How to volunteer with us ?
A few things to know first
A large portion of our work is carrying out rescues and picking up injured wildlife around Cork. We have a group of volunteers who assist us by collecting animals in their area and dropping them to our Centre (meeting point at Whitechurch petrol station) or to one of our partner vets once we have rung ahead to make an appointment. If you are interested in being a transport volunteer, please fill out the application form below.
ACTIVITY
During the summer months we can receive 15+ calls a day from people looking for help. Some of these calls need intervention and rescue. In winter this reduces considerably.
RESCUE PROCESS
When we receive a call about an injured animal, one of our team members will ask the volunteers in the whatsapp group if someone is free. If you are free, you respond and we will send you a private message with the details.
TRANSPORT
Without our transport volunteers there is no way we can help as many animals as we do. We are all doing this voluntarily and really appreciate anyone working with us to help Cork wildlife.
GDPR
GDPR is very important to WRC so we will not be sharing the finder’s private information unless expressly allowed by the finder.
Volunteering at WRC is a unique and rewarding experience, but not all volunteers will work directly with animals or at the rehabilitation center. This is due to logistical reasons and the importance of ensuring that those handling wildlife have the necessary experience. To help us understand your strengths and find the best fit for you within the organisation, all new volunteers start by assisting in the transport group for a few months.
We understand that many people are eager to see the rehabilitation process firsthand, but the welfare of the animals is always our top priority. For those who are accepted to work onsite, we provide training on cleaning and handling animals to ensure the best care possible. Essentially, we work on a minimal handling protocol where possible. If you’re interested in being a transport-only volunteer, we would be delighted to have you as part of the team.
Wildlife rescue is not for everyone. It often involves distressing situations, such as animals with injuries, blood, or poisoning, and not all animals survive, and some cases are hopeless by the time they reach us. This work requires emotional resilience as it can be both challenging and upsetting, but deeply rewarding. It’s important to note that wild animals are not like domestic pets; they do not seek comfort or cuddles. The focus is on securing them safely for transport to a vet or rehabilitator. We are “hands off” as much as possible.
If you believe you can contribute to our mission and make a difference, we would love to hear from you!
Fill out the form below to apply as a volunteer and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible !