Volunteer Opportunities

We Can’t Do It Without You!

Florida Wildlife Hospital (FWH) would not be able to assist over 5,000 patients annually without the work of dedicated and motivated volunteers. Working side by side with staff, volunteers provide quality, compassionate care for our patients and help to empower our community through education to protect native Florida wildlife and their natural environment.

FWH strives to provide experiences that make the giving of volunteer time worthwhile, rewarding, and enriching. There are endless opportunities to learn about native wildlife and make a difference in the community while volunteering with FWH.

In 2022, our volunteers contributed 15,460 hours to help Keep Wildlife Wild!

Becoming A Volunteer

Commitment Policy:

Volunteers are expected to come in on a weekly basis (3.5 hours) and to notify the hospital if they are unable to come in for their regular shift.
Volunteers should be able to commit to volunteering for at least 3 months.

Age Restrictions:

Those under 16 years of age are not eligible to volunteer on FWH property.

Students ages 16 and 17:

Must complete 30 hours within 4 months for paperwork for school to be signed off.
Must have a Permission Form signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Other Restrictions:

We do not accept any court-ordered community service.
Peanuts are a common ingredient in our animals’ diets. If you have a peanut allergy this may not be a good match for your volunteer needs.

Application Process:

Submit application online.
Pass a criminal background check.
Attend one 1-hour online orientation
Pay $40 fee which covers t-shirt, name badge, on-boarding paperwork, and a 1-year membership to the Florida Wildlife Hospital.
Attend one 3-hour training day after attending orientation.
Agree to and sign our Liability Release and all policies related to FWH.

Please understand that acceptance to the Volunteer Program is not automatic or guaranteed.

Current Volunteer Openings

If you are interested in volunteering with us, please indicate the primary area in which you’re interested in your application. We offer many growth opportunities and the chance to learn more ways to help as you progress in your volunteering. If you submit an application, it will only be considered for the open positions below.

Nursery Volunteer

Nursery volunteers are responsible for assisting staff with supportive animal care including laundry, dishes, wash station, diet prep, tortoise care, and general cleaning. Nursery volunteers may be invited to volunteer in other areas of the hospital based on performance and skills. Reports to Nursery Staff.

Groundskeeping Volunteer

Groundskeeper volunteers work to maintain lawns, including mowing, trimming, pruning, raking, and weeding. Must have experience with servicing and maintaining lawn equipment. Reports to Maintenance Manager.

Public Speaking Volunteer

Public Speaking volunteers work with our education team to represent the hospital at programs and events. They learn about the hospital, correct advise on how to help wildlife, and our formal presentations that we give at schools, scout groups, retirement homes, etc. This position does not work with the Education Animals. People wishing to work with animals need to start as a Nursery Volunteer. Reports to Outreach & Volunteer Manager.

How To Apply To Volunteer

For questions regarding Florida Wildlife Hospital’s Volunteer Program, please contact our Volunteer Manager at (321) 254-8843 ext. 202 or OVM@floridawildlifehospital.org

Please see our current volunteer openings and submit an application below apply to volunteer.

Volunteers Apply

Volunteer Partner Groups

Bring your organization or business and give back in a BIG way! Group volunteer opportunities include gardening, building projects, and more. To learn about Volunteer Group Projects, including Eagle Scout and Gold Award projects, please contact our Volunteer Manager at OVM@floridawildlifehospital.org.

Group Application

Volunteer Login

Volunteer Website