Volunteer

Wildlife Volunteers

To become a registered wildlife carer in the ACT you must first undergo basic training in wildlife first aid and care with RSPCA ACT Wildlife. You must also become a member of RSPCA ACT in order to obtain a wildlife licence and for insurance purposes.

Wildlife caring involves a commitment of time and money. While RSPCA ACT Wildlife can supply some items free of charge, such as possum boxes, pouches, and milk formula, carers usually have to obtain their own aviaries and cages. Animal carers also collect native branches or other plants on a daily basis and buy their own fruit and vegetables. Orphaned baby birds, kangaroos, wombats and possums need to be fed a special diet at frequent regular intervals. But they do grow up fast!

Please note: It is illegal to have a native animal in your possession for more than 48 hours unless you are a registered carer.

For further information about caring for wildlife, and our training courses please email us or call 1300 4 RSPCA.

Carers

Our carers provide an essential role in assisting us with rehabilitation, neo-natal care, and fostering of our special needs animals that have trouble adapting to life in the shelter until each of these animals can be released back to nature, or find a forever home.

We acknowledge this involves personal costs, as well as significant investment of time. As a result of these two factors, wildlife carers will be given complimentary membership and foster carers of domestic animals will be considered on an individual basis.

Carers can of course contribute the cost of membership as a donation if they wish to assist RSPCA financially.

As well as becoming a wildlife carer, there are many other ways that you can help.

• You can volunteer at the Wildlife Cottage and assist staff in cleaning cages, feeding birds and animals.
• Volunteers can also assist by monitoring the after hours mobile phone, taking calls from members of the public with concerns about injured and orphaned wildlife. The after hours phone operates between 5pm and 9am, and you will be required to advise people on the appropriate action to take depending on the nature of their call. You would be required to undertake our basic training course to gain knowledge about wildlife first aid and general care.
• Volunteers can also assist in fundraising and promotional activities.
• Donations of unwanted items, such as cages, aviaries, pet carriers and towels are always welcome.
• If you have sewing skills, you might consider making inner cotton and/or outer woollen pouches for baby possums, kangaroos and wallabies. Or, if you have carpentry skills, you might consider making possum boxes, aviaries and cages, or hospital boxes / humidicribs. Please email rspca@rspca-act.org.au for further information about materials and specifications.
• If you have a property in the ACT, you may be willing to have native wildlife released there. Volunteers can also offer assistance in actual releases.
• Volunteers can assist in collecting food or breeding insects to be used as food. Please email wildlife@rspca-act.org.au for advice on appropriate foods and collection methods.