Volunteer
At this time we are no longer accepting general volunteers, but plan to reopen our application in 2025. We will announce on social media when our application reopens.
We accept the following volunteers on a rolling basis. If you are a certified rehabber looking to volunteer, or interested in volunteering for animal transport, please email staywildrescueinfo@gmail.com with the subject “Volunteer Interest”.
If you are interested in becoming a Stay Wild Foster, please visit our Foster Page.
STAY WILD could not function without our volunteers. Thank you so much for your support!
STAY WILD Rescue Volunteer Opportunities
DEC Class I Certified Volunteers
If you are certified or would like to get certified, you can work as a volunteer rehabber at our barn or rehab animals in your home under the supervision of Stay Wild. A DEC Class I License authorizes a New York resident to rehabilitate or care for injured or young orphaned wildlife for their return back to the wild.
Learn more about the Wildlife Rehabilitation Exam
Volunteer applications accepted on a rolling basis - email staywildrescueinfo@gmail.com
Stay Wild Foster Family
Foster families provide care for dogs, puppies, cats, kittens or rabbits their homes. your home. Kittens are fostered in pairs or groups with siblings or other kittens of the same age and cats can be fostered individually or in pairs. All medical treatment will be provided by Stay Wild.
Apply on our Foster page.
Fundraising/ Outreach Volunteers
We are looking for experienced volunteers to hold fundraising events for Stay Wild. Rehab work is very expensive and is paid all out of pocket by Jane and Dan and with any donations we receive. We are also very passionate about educating the public about animals and getting them into the right care so we use social media and outreach opportunities as much as possible. Photos and videos are a big part of outreach to the public.
Applications currently closed.
Drivers
We rely on responsible licensed drivers over the age of 18 to transport our rescue animals to foster homes or to the rescue. Additionally, interested drivers are able to meet at safe public meeting places to pick up wildlife in need of rehabilitation, take wildlife to Cornell Wildlife Hospital for treatment or bring wildlife that they have treated back to our facility. We also need drivers willing to transport supplies for us. Volunteer applications accepted on a rolling basis - email staywildrescueinfo@gmail.com
Rules & Guidelines
ALWAYS ask permission before doing anything around or near any animal.
Speak very quietly and calmly in any area where there are animals being cared for.
Do not feed anything to the animals unless directly instructed by Jane or Dan
Do not take any photos or videos unless you have been given permission or asked to by Jane or Dan.
Always wash your hands before going near the animals, between the animals and after working anywhere around the animal areas, and before eating anything yourself.
Always wear gloves when working around or near certain animals as instructed by Jane or Dan
Sign the volunteer log before leaving after your volunteer shift.