Help Wildlife. Make a Difference.
Every day, people across Pennsylvania encounter wild animals that are injured, orphaned, sick, or in distress. Wildlife in Need (WIN) connects those animals with the people and resources that can help.
Our organization operates entirely through the dedication of volunteers. Whether you prefer helping from home, transporting animals, or responding directly to wildlife emergencies, there is a place for you on our team.
Explore our volunteer opportunities and discover how you can help.
Wildlife Dispatcher
Help wildlife from wherever you are!
WIN Dispatchers are often the first point of contact for members of the public reporting wildlife emergencies. They play an essential role in connecting people with the appropriate assistance.
What Dispatchers Do
Receive calls from the public about injured, orphaned, or sick wildlife.
Gather information and determine whether a situation requires a WIN response.
Use WIN’s mobile application to alert available volunteers when assistance is needed.
Help coordinate communication between callers and responding volunteers.
Schedule and Requirements
WIN Dispatch operates seven days a week, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Volunteer shifts are typically two hours long, and scheduling is flexible.
Dispatchers use their own mobile devices and can volunteer from anywhere with reliable telephone and internet service.
Training is provided in WIN procedures, telephone etiquette, and use of the dispatch application.
Wildlife Courier
Help wildlife get to the care they need.
Wildlife Couriers play an essential supporting role in WIN’s rescue network by transporting animals that have already been safely captured and contained by authorized personnel.
Couriers work in coordination with permitted Capture & Transport volunteers and law enforcement agencies to help injured, orphaned, and sick wildlife reach Pennsylvania licensed wildlife rehabilitators.
What Wildlife Couriers Do
Transport contained wildlife at the request of permitted Capture & Transport personnel or law enforcement.
Meet authorized responders to transfer animals for transportation.
Accompany and assist Capture & Transport volunteers when appropriate.
Assist with coordinated rescue operations and other assigned support activities.
Important: Wildlife Couriers do not respond independently to requests from the general public and are not authorized to provide animal transportation services directly to the public. All transport assignments must be coordinated through WIN’s authorized response network.
Training
Wildlife Couriers complete an online training course covering safety, animal transportation procedures, and WIN protocols.
View the Wildlife Courier Training Course.
No Capture & Transport permit is required for this supporting role. Volunteers who wish to pursue a permit in the future are encouraged to gain experience as Wildlife Couriers.
Capture & Transport Permittee
Be part of the team responding directly to wildlife emergencies.
Capture & Transport (C&T) volunteers are trained and permitted to safely capture and deliver wildlife in need of professional care.
What Capture & Transport Permitted Volunteers Do
Respond to reports of injured, orphaned, or sick wildlife.
Evaluate situations and help determine whether intervention is necessary.
Safely capture and deliver wildlife to accepting Pennsylvania licensed rehabilitators or veterinarians.
Advise callers when wildlife should be left alone or when reuniting young animals with their parents is appropriate.
Participate in coordinated rescues and assist with training other volunteers.
Permit and Training Requirements
Capture & Transport volunteers must:
Complete approved Capture & Transport training and pass the required examination.
Obtain sponsorship from a Pennsylvania licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Receive a Capture & Transport permit from the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain their permit.
WIN assists qualified applicants in finding a sponsoring rehabilitator.
Training course fee: $50.
Ready to Join WIN?
Whether you’re answering calls, transporting animals, or responding to emergencies, your time and dedication can make a meaningful difference for Pennsylvania’s wildlife.
All volunteers receive guidance appropriate to their responsibilities. Applications are reviewed to help determine the best fit for each applicant and WIN’s current needs.