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Why volunteer

Make a real impact

Support patient care

Help with daily tasks that keep patients comfortable, safe, and on track for release.

Learn and grow

Build skills in animal care, teamwork, and nonprofit operations while working alongside our team.

Strengthen our community

Be part of a local network of people who care about wildlife and responsible coexistence.

Two volunteers working together at an animal shelter
Volunteer roles

Ways to help

Roles vary by season and current needs. Weโ€™ll help match your interests, comfort level, and availability.

Volunteer drying an animal with a towel at a clinic

Clinic support

Assist with cleaning, laundry, dishwashing, food prep, and organizing supplies to keep the clinic running smoothly.

Iโ€™m interested
Volunteer feeding a young squirrel at a rescue center

Animal care assistance

Support routine husbandry tasks under guidance, such as preparing diets and helping maintain enclosures.

Iโ€™m interested
Panoramic view of a forested valley landscape in Pennsylvania

Outreach and admin

Help with events, education support, data entry, fundraising prep, and other behind-the-scenes tasks.

Iโ€™m interested
Volunteer

Volunteer opportunities

Explore roles below, then use the โ€œIโ€™m interestedโ€ links to email us with the role name in the subject line.

Intake Assistant

  • Answer intake calls and gather key details (species, location found, condition, finder contact info).
  • Provide safe, species-appropriate containment guidance until drop-off.
  • Coordinate appointment-only drop-offs and communicate arrival instructions.
  • Document intake information clearly for the care team.

Meal Specialists

  • Prepare diets and portion meals according to established protocols.
  • Label, date, and store prepared foods properly.
  • Support feeding schedules by stocking prep areas and supplies.
  • Maintain cleanliness and food-safety standards in prep spaces.

Inventory Count/Countess

  • Count and track clinic supplies (cleaning, bedding, PPE, medical, and food items).
  • Note low-stock items and communicate needs to the team.
  • Help organize storage areas so items are easy to find and restock.
  • Assist with periodic inventory checks and simple record updates.

Resident Care Specialist

  • Support daily care routines for non-releasable residents under staff guidance.
  • Help maintain clean, enriched habitats and rotate enrichment items as directed.
  • Observe and report behavior, appetite, and any concerns to the care team.
  • Assist with diet prep and habitat upkeep specific to resident needs.

General Maintenance

  • Assist with light repairs and upkeep (as approved and scheduled).
  • Help with outdoor tasks such as tidying, basic landscaping, and seasonal prep.
  • Support enclosure and facility maintenance projects under direction.
  • Keep work areas safe, organized, and clean.

Laundry Extraordinaire

  • Wash, dry, and fold towels, blankets, and other clinic linens.
  • Sort items appropriately and follow sanitation protocols.
  • Keep laundry and storage areas organized and stocked.
  • Communicate when linens or detergents are running low.

Animal Care Assistants

General responsibilities (under staff/rehabber guidance):

  • Support routine husbandry tasks such as cleaning, refreshing bedding, and sanitizing equipment.
  • Prepare and portion diets as trained and directed.
  • Help maintain enclosures and ensure animals have appropriate water/food setups as instructed.
  • Observe and report changes in behavior, appetite, or condition to the care team.
  • Follow safety and biosecurity protocols to protect both volunteers and wildlife.
Getting started

What to expect

We aim to make volunteering clear, supportive, and safe for both people and wildlife.

1) Reach out

Email info@acornacreswr.com with your interests, availability, and any relevant experience.


2) Orientation

Weโ€™ll review safety, biosecurity, and role expectations so you feel confident before you start.


3) Training and scheduling

Training is role-specific. Scheduling depends on current needs and seasonality.


4) Ongoing support

Youโ€™ll have a point of contact for questions, feedback, and next steps as you grow in your role.

FAQ

Volunteer questions

Not sure where you fit? Here are answers to common questions.

Email to Volunteer

Tell us what youโ€™re interested in and when youโ€™re available. Weโ€™ll follow up with current needs and next steps.

Email Us

Clinic/Drop-off (By Appointment Only): 2100 Stone Mill Road, Lancaster, PA
Mailing Address: PO Box 201, Millersville, PA 17551