VOLUNTEERS

If you're interested in helping us by making a commitment to become a volunteer, please download a Volunteer Application and return it to us:

Click on any of the volunteer opportunity job descriptions to read more about these positions.

Position Description: Duties may include: cleaning cages (indoors and out), laundry, dishes, preparing food, assisting with medical care, preparing and setting up cages for habitat enrichment, sweeping, mopping, admitting animals (clerical), building, painting and special cleaning projects. In the spring and summer, duties may include hand-feeding young mammals and nestling songbirds. Experienced volunteers may be given the opportunity to learn advanced animal handling and medical skills, including gavage feeding, administering oral medication, and giving subcutaneous injections of fluids. Preparation for release or transfers may be included. Meticulous recordkeeping is a necessary part of these duties.

Dates Available: Primarily from April to September.

Shifts: Shifts are based on needs and admissions. We try to schedule them the same every day, seven days per week. Morning Shift would be from: 8am - 12:30pm, Afternoon Shift: 12:15pm - 5:15pm, Evening Shift: 5pm - 10pm. The evening shift is only available from April 1^st through June-early July, or as needed.

Time Commitment: Weekly, minimum 4.5 - 5 hours per week; 6 month commitment required.

Location: Niagara Wildlife Haven on-site.

Training Required: All volunteers must attend a volunteer orientation before starting their positions. The orientation covers each of the volunteer positions at NWH in detail, and explains the overall objectives of NWH as an organization. NWH trains all volunteers, no previous experience is necessary although an animal care background (e.g. vet tech) would be beneficial. Orientation sessions are approximately 4 hrs; additional special training sessions specific to certain volunteer positions are set up at time of acceptance interviews. Other additional training may be offered, but is not mandatory.

Special Training or Requirements: NWH Basic Skills Workshop; NWH Wildlife Ethics Workshop. Proof of current tetanus vaccination and those who wish to work with rabies vector species (RVS) e.g. raccoons, bats, skunks, foxes must have proof of rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis (PreEP) vaccination or proof of an adequate titre. Those who do not have rabies PreEP vaccinations or proof of an adequate titre are not permitted to handle or work with RVS species.

Position Description: Duties may include: hand-feeding nestling and juvenile songbirds, cleaning cages (inside and outside), keeping birds clean, preparing baby bird diets, monitoring the health of the birds, keeping all nesting materials clean and setting up habitat enrichment in enclosures. Recordkeeping is a critical part of this work.

Dates Available: May 1 through August 1 approximately

Shifts: Shifts are based on needs and admissions. We try to schedule them the same every day, seven days per week. Morning Shift would be from: 8am - 12:30pm, Afternoon Shift: 12:15pm - 5:15pm, Evening Shift: 5pm - 10pm. The evening shift is only available from April 1^st through June or mid July, or as needed.

Time Commitment: Weekly, minimum 4.5 - 5 hours per week; 6 month commitment required.

Location: Niagara Wildlife Haven (on-site)

Training Required: All volunteers must attend a volunteer orientation before starting their positions. The orientation covers each of the volunteer positions at NWH in detail, and explains the overall objectives of NWH as an organization. NWH trains all volunteers, no previous experience is necessary. Orientation sessions are approximately 4 hrs; additional special training sessions specific to certain volunteer positions are set up at time of acceptance interviews. Other additional training may be offered, but is not mandatory.

Special Training or Requirements: NWH Bird Nursery Skills Workshop; NWH Wildlife Ethics Workshop; Proof of current tetanus vaccination.

Position Description: The Registered Foster Care Givers at NWH can help save wild animals lives every year by providing rehabilitation and care for these animals off-site in their own homes, under Niagara Wildlife Haven’s authorization. All volunteer Registered Foster Care Givers are legally bound by the conditions of our authorization, even though they work from their own homes. Providing such services helps to ease the space limitations on the centre and allows us to care for more animals than we can accommodate here.

The work may involve bottle feeding orphaned baby wildlife and ensuring the medical needs of the animals are met, just as they would be here. Once they are weaned and self-feeding it may involve providing food and ensuring habitat enrichment for them in pre-release cages to acclimate them to the outdoors. This phase of rehabilitation is not as labour intensive as caring for neonates and involves a very strict hands-off approach to ensure successful release and to maintain the wild nature of these animals. These positions have equal amounts of recordkeeping and cleaning. Animal contact varies depending on the age of the animal. Volunteers must be able to work independently but must adhere to the centre guidelines, policies, and procedures at all times. All foster care homes operate as an extension of NWH.

All volunteers who are accepted are subject to premise inspection by Niagara Wildlife Haven Foster Care Coordinators or management and staff, prior to animals being received from us for foster care and periodically during the fostering period. They must provide, at their own cost, proper caging, housing for younger pre-weaned animals, or older pre-release age wildlife, and supplies as well as formula and food as required. Whenever possible NWH will assist but is not obligated to do so. Those accepted for foster care, must submit a legal and binding foster care agreement application to NWH, which is then registered with the Ministry of Natural Resources. A diagram of the applicants facilities must also be provided at the time of application. Areas that are not part of one’s household living quarters must be set aside and used for rehabilitation in order to foster. Outside areas where wildlife is being housed, must be kept separate from any domestic animals. NOTE: Federal law prohibits fostering off-site for species covered under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act under our legal permit conditions through Canadian Wildlife Service.

Dates Available: Year round. The busiest season is from April 1^st through to September 31^st, and in some cases may involve overwintering wildlife that is not ready for release until the following spring.

Time Commitment and Shifts: These positions may involve the same full time commitment that rehabilitation on-site does – e.g. round the clock care, depending on the age and species of the wildlife. Individuals who work full time outside the home, unfortunately do not make suitable foster care givers for neonate mammals for example, but could conceivably volunteer as foster care givers and work with only older juveniles during the pre-release phase of care which requires no contact with the animals.

Location: Off-site on your premises. You would be responsible for transporting the animals back to Niagara Wildlife Haven for assessment or treatment as required or requested, or picking up animals from the centre after they have been admitted, assessed, and approved for transfer to foster care.

Training Required: All volunteers must attend a volunteer orientation before starting their positions. The orientation covers each of the volunteer positions at NWH in detail, and explains the overall objectives of NWH as an organization. All off-site registered foster care givers must successfully take and complete OWREN’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Basic Skills course (www.owren-online.org) before they will be considered for these positions. Orientation sessions are approximately 4 hrs; additional special training sessions specific to certain volunteer positions are set up at time of acceptance interviews. Other additional training may be offered, but is not mandatory.

Special Training or Requirements: NWH Basic Skills Workshop; NWH Wildlife Ethics Workshop. Proof of current tetanus vaccination and if working with RVS species, proof of rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis vaccination or proof of adequate rabies titre. Training depends on the species being fostered. All potential foster care givers must agree to a facility inspection before being accepted into this program with Niagara Wildlife Haven.

Position Description: Duties may include: Cleaning soiled cages, scrubbing litter pans; changing bedding, and doing laundry and dishes to prepare kennels for incoming wildlife. This job may require repetitious bending and lifting, and volunteers are exposed to various cleaning agents. This position requires a tolerance for occasionally loud noises. Volunteers must be comfortable using hoses and scrubbing brushes and for outside kennels, using a pressure washer. Cleaning a kennel may require: scooping feces; scrubbing each kennel with detergent; bleaching, rinsing, and disinfecting kennels. Occasionally you may be assisting with the cleaning and disinfection of feeding dishes, some laundry; and sweeping and mopping. This position has minimal animal contact. It may involve stocking the carts and shelves with supplies; and general cleaning in the centre and yard. Volunteers must be able to work independently and be receptive to feedback from management and others. Volunteers must be able to carry and lift a minimum of 50 pounds.

Dates Available: Busiest times are April 1^st to September 31^st. The mornings are usually very busy and fast paced. During the off-season (October through March) hours are reduced and will be once a week or bi-weekly depending on animals in care.

Shifts: Shifts are based on needs and admission load. We try to schedule them the same every day, seven days per week. Morning Shift would be from: 8am - 12:30pm, Afternoon Shift: 12:15pm - 5:15pm. Volunteers would be scheduled for the same shift each week.

Training Required: All volunteers must attend a volunteer orientation before starting their positions. The orientation covers each of the volunteer positions at NWH in detail, and explains the overall objectives of NWH as an organization. NWH trains all volunteers, no previous experience is necessary. Orientation sessions are approximately 4 hrs; additional special training sessions specific to certain volunteer positions are set up at time of acceptance interviews. Other additional training may be offered, but is not mandatory.

Special Training or Requirements: Niagara Wildlife Haven Wildlife Ethics Workshop; Proof of current tetanus vaccination.

Position Description: This position is a supervisory position, and has minimal animal contact. It does involve travel to foster care givers’ homes to monitor animal care, health, handling practices, and recordkeeping. Coordinators must have excellent people skills and be able to work independently. Duties include: providing support for the foster care givers as well as providing them with any resource or reference materials they require; maintaining the database of all available registered foster care givers; arranging for placement of animals into off-site care in foster homes after they have been admitted, screened, and evaluated here at the centre; and working to arrange and coordinate releases when the rehabilitation process is complete. This position does involve a basic level of knowledge of animal care and handling procedures. Additional training will be provided. A background in wildlife rehabilitation and care would be an asset.

Dates Available: Year round. Off-season duties include re-evaluating all Registered Foster Care Givers and updating databases in preparation for the following rehabilitation season.

Shifts: Each home visit should take no more than one hour to complete. Number of weekly visits is dependent on number of families actively volunteering as Registered Foster Care Givers.

Time Commitment: Weekly shifts will vary with number of foster care families involved; 12 months minimum commitment is required to ensure continuity.

Location: Travelling between NWH and surrounding Registered Foster Care Givers homes in Niagara and area. Some of the administrative work may be done from your own home.

Training Required: All volunteers must attend a volunteer orientation before starting their positions. The orientation covers each of the volunteer positions at NWH in detail, and explains the overall objectives of NWH as an organization. NWH trains all volunteers, no previous experience is necessary. Orientation sessions are approximately 4 hrs; additional special training sessions specific to certain volunteer positions are set up at time of acceptance interviews. Other additional training may be offered, but is not mandatory.

Special Training or Requirements: NWH Bird Nursery Skills Workshop or NWH Basic Skills Workshop; NWH Wildlife Ethics Workshop; Proof of current tetanus vaccination. Must have excellent computer skills and access to high speed internet. Should be familiar with all Microsoft Office programs and have some experience in managing volunteers and in wildlife care.

Position Description: During the year NWH will be out in the community at fairs, festivals and schools, reaching out to the public to tell them more about NWH and the important work we do for native wildlife, and to answer questions about wildlife issues in our community. Educating and encouraging the public to live in harmony with native wildlife is the most important work we do. Solving wildlife conflicts humanely is another key focus. Community Outreach Volunteers answer questions, hand out NWH information materials, share and publicize upcoming NWH events, and encourage people to support NWH and our mission encouraging and fostering an understanding of wildlife in Niagara. As the Coordinator, you would maintain a database of volunteers and assist us in booking presentations within the community to various schools and other community groups. Scheduling volunteers to assist is part of the job description. Excellent letter writing skills as well as an understanding of programming for various age groups is an asset to this position. Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications is required as is access to high speed internet.

Dates Available: Most outdoor festivals and fairs are held in late spring, summer, and early fall; usually on weekends. Late fall, winter, and early spring most activities will take place indoors or at schools or community groups and days will vary between evening presentations (community groups) and day time presentations (school groups).

Shifts: 2-4 hour shifts (depending on event schedules and locations)

Time Commitment: Any week or weekend day or evening, usually booked in advance. Must be flexible with scheduling. This position requires a commitment of 12 months to ensure continuity in programming and presentations.

Location: The Niagara peninsula and surrounding areas.

Training Required: All volunteers must attend a volunteer orientation before starting their positions. The orientation covers each of the volunteer positions at NWH in detail, and explains the overall objectives of NWH as an organization. It also includes attendance at a NWH Wildlife Ethics Workshop. NWH trains all volunteers, no previous experience is necessary. Orientation sessions are approximately 4 hrs; additional special training sessions specific to certain volunteer positions are set up at time of acceptance interviews. Other additional training may be offered, but is not mandatory.

Special Training or Requirements: Outreach Training is required for volunteers who are interested in this position. Additional training may be offered, but is not mandatory. A familiarity with all our training programs would be an asset. We recommend the individual participates in the NWH Bird Nursery Skills Workshop or NWH Basic Skills Workshop; and NWH Wildlife Ethics Workshop. Proof of current tetanus vaccination. Must have good computer skills and access to high speed internet. Should be familiar with Microsoft Office programs and Power Point as well as use of data projectors and some experience in managing volunteers and animal care. All volunteers for this position must go through a police background check.

Position Description: The Niagara Wildlife Haven Education Program for students in all grade levels will provide young people the knowledge and understanding to appreciate and respect wild animals through interactive activities that address coexisting with wildlife and their plight through classroom presentations. The Humane Education Assistants will assist the Humane Education Coordinator in preparing classroom materials for appropriate age groups with activities in the classroom and/or other help as needed.

Dates Available: Weekdays during the school year

Shifts: Flexibility in shifts Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Classes vary each week. Commitment of at least 4 hours a week for 12 months.

Time Commitment: 4 hour shift per week for 12 months

Location: Niagara Peninsula Schools

Training Required: Teaching certificate or experience in a classroom would be helpful. Must come for an interview, attend an orientation and receive training as needed from NWH Humane Education Coordinator. All volunteers for this position must provide us with a police background check.

Position Description: It is important to remember that NWH receives no government funding for the wildlife rehabilitation services we provide and is dependent on compassionate donations from the public. Without the necessary funds to pay for animal care, NWH would have to close. This position requires energetic and enthusiastic, people-oriented event planners to help us create and plan fundraisers to generate financial support for the organization’s operating needs and for its future.

Some possibilities are a ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ Walkathon, where people can bring their pets to walk and collect pledges for NWH as well as enjoy animal-friendly vendors and activities. We need people to help organize volunteers and plan and set up events of this nature that can help us meet our yearly operating expenses. Other fundraising opportunities may include an annual dinner/dance, assisting or guiding others with yard sales or other smaller fundraisers.

The Fundraising and Events Coordinator would be someone who believes in what we do, supports our mission and goals, and who firmly believes that wild animals are an intrinsic part of our world. Proven skills in grant writing and requesting donations from foundations would be an asset. Recognizing all donors is a critical component and would be part of the duties as would tracking donors in a database.

Dates Available: Year round. Raising funds is an integral part of the work Niagara Wildlife Haven does.

Shifts: Three-to Four-hour shifts on the day of the events. Some shifts available the day before for set up and help with early registrations if required. Also need help with distributing brochures and posters for all our events. Planning would involve working in cooperation with the centre and from home to facilitate the work getting done.

Time Commitment: 3- 4 hour shifts as needed on days of events. Required to make a 12 month commitment to this position. Most of the work can be done from home and applying for grants and donations from foundations can also be worked on from your home. Planning events can take quite a bit of time.

Location: Varies.

Training Required: Some positions require a one-time, two-hour training two weeks before the event. Trainings will be either in the evening or on a weekend day. Volunteers should be familiar with the work the centre does and it is suggested they attend volunteer orientations to learn more about our mission. Must be familiar with computers, familiar with all Microsoft Office programs and have high speed internet access.

Special Training or Other Required: Must have own transportation to and from events and the centre. All volunteers for this position must go through a police background check.

Position Description: Many sick and injured animals never make it to NWH because no one can transport them. This position would involve coordinating and maintaining a database of volunteer drivers who would be on call and if available, would step in and provide transportation for orphaned or injured wildlife from various locations to the wildlife centre.

Some trips may involve travelling to SPCA’s or vet clinics within (and on occasionoutside) Niagara or to other wildlife rehabilitation facilities for transferring animals. Volunteers use their own vehicle and gas for these transports. As the coordinator, you would oversee and ensure that Transport and Release Team volunteers are dependable, have reliable transportation, and are sensitive to animals’ stress levels during transport. Team members keep materials in their own vehicles to use for these animals.

On occasion, supplies may need to be picked up and/or delivered to and from the centre, and volunteers may be requested to assist with these.

Recordkeeping is required and your duties would be to locate a volunteer to do the transport or release as needed when we notify you. Primarily you would work from home coordinating the volunteers and may need to work from the centre during busy times to coordinate the locations for the release of individual animals. Some familiarity with reading topographical maps or using Internet mapping would be an asset for releases and to help coordinate pickups.

Dates Available: Year round, on call. Coordinators maintain a database of volunteer drivers and ensure these individuals are capable of providing assistance.

Shifts: This is an on-call position, and requires a 12 month commitment. Volunteer drivers are asked to commit to two shifts minimum per month. Volunteers can do pickups on more than two days per month if they are able and willing. Pick-ups can occur at any time and if unable to do a pickup, volunteers may decline.

Time Commitment: Depending on the location of the pickup. Most pickups are local and volunteers in other cities are welcome and needed to assist with animals in distress in their immediate areas to help transport/transfer them to the centre. There are no nights or late evening pickups.

Location: Varies

Training Required: All volunteers must attend a four hour volunteer orientation before starting their position. The orientation covers each of the volunteer positions at NWH in detail, and explains the overall objectives of NWH as an organization. This orientation is held at the centre.. NWH trains all volunteers, no previous experience is necessary. Training sessions are 1-2 hours, set up at time of orientation. Additional training is offered, but not mandatory.

Position Description: Many sick and injured animals never make it to NWH because no one can transport them. This position would involve being on call and if available, able to provide transportation for orphaned or injured wildlife from various locations in Niagara to the wildlife centre. Some trips may involve travelling to SPCA’s or vet clinics outside Niagara or to other wildlife rehabilitation facilities for transferring animals. Volunteers use their own vehicle and gas for these transports.

Duties include: providing for the wildlife’s safety at all times during the transport; using the correct transport carriers and equipment; monitoring behaviour and condition of the animals if required during transport; and ensuring the paperwork of each animal is correct and accompanies the wild animal. Transport Team Members must have their own insured vehicle and a valid Ontario driver's license. Some trips may involve transporting sick or injured animals to and from the veterinary clinic for treatment and may involve waiting for a procedure to be completed, then returning the animal immediately after. Most pick-ups involve contained animals, but some animal handling may be involved. On occasion, supplies may need to be picked up and/or delivered and volunteers may be requested to assist with these.

Dates Available: year round, on call. Busiest times are April 1^st to September 31^st.

Shifts: This is an on-call position, and requires a 6 month commitment. Volunteers are asked to commit to two shifts minimum per month. Volunteers can do pickups on more than two days per month if they are able and willing. Pick-ups can occur at any time and if unable to do a pickup, volunteers have the right to decline. There are no nights or late evening pickups.

Time Commitment: depending on the location of the pickup. Most pickups are local however, volunteers who live in other cities are needed to assist with animals in distress in their immediate areas and in being able to deliver them to our centre for care.

Location: Varies

Special Training Required: Transport Team Training (2 hours) Wildlife Ethics Workshop (3 hours) **Must have a valid Ontario driver\'s license with no major or repeated minor traffic offenses as well as providing proof of current insurance coverage. A police background check is also required.

Position Description: When sick and injured animals have completed the rehabilitation process, the end goal is to release them back to their wild habitats as close to their point of origin as possible and within guidelines as outlined in the Conditions for Authorization (provincial) or federal Canadian Wildlife Service permit regulations. You would help locate suitable habitat within those areas and then transport these animals for release at the appropriate time. This position would involve being on call and if available, able to provide transportation for healthy, rehabilitated wildlife to various locations in Niagara from the wildlife centre or from a registered foster care giver. Volunteers use their own vehicle and gas for these transports.

Duties include: providing for the wildlife’s safety at all times during the transport; using the correct transport carriers and equipment; monitoring behaviour and condition of the animals if required, during transport; Members must have their own insured vehicle and a valid Ontario driver's license. On occasion, supplies may need to be picked up and/or delivered and volunteers may be requested to assist with these.

Dates Available: year round, on call. Busiest times are August to October or in early May of each year for overwintered wildlife.

Shifts: This is an on-call position, and requires a 6 month commitment. There are no nights or late evening releases.

Time Commitment: Depending on the location of the release site.

Special Training Required: Transport Team and Release Team Training (2 hours) Wildlife Ethics Workshop (3 hours) **Must have a valid Ontario driver\'s license with no major or repeated minor traffic offenses as well as providing proof of current insurance coverage and a police background check.

Position Description: Duties include minor painting, building and maintaining caging units inside and outside, general privacy landscaping and drainage around pens, and maintenance of wildlife facilities, minor plumbing, and electrical work. Tasks involve learning about the caging needs of Ontario wildlife as well as construction skills pertaining to building den boxes and nesting boxes for various species. This position may involve coordinating youth groups off-site or on-site to assist in cage construction and other projects. Some projects may be constructed on your own premises. It helps if you have a small workshop you can utilize.

Dates Available: Year round

Shifts:: As required, four hour minimum shift if any work on site is required.

Position Description: Front Ofice/Lobby Assistants may perform a variety of tasks that range from answering questions from the public and referring them to educational information available on the website, as well as assist staff as necessary with a variety of projects. They may assist with the receiving of orphaned, or injured animals, and help to maintain the appearance of the receiving area for wildlife. Volunteers must have excellent customer service skills, be able to multi-task and have the ability to work with our wildlife tracking software after being trained. This position has high public contact and limited animal contact.

Duties include but are not limited to: answering questions from the public; organizing paperwork for each animal; assisting the public with wildlife conflicts and determining if the wild animals are in need of intervention; ensuring the organization of the receiving area; assisting with dishes and scrubbing kennels, food bowls, or litter pans as needed; and assisting with laundry as necessary.

Dates Available: year round

Shifts: Depending on the number of other hotline volunteers, and busiest times. Volunteers will be scheduled for the same shift each week. There is a minimum 12-month commitment.

Time Commitment: Weekly 4 hour shift; 12 months minimum commitment

Location: NWH on-site.

Special Training Required: Wildlife Ethics Workshop (3 hours) **Must have a valid Ontario driver\'s license with no major or repeated minor traffic offenses as well as providing proof of current insurance coverage and a police background check.

Office Assistants help with an assortment of office projects including copying, filing, mailings, data entry and maintaining packets to be mailed. This position may involve public contact, and has little to no animal contact. Volunteers also assist with promotions directed at increasing donations and awareness of wildlife issues in Niagara. You would work closely with the Coordinators for Event Planning and Fundraising as well as the executive director. Duties may include: copying documents and making/maintaining various packets to be mailed; filing documents; assisting with data entry; helping prepare for special events by helping with special mailings and email distribution; and special projects as assigned. Volunteers in this position must have an exceptionally good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Access, Outlook and Publisher and be proficient with email usage. If working off-site, they are required to have reliable high speed internet access. Good writing skills including proper punctuation and grammar are critical.

Dates Available: year round

Shifts: Any four hour shift between the hours of 10 am–6 pm, Monday-Friday. Volunteers are scheduled for the same shift each week. There is a minimum 6-month commitment.

Time Commitment: Four hours per week, minimum 6 month commitment required.

Location: NWH on-site or of-site.

Training Required: All volunteers must attend a four hour volunteer orientation before starting their position. The orientation covers each of the volunteer positions at NWH in detail, and explains the overall objectives of NWH as an organization. Training sessions are generally 1-4 hours, set up at time of orientation. There may be some additional training with this position as necessary, depending on tasks assigned. Additional training may be offered, but is not mandatory.

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Position Description: Thousands of people per week view the NWH website looking for assistance with wildlife issues and information about coexisting with native Ontario wildlife. In order that the information on our site is up to date and accurate and to help the public make the right decisions before intervening with baby wildlife they believe to be orphaned, Web Team Members maintain the information on our site and assist by uploading digital pictures taken of the animals at NWH so the public can see the work we do without distressing the patients we care for.

They will also assist by posting follow up information about the wild animals we have admitted so the public can follow up on their progress. This position has some indirect and discreet animal contact.

Volunteers must have excellent writing skills, proven computer skills and have a good knowledge of digital photography. They must also practice safe animal handling per NWH protocols and follow guidelines designed to reduce stress on the animals in our care.

Duties include: printing “disposition” reports from our database; posting animals on the website according to NWH policies and procedures; uploading information from home or on a computer at NWH; and cropping and adjusting pictures for optimal viewing.

Marketing team members assist by designing and distributing publications to assist in promoting events and fundraisers, working with the public at outreach and events teams, or any of the various marketing techniques we employ. Individuals who are skilled at designing specific databases in Access to meet the centres needs for animal care records and intake information are also needed.

Dates Available: year round

Shifts: Web Team: Any four hour shift between the hours of 12-6 pm. Volunteers are scheduled for the same shift each week. Marketing Team: monthly commitment needed, anywhere from 6-12 hours per month. There is a minimum 12-month commitment for both to assure continuity in the work.

Time Commitment: Weekly 4 hour shift; 12 months minimum commitment

Location: NWH on-site and in some instances you will be able to work from home off-site and submit files electronically.

Training Required: All volunteers must attend a four hour volunteer orientation before starting their position. The orientation covers each of the volunteer positions at NWH in detail, and explains the overall objectives of NWH as an organization.. Training sessions are 1-4 hours, set up at time of your acceptance interview. Additional training may be offered, but is not mandatory.

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Position Description: For those who aren’t able to make a longer term commitment to one of the other positions, but would like to assist wherever they are needed, as their time and schedule permits. These positions may involve assisting with one or two events yearly – every hour of volunteer time donated is greatly needed and appreciated.

Training Required: All volunteers must attend a four hour volunteer orientation before starting their positions. The orientation covers each of the volunteer positions at NWH in detail, and explains the overall objectives of NWH as an organization. Training sessions are 1-4 hours, set up at time of your acceptance interview. Additional training may be offered, but is not mandatory.

Volunteering is a wonderful way to learn, meet new friends who share your interests, have fun and feel good about giving to your community.

Although we do not have regular volunteer positions at NWH for people under 18 years old there are many ways younger people and groups of people of any age can help NWH help wildlife.

For example, you can hold a food and supplies drive at your school, in your neighbourhood or any community location. This is one way you can help with our ongoing needs to provide for the wild animals in our wildlife rehabilitation center. (See our Wish List) on our website for a list of items we really need. There are lots of things you can do in your daily life to help wildlife as well. Ideas like planting native plants to provide food and homes for wildlife and ensuring that your cats and dogs are spayed and neutered and live inside as part of your family.

Holding yard sales and donating a portion of the proceeds to NWH and other smaller events to help raise funds for direct animal care are other ways you can help.

Scout groups and other groups are invited to hold a building session and help us by making den boxes and nest boxes for our wildlife in their outdoor (and indoor) pre-release conditioning cages. We are always in need of those.

If you would like to learn more about NWH please visit our website at www.niagarawildilfehaven.org. Because our goal is to preserve and respect the wild nature of the animals in our care we do not offer tours during the busy rehabilitation season. We do have an open house over the Christmas holidays and we invite you to come tour the facility then and learn more about the work we do.

Occasionally, we may have on-site projects at NWH that a group of young people (ages 10 and up) with the supervision of adults can help us complete. If you have a group and want to suggest a project (such as nest box building), an adult should call us at 905/735-9556.

A multitude of equipment and supplies are needed to properly shelter and provide exemplary care for injured or orphaned wildlife. This page, which is available on our website at www.niagarawildlifehaven.org highlights our “Wish List,” a roster of items we are hoping to have donated. Each item donated saves our organization much needed financial resources that can be used for medications and specialized formulas.

Our greatest need however, is financial donations. Without them, we cannot purchase the specialized formulas needed for baby mammals, nor pay for veterinary costs, medications etc. They are the largest part of our yearly budget.