offered continuously
throughout the year to volunteers interested in pursuing Homecare, veterinary school, or to someone who just wants
to be the best wildlife rehabilitator they can be. Volunteering in this capacity allows you the option of working
hands on with the wildlife patients for daily feeding and medical needs as well as cage cleaning and dish washing.
Up to 250 patients are at the Care Center on a given day.
Homecare volunteers learn how to care for animals in their own homes or backyards. This is a commitment of round
the clock care while animals are under your supervision. Apprenticeship programs are available upon completion
of basic training to teach you the different requirements of homecare.
Requirements: Must be able to work as a group, arrange own transport and commit to a minimum of 4 hours a week. Volunteers must be able to stand, bend, kneel, and lift 20 pounds with ease for a 4 hour shift. Immune compromised individuals need to speak to their doctor before pursuing a Wildlife Program volunteer position. Shifts take place 7 days a week.
Volunteer Impact
We will work with each volunteer to utilize your skills and to match you to our needs in the best possible fit.
Schedules are flexible, training is customized, and all that we ask is that you adhere to the commitment you
make with us. Failing to do so may result in the death of animals.
By joining Project Wildlife's volunteer community YOUR efforts will give a second chance to animals in need.
Together we can make a difference in the lives of San Diego's wildlife.
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