Get involved · Rehabilitation Center, Elgin

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.

Apply to volunteer Volunteer as a group ↓

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: volunteer@austinwildliferescue.org

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!

Ready to get started?

Hands-on help with daily wildlife care. No experience required, we’ll train you.

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A smiling woman in a kitchen, wearing blue gloves and holding a sponge and a dish. There are colorful bowls, plastic containers, and dishwasher supplies around her, with a sink and a paper towel dispenser in the background.
A young woman with braided hair smiling and holding a broom in a cluttered room, likely a kitchen or break room, with colorful bowls and various kitchen equipment.
A person in a tan jacket and jeans is seen gathering at a check-in counter with another person in a blue jacket and gray cap inside a warehouse.
Woman with short curly hair and glasses working with small animals in small plastic cages, wearing blue gloves, in a room with shelves and plastic containers.
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A woman smiling in a laundry room, holding a small ferret wrapped in a towel.
Group of people at a social gathering indoors, smiling and holding drinks, with a woman in the center raising her hand.
A group of ten people sitting on a low wall outdoors, in a park or wooded area, during a cloudy day, wearing casual and work clothing, some with gloves and hats, with trees and some covered structures in the background.
A group of nine diverse people standing outside on a sunny day in front of a large metal cage structure, with trees and blue sky in the background. They are smiling, and some are making peace signs or giving thumbs-up.
A woman smiling in a garage, standing next to a large painted sign that reads 'PARKWAY'. There is a table with art supplies and a glass of red wine in front of her. Shelving in the background contains various tools, supplies, and a pet carrier.