In Western Australia you need a “Licence” to rehabilitate Wildlife (unless you are working under a Shelter/Group/Licenced Individual). More information can be found on DBCA website HERE.
Become a Volunteer
Get in touch with your local Wildlife Shelter and become a volunteer.
No experience necessary as training is provided! Most shelter’s require volunteers to commit to a shift which is usually a few hours a day, once a week/fortnight. Some shelter’s will also require you to have some form of an induction which will give you some insight as to the tasks you will be undertaking.If you are unable to commit to a shift at the shelter there are other ways you can help:
- Sewing (joey bags)
- Assisting with “Wildlife Releases”
- Build “Possum Boxes”
- With your workplace organise a “Corporate Busy Bee” at the Shelter of your choice.
Training
Many of the Wildlife Shelter’s hold training sessions that are open to the general public. These can be on a whole range of topics (Reptile Care, Baby Birds, Kangaroo/Possum Care etc) . Visit their Facebook pages or websites for more details.
DBCA (Parks and Wildlife) also run the courses which are essential if anyone is wishing to become a Licenced Rehabilitator with DBCA. For more information on course dates please click HERE
If you do not live near any Wildlife Shelters/Groups, consider trying to find yourself a “mentor”. This is someone who lives in/near your area who is caring for wildlife. They may appreciate some assistance during the busy season. They can also give you some hands on experience and guidance when it comes to rehabilitating wildlife.
Wildlife Release Sites
We are always looking for “Release Sites” for our wildlife.
Sadly, not all wildlife can be returned to their home for a number of reasons. Sometimes their home has been destroyed by land development, or there is already an abundance of that species already in that area etc.
If you feel your place may be suitable please send us an email for more information.
Financial Donations
Wildlife Shelters are usually, not-for-profit organisations and cannot run without funding! They rely on donations to keep their centres running to meet the needs of the Wildlife they admit. Some shelters receive no government subsidies and solely rely on donations and their own fundraising events. To donate to your local Wildlife Shelter, visit their website.
Licenced Wildlife Rehabilitators (those who do not necessarily volunteer at/with a particular group) are also self funded. Many times they must dig deep into their own pockets to meet costs. They also rely on the donations of those people they are assisting to help look after the wildlife in their care.
Donate Goods
A big cost for Wildlife Shelters/Rehabilitators are the day to goods. Many will accept donations of good. Please contact whoever it is you wish to donate to before shopping to ensure its not something they may already of excess of. Some of the goods needed are:
- Dish Liquid
- Laundry Liquid
- Sponges/Clothes
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Hand Sanitiser
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Toilet Paper
- Toilet Cleaner
- Boxes of Tissues
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Small and large towels
- Tea Towels
- Garbage Bags
- Rubber/Disposable/Heavy Duty Gloves
- Newspaper
- Pillow cases
- Fruits and vegetables
- Sunscreen
Perth Wildlife Rescue Network 