Getting Involved

FWC volunteers vary in all respects except in their commitment to preserving Florida wildlife and habitat. More than anything else, it is the hard work and dedication of our volunteers that keeps Florida Wildlife Care going.
As a FWC volunteer, you'll receive several orientation and specialized training programs to ensure that you feel comfortable with whatever job or jobs you choose.

If you're interested in becoming an FWC volunteer look at our list of volunteer descrptions to see what openings we have available. Register for an upcoming volunteer orientation by emailing the Volunteer Training Coordinator with the position you are interested in. You will get an email with information about the next orientation . If you have additional questions, contact FWC's Volunteer Training Coordinator. We hope to hear from you soon.

Requirements for Volunteering at the Center

• Be at least 18 years old
• Provide proof of a current tetanus booster.
• Have a driver's license and your own transportation (for rescue and transport jobs)
• Volunteer for at least one four hours per week for a minimum of 3 months. (Shifts run from 8 a.m.-Noon; Noon-4 p.m.; and 4 p.m.-8 p.m.) Some flexibility is possible.

Community Service Volunteering

We also offer several positions for those who need community service hours whether for school requirements or County Court Services. Work is done at the Center and is restricted to the following areas:

• General housekeeping and maintenance
• Food preparation
• Office filing or data entry
• Special projects

  If you're interested in performing your required community service with us, please send your full name and phone number along with the name of the agency that is requiring the hours to FWC's Volunteer Coordinator or call our business office at 352-371-4443.

At the Center
The center must be staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. It takes a lot of people to perform the many jobs that go into treating injured and orphaned animals, liaising with the public, and keeping the center clean and well organized.

If you prefer not to come in direct contact with the animals there are many other important jobs. FWC functions as a clinic and must be kept clean and organized, inside and out.

We always need a special group of people who are free and flexible enough to perform the important job of carrying animals to and from the center as the situation demands.

FWC generates paper-based and electronic records that have to be maintained. This is a great job for people who want to do service. Office assistance includes tracking and updating animal intake and release records; maintaining and updating membership and volunteer databases.

After-hours, between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., we also need volunteers to man the emergency pager. Emergency hot-line service is asked of volunteers only one week per month.

Animal Fostering
For people who love animals and need to work at home, FWC offers several fostering programs, accompanied by training and easy access to necessary supplies and information. We have a strong squirrel fostering program with many participants.

Educational Development
FWC benefits from community recognition and support. We are planning to expand our educational outreach and needs volunteers to design new programs, establish community venues, and oversee public activites. This is a great job for people with backgrounds in public relations and education.

Special Projects

FWC has special needs that come up and is looking for volunteers to participate in these various special projects. Please contact FWC's Volunteer Coordinator if you would like to sign up to help.