FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You can make monetary donations: online through our website, via mail (checks), or in person.

You also can donate supplies — we publish a list of needed items (cleaning supplies, pet food, gloves, wildlife formula, etc.). If purchasing via Amazon or other stores, mark items as “gift” so we can receive them seamlessly.

Some items we routinely use include:

• Nitrile exam gloves

• Cleaning and disinfecting supplies (bleach, wipes)

• Pet foods (complete chow, cat foods)

• Baby wildlife formulas (e.g. bird formula)

• Cage liners, paper towels, Ziplock bags, etc.

• Gift cards (Walmart, H-E-B, PetSmart, etc.)

Yes — we often do outreach and educational talks (with photos, videos, stories) for schools, groups, or clubs.

Please reach out in advance so we can coordinate scheduling and logistics.

Businesses may support us by sponsoring events, matching employee donations, donating goods, hosting supply drives, or offering in-kind services (e.g. printing, venue space, catering).

We’re happy to discuss partnership ideas with interested organizations.

Adults (age 18 or older) are eligible to volunteer in most roles. We also have a Junior Volunteer program for ages 12–17, under supervision. SPWRC Volunteers must complete training, agree to guidelines, and commit to reliability.

Volunteers may assist with:

• Cleaning enclosures, cages, and outdoor areas

• Food preparation, diet assembly, and feeding support

• Water, supply, and maintenance tasks

• Administrative support, data entry, fundraising help

• Outreach, education, event planning

• Animal pick-up / transport (if trained and permitted)

New volunteers generally begin with supporting tasks (cleaning, food prep, facility maintenance) until they gain trust, training, and experience.

This approach helps protect animal welfare and prevents improper handling

Yes — SPWRC offers internship opportunities (for example, for students interested in wildlife, ecology, pre-veterinary tracks). Interns may get more hands-on roles, under supervision and following permit compliance. We welcome collaboration with local schools and universities for internship placements.

Typically:

• An application and background check

• Orientation and training

• Agreement to volunteer policies

• Commitment of a certain number of hours per week or month

• Ability to follow safety protocols, wear protective clothing, and work in outdoor / potentially messy environments

• Willingness to learn and follow wildlife handling rules