PSSWF could not function without our fantastic volunteers! We only have one paid employee, and rely on our team of around 60 volunteers to keep everything running smoothly!
Become a Volunteer
In recent years, we have been fortunate to have a greater influx of interested volunteers. Because of this, we are implementing an application prior to the new volunteer orientation (see below). Please note that your answers to this application do not guarantee or deny your ability to volunteer, they just help us get to know you a little better before the orientation. To start the process, please submit an application by filling out the form at the bottom of this webpage.
Due to Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations, all volunteers must first attend a training/orientation that covers safety, diseases, and other topics before coming into contact with the animals. We usually offer volunteer orientation sessions once a year, but that can change based on our need. If you would like to find out more about volunteering, please read below or contact us!
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept volunteers under the age of 12. All volunteers between 12 and 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times while volunteering.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
ANIMAL CARE VOLUNTEER
Our animal care volunteers assist with feeding the animals and cleaning cages. You must be willing to clean, as this is the majority of what animal care entails! Animal care volunteers must be committed to one shift per week (occasional vacations or absences are fine). Morning (approximately 8am-12pm) and afternoon (approximately 2pm-6pm) shifts are available, and night owls are welcome too during spring/summer baby season to help with 10pm and 2am feedings. Volunteers must have a current rabies vaccine to handle or feed raccoons, foxes, and coyotes.
TRANSPORT VOLUNTEER
Because we serve all of Western Colorado, we are often in need of volunteers to help transport animals from the place they were rescued to PSSWF, from PSSWF to our vet in Fruita, and from PSSWF to their release location. Transport volunteers do not have to be available at all times - they are put on a call list and are called when a need arises. If you often travel to Silverthorne, Eagle, Glenwood Springs, Basalt, Aspen, Grand Junction, Meeker, or Delta/Montrose, we would love to have you on our transport team!
SPECIAL PROJECTS VOLUNTEER
Special projects volunteers are called in as-needed. These volunteers are usually called when we are working on a building project, moving several large animals, or significant cleaning projects.
OTHER
Do you have another skill that you think could help us? Facility maintenance, office work, and educational programming take a lot of our time as well!
We are always happy to have people skilled in:
Carpentry/plumbing/electrical/maintenance
Gardening and yard work
Educational programming, outreach, manning booths at events
Event and fundraiser planning
Grant writing
Office work (returning non-emergency calls and emails)
Social media
NOTE Please check your spam folder in the weeks following your application submission, as our response emails often get lost there. It can sometimes take us a few days or weeks to get back to you, especially during our busiest seasons, so please bear with us!