Wildlife Transport Volunteer – Sunderland

About us

We are currently looking for volunteers to support with the retrieval and transport of wildlife from areas across Sunderland to Pawz for Though in North Hylton, Sunderland. This will be a varied and busy role involving a range of different animals including birds, hedgehogs and other wildlife (and sometimes domesticated animals). The role is on an ad-hoc basis as it is in response to callouts from members of the public.

Please note, volunteers will have to ensure their car insurance covers volunteering. We unfortunately cannot cover the expense of this.

The role

Every week we receive hundreds of calls from concerned members of the public about wildlife. We are currently looking for volunteers to support with answering these calls and offering guidance and support, as well as with other administration tasks. This will be a varied and busy role.

Main tasks and activities

• Responding to calls in your local area to collect secured animals from people who cannot bring them to us and transporting them to Pawz for Thought in Sunderland.
• Taking key information from callers and organising to collect (information for collection requests is posted in a volunteers Facebook messaging group and volunteers contact callers directly to arrange collection).
• Where necessary and safe to do so, securing and containing animals for rescue (this is often the case where the caller cannot or isn’t able to try to contain an animal).
• Checking the welfare of animals.
• This role will likely involve handling animals (training and equipment will be provided).
• You may also collect material or financial donations – this might be as a separate task or someone donating when you collect an animal.
• Representing Pawz in a friendly and professional manner.

Relevant skills

• An interest and/or passion for wildlife and animals.
• Experience of animal care would be brilliant, but not necessary.
• Experience of or a willingness to adhere to organisational policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and use your initiative, as things can often be very busy.
• Ability to assess risk and whether you can do something safely before you do so (advice can be offered by Pawz for Thought and other volunteers).
• Attention to detail.
• Punctual, reliable and trustworthy.
• Ability to work well in a team.
• Strong listening skills.
• Ability to be flexible, resilient and able to problem-solve.
• Non-judgmental, open minded and empathetic attitude.

What this role can offer volunteers

• Induction and support.
• Opportunity to develop and utilise your skills and experience.
• Gain valuable experience for those seeking a career in animal care or veterinary medicine or in wildlife organisations.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Being part of a team and supporting the organisation.
• The chance to play a vital part in helping animals.

If you would like to apply for this role, or to have a conversation about it, please get in touch at volunteering@pawzforthought.org