The Cape Wildlife Center's volunteer program is a vital part of caring for wildlife patients. Some volunteers work directly with wildlife, caring for orphaned, injured, or ill animals. Under the supervision of the veterinarian and staff, they clean cages, prepare meals, and feed wildlife. For those who are interested, there are regular opportunities to observe medical and surgical procedures.

Other volunteers help out with the phones and office work, lend a hand in maintaining the buildings and grounds, or work as advocates for wildlife. View the Volunteer Activities page for more information about specific volunteer activities.

Regardless of the chosen activities, some basic requirements apply to all volunteers:

Volunteer Requirements

• Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
• Volunteers are required to carry their own health insurance.

Time Commitment

Required time commitments are listed by activity on the Volunteer Activity page. Volunteers involved in direct wildlife care, wildlife support, or the phone team are asked to commit to a minimum of four hours per week, year-round. The time commitments required are variable for volunteers involved in other activities.

Residency

Volunteers are usually year-round residents of Cape Cod or southern Massachusetts, but not always. The center has had volunteers from Rhode Island and even New York.

Physical Requirements

Some volunteer activities may be considered physically demanding. Those involved in direct wildlife care and support—the largest percentage of volunteers—must be able to go up and down stairs several times an hour, be able to lift up to 20 pounds, and be able to be on their feet for an entire shift. They also must be able to kneel and bend in order to help with cage cleaning, and be able to accomplish the tasks involved with making diets (standing at the counter and chopping, stirring, etc.), cleaning wards (sweeping, mopping, etc.), and washing laundry.

The physical requirements for volunteers involved in other activities vary with the activity and will be explained during orientation.

Working with Wildlife

Volunteers must be willing and able to treat all patients, including baby animals, in the manner that is best for wild animals—this means minimizing handling and interactions.

A Word about Euthanasia

Euthanasia of wild animals is sometimes performed at the Cape Wildlife Center. While every effort is made to help wild animals achieve health and resume their lives in the wild, euthanasia may be deemed necessary by the veterinarian in charge if recovery is not possible.