06/16/2026
🚨 We're Looking for New Volunteers! 🚨
Wildlife emergencies happen every day across Pennsylvania, and Wildlife In Need PA relies entirely on volunteers to help sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife get the help they need.
As baby season reaches its peak, we're looking to grow our volunteer team in three important roles:
đźš— COURIER
Couriers transport wildlife that have already been contained between finders, capture volunteers, licensed wildlife rehabilitators, and occasionally veterinarians.
What you'll do:
• Drive wildlife to where they need to go
• Help bridge the gap when rehabbers are hours away
• Play a direct role in getting animals lifesaving care
Requirements:
• Reliable transportation
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to communicate and coordinate with finders and other volunteers
đź“ž DISPATCHER
Dispatchers are often the first point of contact when someone finds wildlife in need. Dispatchers can volunteer from anywhere in the United States—one of our current dispatchers helps Pennsylvania wildlife from New York City.
What you'll do:
• Respond to calls and messages from the public
• Gather information about wildlife situations
• Provide guidance based on established protocols
• Connect callers with local volunteers and rehabbers
Requirements:
• Comfortable communicating by phone, text, and email
• Ability to stay calm and organized
• Basic computer and smartphone skills
🧤📦 CAPTURE & TRANSPORT PERMITTEE
Capture and Transport Permittees respond directly to wildlife situations in their local area.
What you'll do:
• Assess wildlife situations
• Safely capture injured, orphaned, or displaced wildlife when needed
• Transport animals to licensed rehabilitators
• Educate the public about wildlife and coexistence
Requirements:
• Pennsylvania Capture & Transport Permit (we can help you with the process of obtaining one)
• Comfort working outdoors in various conditions
• Ability to respond to calls within your local area
⏱️We understand that volunteering needs to fit into real life-whether you have a set schedule or just occasional availability, there’s a place for you on our team! Dispatchers sign up in advance for minimum two-hour shifts, while Couriers and Capture & Transport Permittees let us know which days and times of day they’re generally available, allowing them to help wildlife on a schedule that works for them.
While each of these roles is very different, they all share one thing in common: every volunteer becomes part of a network that gives Pennsylvania wildlife a second chance. The work can be challenging. Drives can be long, rescues don't always go as planned, and some situations can be emotionally difficult. But whether you're talking to finders, responding to a rescue, or transporting an animal, you'll know that your time is making a real difference for wildlife and the people trying to help them.
Interested in joining our team?
Find additional details and complete a volunteer application here:
đź”— https://winemergencyresponse.com/volunteer
* No wildlife experience necessary-we provide training and support.
Still not sure which role is right for you?
Check out links in the comments to some of our volunteer spotlight posts to hear firsthand experiences from current WIN volunteers.
