Principles of Volunteering at the Center
One of the Center’s most significant education programs is its volunteer program. Volunteering at the Center is all about learning. It is also about doing something for the community, especially the community of wild animals that live in and among our neighborhoods. There are no age barriers for volunteers; anyone of any age can come to the Center and participate in caring for animals and helping the Center provide for its own unique community. Volunteers work on special events like our “Night of a Thousand Faces” Halloween event. Volunteers also conduct tours, raise money, walk our llama and goat, clean, feed and exercise reptiles, conduct birthday parties, and assist in the exams of animals for the Odd Pet Vet. As volunteers work and care for animals and our facility they are taught about the biology of life on Earth, about work and work ethic, and about how to ask investigative and discovery style questions. Volunteers work along side wildlife biologists, veterinarians, interns, and other volunteers. The Center embraces and encourages mentor style hands-on apprentice–type education and work.
Volunteer Application Download
I am planning on attending orientation with my 11 yr old daughter so we can hopefully volunteer this summer. I have a 7 yr old son too. Would he be able to volunteer or is he too young?
Hi Jen, As long as you are with your son he is more than welcome to volunteer with us. See you soon!
Hello, I went to the volunteering orientation on the 17th of March, however because I am enrolled in a school two hours away from home I could not start volunteering just yet. I am, however coming home next week and plan on volunteering for the next 4 months. Should I go to another orientation first or go ahead and schedule my days? I don’t have my paperwork with me therefore I am not sure exactly who to call on this matter and I want to set everything up as soon as possible so as to start volunteering shortly after coming home.
Hi Polina, You only need to attend one volunteer orientation. You should contact Steve Martin to set up next steps. Look forward to having you at New England Wildlife Center!
Thank you, I’m excited! Is there an e-mail or phone number I can contact him by, I can’t seem to find it on the website? Or should I just call the center and ask for him?
Hi Polina, 781 682 4878 and Steve’s ext. is 126.
Anyone at the front desk can help you too. Best, Katrina
Hi,
Where will I be able to find the list of volunteer positions?
Thanks,
Janis
Hi Janis, thanks for your interest in volunteering at the Center. The application is on line and their is a monthly volunteer orientation – third Sat of the month at noon – where we talk about all of the opportunities. Please call the Center and talk with Nina to double check because sometimes they are moved to a different Saturday. When you fill out your application, please write in your goals for volunteering at the Center, even though there isn’t yet a space for that on the application. That way, we can make sure we can accommodate you. I look forward to meeting you. Have a nice Friday. Best regards, Katrina
Hi my name is Mia and my friend and I are interested in volunteering but the only thing is we are 12 years old …………Can we still volunteer with no parent or guardian super vision? Please help!!!
Sincerely,
Mia<3
Hi my name is Mia and me and my best friend Ryan are interesting in volunteering but our age is 12 ……… is it possible for us to both sign up without an adults super vision? We are very intrested and work very properly with all animals. Please let me know if this is possible
Sincerely,
Mia
Hi Mia,
Unfortunately its our policy that all volunteers under age 17 need to have an adult guardian with them while volunteering. Maybe one of your parents can come help out with you and Ryan.
–NEWC Staff
I am interested in volunteering with my 9 year old daughter. She is passionate about animals and the environment. Would this be possible?
Thank you!
Hi Jennifer, Yes. There is a volunteer application form that you can download from this website and bring with you to the volunteer orientation which is held on the third saturday of each month from 12 -2. Directions are on this website too. You can also call 781 682 4878. We look forward to meeting you. Have a great day! Best, Katrina
Thanks Katrina~we are definitely interested, but have had a busy few weeks with family members moving. Is the next orientation on January 21st?
Best to call ahead to double check the week before. Look forward to meeting you. Best, Katrina
To Whom It May Concern:
I am a current junior at Barnard College, Columbia University, studying pre-veterinary and Biology. I have been working at a veterinary clinic in NYC for about 2 years so I am great handling domestic animals. I would, however, like experience with more of a variety of animals, not just cats and dogs. Would I be able to interact one-on-one with the animals if I volunteer and would I be able to volunteer for maybe just 2 weeks in the summer (because I live in New York)?
Thanks so much and look forward to hearing back from you!
Hi,
I am interested in volunteering but have a question on the application. There is a section that asks to list the positions we would be interested in and the time requirements but there isn’t a list of positions. Can you tell what positions are available and the time frames of those positions?
Thanks! Jackie
Great question Jacqueline,
Positions at the center all blend into one during your stay. What the application is asking for in this segment is what are your interested positions/ focuses while being here i.e. public presenter, animal care taker, office work, media work, out reach programmer, odd job/ craft projects ect.
There are basic day to day tasks that you will be instructed to contribute to that may not fall under the “fun” category, but it is essential that these types of task get complete every day.
Volunteer orientations are held every 3rd Saturday of the month at 12 noon, at which time commitments will be explained more in detail.
See you there!
Simone,
The Center takes in volunteers all year round. After filling out the application that you can download here, you must attend a volunteer orientation to be put on the schedule.
Orientations are held every 3rd Saturday of the month at Noon. The next one will be October 15th @ noon.
See you there,
Kyle
I would like to volunteer some of my time on weekends.
Please let me know a direct eamil to send my application