Volunteer rescuer

Wildlife Victoria volunteer rescuers play a vital role in helping sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife. Responding to alerts from our Emergency Response Service (ERS), rescuers attend to reports of wildlife in need of assistance. Rescuing involves assessing, capturing, containing and transporting native wildlife to a veterinary clinic, or licensed wildlife rehabilitator or shelters. 

This is a hands-on role and will require you to attend many different situations, to help a wide variety of native species, and to engage directly with members of the public. Wildlife Victoria volunteer rescuers will also transport rescued animals to veterinary clinics, or licensed wildlife rehabilitator or shelters.

This role requires you to be comfortable handling animals and liaising with the general public and veterinary clinic staff.
When starting out, there is an opportunity to commence as a ‘transport only’ volunteer as you become familiar with the species and cases in your area. You will need to have access to a suitable vehicle and be able to afford the ongoing fuel and equipment costs to support yourself in this role.

To start your journey as a volunteer rescuer, go to the Wildlife Victoria training page. If you have any further questions, please email our Volunteer Services team.