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.

Individual volunteer applications are closed for the rest of 2026 and reopen in early March 2027. We pause the application from late August through February, when we have fewer animals in care and no orientation sessions. Volunteer groups are welcome year round.

Volunteer as a group ↓ Other ways to help

General volunteer requirements

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Ability to work both indoors and outdoors
  • Positive, team-oriented attitude

Applications closed until March 2027

Individual volunteer opportunities

Volunteers play a critical role in animal care and facility operations. We accept individual applications from early March through late August, when the most animals are in our care. New volunteers start with an orientation session, and we hold orientations from March through August.

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

The application reopens in early March 2027. Questions before then? Email volunteer@austinwildliferescue.org

Open year round

Group volunteer opportunities

We welcome volunteer groups all year, including September through February. 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!

Want to help this season?

Individual applications reopen in early March 2027. Volunteer groups are welcome year round.

Email us about group volunteering Internships Paid openings Other ways to give
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 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.