The Wildlife Center receives many calls from members of the public who want to help rescue wildlife, but are unable to transport the animal. Volunteer transporters provide a vital, life-saving service to both the Wildlife Center and the community by facilitating the rescue/transport of wild animals.
If a citizen calls and needs transporting assistance, a Center front-desk coordinator will determine the best course of action for the animal in need. If rescue/transport is needed, the front-desk coordinator will give the rescuer names and phone numbers for three to six volunteer transporters. The citizen rescuer contacts these transporters to see who is available to transport the animal to the Wildlife Center (or another designated closer permitted rehabilitator). Transporters are always free to tell a caller that they are unavailable, knowing that the caller has been given other transporter numbers.
Requirements: Transporters must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive contained, injured or orphaned wild animals to/from the Center in their own vehicle. Transporters must agree to follow the recommended guidelines and policies provided by the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
Availability and application: Transporters from all over the state of Virginia are always needed, but especially so in the following areas:
Regions:
Eastern Shore
Chesapeake Bay
Northern Virginia
Southwest Virginia
Southern Virginia
Cities/Counties:
Charles City County
Cumberland County
Danville
Franklin County (Rocky Mount)
Goochland
Madison County
Martinsville
New Kent
Prince William County (Woodbridge)
Roanoke
Stafford County
Surry County
Sussex County
Washington County (Abingdon)
Westmoreland County (Warsaw, Montross)*
Winchester
Wythe County (Wytheville)
*Strong need for volunteers in this area.
Please click here to fill out an application.
Once we receive your application, the front-desk staff will email applicants with additional information. Unless otherwise specified, applicants will be added to the active referral list immediately. New transport volunteers may receive calls from the public for transport assistance right away, or it may be several months until the first call.
Learn more about our on-site outreach and veterinary department volunteer opportunities.
Thanks for your interest in volunteering with the Wildlife Center of Virginia!