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1.  Commitment & Scheduling

• Volunteers must commit to a minimum of two shifts per month.

• Attendance at scheduled volunteer meetings is expected.

• Volunteers are responsible for signing up for shifts and arriving on time.

• Please arrive prepared and ready to help.

• If you cannot attend a shift, provide advance notice so a replacement can be arranged.​

2.  Work Expectations & Environment

• Volunteer work can be physically demanding and may include cleaning, laundry, and general maintenance. Expect to get dirty!

• Outdoor duties are common and may involve exposure to weather extremes.

• Every task performed directly supports the care and well-being of wildlife.

• Mistakes are part of learning—be open to constructive feedback for the benefit of the animals.

• Patience with all animals, especially babies, is mandatory.

• Animal mistreatment will result in immediate dismissal. Wildlife animals are never disciplined like domestic animals.

• Repeated mistakes that harm animals will not be tolerated.

• Volunteers may receive up to two verbal warnings. A first written warning will follow; a second written warning results in dismissal.

• Director’s Motto: Work hard, play hard. Volunteers may only interact with ambassadors after completing all animal care duties.​

3.  Dress Code & Personal Appearance

• Wear clean, durable clothing such as jeans, T-shirts, or shorts (summer). Tank tops and crop tops are allowed, but no visible belly buttons.

• Footwear must have a back strap; closed-toe shoes are highly recommended. Flip-flops, slip-ons, and flimsy sandals are not allowed.

• Avoid clothing with rips, tears, or controversial/political messages.

• Earth-tone colors are preferred; avoid bright reds, oranges, neon, or flashy accessories.

• Dangly jewelry is discouraged for safety.

• For public events (fundraisers, education programs, etc.), dress neatly in appropriate attire (clean jeans/slacks, shirts/blouses).

• Volunteers violating the dress code may be asked to go home and change. Keep a spare set of clothes and shoes in your vehicle.​

4.  Professional Conduct & Interactions

• Always be courteous and respectful to staff, interns, volunteers, guests, and board members.

• Do not bring guests or children without prior permission.

• Respect others’ space, belongings, and roles.

• Avoid gossip or behavior that undermines team dynamics.

• Keep all internal matters and communications confidential.​

5.  Animal Welfare & Behavior Guidelines

• Speak quietly and move calmly around animals—they are here to heal.

• Refrain from using strong perfumes or scented lotions.

• Set phones to vibrate and take calls away from enclosures.

• Volunteers may not handle or clean rabies vector species (foxes, raccoons, skunks, bats, bobcats) unless vaccinated and up to date with boosters at their own expense.

• Volunteers are not permitted in the triage area unless explicitly directed or dropping off an animal.

• Understand that euthanasia and difficult medical decisions are sometimes necessary and made by trained staff. Not all animals will survive—please prepare emotionally for this.​

6.  Legal & Safety Policies

• Do not collect feathers or natural artifacts—this is prohibited by state and federal law.

• Smoking is not permitted near animals; smoke breaks can occur outside the back gate or in your car.

• Personal calls should be limited to 2–3 minutes and taken away from animal care areas.

• No AirPods around animals—light music is allowed in the barn only when animals are not present.​

7.  Visitor & Public Interaction

• SPWRC is not open to the public. If someone arrives, refer them to a staff member or designated volunteer.

• Visitors bringing donations or injured animals should be treated respectfully, and staff should be notified immediately.

• Remember, the Wildlife Center is not a zoo. Animals need privacy to recuperate.​​

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Thank you for your dedication to the care and well-being of wildlife at SPWRC. Have fun and love what you do!