Volunteering at Austin Wildlife Rescue

Austin Wildlife Rescue relies on dedicated volunteers, both individuals and groups, to support the daily operations of our Rehabilitation Center in Elgin. Please note that all volunteer activities take place in Elgin; we do not offer volunteering at our Austin Intake Center.  

During our busy season, there is always meaningful work to be done: cleaning enclosures and dishes, doing laundry, preparing food, and supporting the care of thousands of native Texas animals.

General Volunteer Requirements

  • Must be 18 years or older

  • Ability to work both indoors and outdoors

  • Positive, team-oriented attitude 

Individual Volunteer Opportunities 

Volunteers play a critical role in animal care and facility operations.  

Commitment:

  • Minimum of 2 shifts per month (March–October)  

  • 1 shift per week is strongly preferred  

Shift Availability:

  • Busy season (April–October): Morning, afternoon, and evening shifts  

  • Low season (November–March): Morning and afternoon shifts  

Animal Interaction:

  • Certain species, including rabies vector animals (raccoons, foxes, coyotes, skunks), birds of prey, and adult animals, are handled by trained staff only  

  • Volunteers who volunteer once a week on a regular basis and receive staff approval may have opportunities to assist with other species, including baby and juvenile opossums, squirrels, songbirds, and doves.

Ready to Get Started?

Apply Here

Group Volunteer Opportunities

Group volunteering is a great way to support wildlife while engaging in hands-on service.  

Details:

  • Location: Rehabilitation Center in Elgin (approximately 30 minutes east of Austin)  

  • Group size: Up to 20 people  

  • Time: Typically 10:00 or 11:00 AM start, ~3-hour shift  

  • Activities: Physical, hands-on projects such as cleaning enclosures, assembling habitats, organizing supplies, and general facility support  

For the safety and well-being of our animals:

  • Group volunteers do not handle or directly interact with wildlife  

  • A brief facility tour is provided at the end of the experience

Group Volunteer Donation Request:

While not required, we suggest a contribution, monetary or in-kind, per person. As a 501(c)(3)nonprofit, these donations directly support the care of orphaned, injured, and sick wildlife—provided at no cost to the public.  You can learn more about donation options when you email us!

To Schedule your group:

Email volunteer@austinwildliferescue.org to inquire about availability and dates 

Be sure to check whether your employer has a grant program associated with volunteer efforts. You could be earning a monetary donation to AWR while you volunteer!

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