Help us care for injured and oiled wildlife!
Volunteer orientations are usually offered monthly at both our California wildlife centers. Please submit a volunteer application below and we will alert you to the next class.
You must be at least 18 years old to volunteer. All volunteers are required to attend an initial orientation as a prerequisite before volunteering with us. Sign up via the links below.
We ask volunteers to join our membership at a suggested price of $50 to cover the cost of training materials and a volunteer t-shirt at the completion of 40 hours. If your financial situation will make this fee difficult, please let us know.
Get Started
Complete and submit an online volunteer application form for your wildlife center of choice.
Los Angeles Wildlife Center (San Pedro, CA)
You must first fill out an online application for the Los Angeles Center before attending orientation.
Directions to the Los Angeles Wildlife Center. Enter at 32nd Street and Barlow Saxton Road and head over the hill. You’ll see Bird Rescue off to the right, next to the Marine Mammal Care Center.
Email volunteer.la@bird-rescue.org with any questions.
San Francisco Bay-Delta Wildlife Center (Fairfield, CA)
You must first fill out an online application for the San Francisco Bay Center before attending orientation.
Directions to the San Francisco Bay-Delta Wildlife Center
Email volunteer.sfbay@bird-rescue.org with any questions.
The Volunteer Experience
Volunteer support is critical to the care and support that we give our patients, whether working directly with the animals we care for, or supporting their care through answering phones, filing, cleaning, laundry, or construction. We value your skills and want your experience to be rewarding and fulfilling. However you choose to help, you are helping to return these amazing creatures back into the wild.
In the meantime, you can help by purchasing much-needed items from our Wishlists or by making a Donation!
Every day, International Bird Rescue strives to improve medical and husbandry techniques for aquatic birds in captivity. We are proud of the dedication and support of our volunteers who participate in every aspect of the rehabilitation process. Their involvement is vital and directly impacts the successful return of animals to the wild.
Internships
Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Volunteer Internship Program is focused on aquatic bird rehabilitation and oil spill response. This program is open to all applicants, both international and from the United States, and is available at both of our facilities: Los Angeles Wildlife Center in San Pedro, CA, and the San Francisco Bay-Delta Wildlife Center in Fairfield, CA. In order to qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the start of their internship.
Volunteer interns in the rehabilitation program may be eligible for reimbursement up to $500 per month for expenses related to the internship during this three to six month program.