Volunteer At WERC
Provide Care For Injured And Rehabbing Wildlife
WERC relies heavily on its volunteer force to care for our sick and injured animals. Animals need reliable care to be able to be released back to the wild. We welcome anyone who can make the commitment to work and learn with us. Keep reading for information on how to become a WERC volunteer.
Zorro Spreading His Wings For The Camera - PC Brad Lewis
On Site Volunteer Needs
Please Read Carefully. Link to apply is at the end of this page.
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You must be at least 16 years of age to volunteer
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Animal Caregiver Questions and Concerns
If you would like to be an animal caregiver, please think about the following items before you fill out an application:
Can you make a commitment to one morning a week from 9 AM to 12 PM for at least four months?
We can work around vacations and appointments when necessary. Animals need care 7 days per week, 365 days per year. It is important that you notify us whenever you are unable to meet your commitment. We get a lot of requests to obtain community service for schools that require only a few hours. We put a lot of training into our volunteers so it is difficult to have people come for a short period of time which is why we have the four-month commitment rule. In October we do offer community service hours to help us out at our annual BBQ fundraiser.
Would you have any problems walking up and downstairs?
WERC is located on a slope of a hill. There are lots of stairs.
Are you bothered by yellow jackets?
In the summer we may have problems with yellow jackets which are attracted to the animals’ food
Are you bothered by rodents and/or worms?
We care for a wide variety of predators who eat rodents. We also feed animals that eat mealworms.
Can you work under all weather conditions?
The center can be hot in the summer and cold, wet and muddy in the winter. No matter the weather the animals still need to be tended to.
Can you work around wild animals and not treat them like pets?
When working with the wild animals you cannot talk to them like they are pets. Animals who are at the center for treatment and eventual release do not have names only numbers. We want to maintain their wild side to ensure that once they are released they will know to stay away from humans. This will ensure their safety and the safety of the public.
Are you ok with doing grunge work… cleaning enclosures, preparing diets?
Volunteers main duties are to feed the animals and to clean their enclosures. You will also be trained on how to safely work and care for a variety of wild animals including our animal ambassadors (non-releasable animals).
If you feel you can work under the above conditions please click below to fill out an application and we will set up a time and date for you to attend orientation.
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Please note: Once your application is received we will notify you of upcoming orientation dates and you will be given directions to the center. We are located on private property in southwest Morgan Hill, off Watsonville Road and are not open to the public.