High Desert Wildlife
Rescue and Rehabilitation
(HDWRR)
Volunteer Manual
Bend Rehabilitation Center
62410 Erickson Road
Bend, OR 97701
Phone: (541) 241-8680
Volunteer Contacts:
Dodie and Barbie
[email protected]
More info: www.highdesertwildlife.org/volunteertraining
HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014
Introduction
Welcome to High Desert Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation. We are proud
to have you join our team! Being a volunteer is extremely rewarding,
educational, exciting and fun. Your attendance, dedication and
participation help keep our facility operating. Thank you again for donating
your time to the many animals in our care.
This manual has been prepared for you as a reference. It should help you
learn about us and will serve as your guideline as you begin your volunteer
work with us. Feel free to ask questions. We believe all questions are important, so please do not
hesitate to ask. As a volunteer, you are a vital and valuable component of our mission. As such,
volunteers are expected to be familiar with and adhere to our policies and procedures.
In addition to the work that requires close contact with animals, we also need help with clerical duties,
fundraising, special events and special projects. All tasks are very important for the animals. If you
would rather volunteer for tasks that do not directly involve animals, we can definitely use your help.
Mission Statement
“Providing quality healthcare for injured wildlife, sharing ideas and collaborating with others through
research and education to foster a community dedicated to preserving biodiversity.”
About Us
HDWRR was established in March, 2013. We are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release
of native Oregon wildlife. HDWRR started out with a veterinary technician and a veterinarian doing
wildlife rehabilitation out of their private home. After establishment, HDWRR received a donation of a
small house on four acres for use as a wildlife hospital and rehabilitation facility. In its first year of
operation, approximately 250 animals have been cared for at this new location.
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HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014
The need for wildlife rehabilitation in Central Oregon is ongoing and growing, due to the increasing
human population and, therefore, human/wildlife conflicts. Approximately 99% of wildlife received is in
need of care due to human activity. HDWRR is a non-profit organization operating mainly on
donations and volunteer help. We also rely on limited revenue from our reptile veterinary services.
Rehabilitation Center Hours of Operation
OPEN 24/7
HDWRR’s veterinary team will take phone calls 24 hours a day. Based on information collected from
after hours phone calls, our veterinarian or veterinary technician will determine whether or not an
animal needs to be admitted immediately. Wildlife in distress can be brought to the physical address
on the following page.
For animals needing urgent care, we are equipped for most emergencies. Our treatment area is set
up for basic ER treatment: IV or SQ fluids, antibiotics, corticosteroids and pain medicines. We work
cooperatively with the Animal Emergency Center of Bend and also Bend Veterinary Clinic, who
graciously donates their anesthesia, radiology and surgery suites for our use with wildlife.
Contact Information
Veterinarian:
Dr. Jeff Cooney
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (541) 241-8680
Cell: (541) 693-3416
Veterinary Technician:
Jeannette Bonomo
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (541) 241-8680
Cell: (541) 306-8462
HDWRR Mailing Address:
Physical Address:
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HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014
2660 NE Hwy. 20
Ste. 610 #219
Bend, OR 97701
62410 Erickson Road
Bend, OR 97701
Volunteer Application Process
All potential volunteers must submit a High Desert Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation volunteer
application and waiver. This can be picked up at our rehabilitation center. Upon submission of your
application and waiver, you will be contacted by the Volunteer Coordinator via telephone or email. All
volunteers must go through a mandatory orientation. If accepted into our volunteer program, you will
be contacted by the Volunteer Coordinator to schedule your volunteer hours. We reserve the right to
deny any applicant.
All applicants must be 18 years of age or older to volunteer with HDWRR.
Volunteers MUST represent High Desert Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation in a professional manner
at all times. Use of foul language is prohibited. Present yourself with a smile.
Volunteers MUST never give false or inaccurate information to the public. If you do not know the
answers to a question, direct the person to the Veterinary Technician or Veterinarian.
Volunteers MUST be able to tolerate exposure to cleaning agents.
Volunteers MUST learn and practice safe animal handling.
Volunteer Positions and Descriptions
Animal Care Assistant:
Help give the wildlife a healthy, pleasant and stress-free environment while in our care.
Duties include:

Cleaning cages, crates and flight pens

Provide fresh food and water to the animals/birds

Washing food and water bowls, and any food prep utensils/kitchenware
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HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014

Laundering bedding, towels, blankets

Cleaning general workspaces (exam and kitchen areas, intake area)

Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming where appropriate
Requirements:

Must be able to bend and lift

Must be able to dedicate a minimum of 2 hours of time per visit
Rescue and Transport Volunteers:
We are always in need of dedicated volunteers wiling to rescue and transport wildlife to the
rehabilitation center.
Duties include:

Knowledge of safe animal/bird handling

Insuring the safety and welfare of animals that you are transporting
Requirements:

Must be equipped with rescue supplies (crate/box, towels, gloves, intake paperwork)

Keep transport as stress-free as possible for animal (no music, loud talking)

Must be able to bend and lift
Clerical Assistant:
Provides assistance to HDWRR staff with office operations.
Duties include:

Answering phone or returning calls

Filing paperwork

Assisting the public with accurate information

Data entry

Other office work, as needed
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HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014
Requirements:

Must have excellent customer service and communication skills

Assisting the public with general questions

Good organizational skills and a willingness to help
Special Events/Fundraising Volunteers:
These volunteers are on an as-needed basis to assist in special events or fundraisers. This is an
excellent opportunity for those volunteers that do not wish to work directly with the animals or at the
center.
Duties include:

Distribution of flyers and other advertisements

Recruiting other event participants

Collect materials and transport to event locations

Attends and participates at events which include setup/cleanup

Assist in transporting applicable animals to events (i.e. education animals)

Speaking to the public under the instruction of the volunteer coordinator
Requirements:

Must be able to bend and lift

Must have excellent customer service and communication skills

Must be familiar and comfortable with animal handling
Other Volunteer Opportunities:
If you are unable to come in to the facility, there are still many more ways for you to help…

Scrap-booking or photo albums – Put together a scrap book or photo album of wildlife being
cared for by fellow volunteers or staff. Include newspaper articles and special stories.

Collect and donate items from our wish list, such as towels, blankets, sheets, laundry supplies
and animal carriers…

Save newspapers for lining our cages and crates.
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HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014

Write short articles about our patients or what’s new at HDWRR, to be included in our
newsletter.

Set a positive example by being a responsible wildlife advocate. For example, if you’re a cat
owner, keep your cat indoors. Educate others as to why this is so important.

Spread the word about HDWRR - what we do, what sets us apart, and our mission.

We welcome your creativity! We encourage you to use your individual talents, skills and ideas
to make a difference for the wildlife at HDWRR and in our community.
Volunteer Policies and Procedures
High Desert Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation relies on its volunteers to be dependable and effective
during their volunteer hours. All volunteers must abide by the policies and procedures.
Accidents and Incidents
Any accident or incident must be reported immediately to the Volunteer Coordinator or another
supervisor or lead. You will be required to fill out an accident report and may be required to seek
medical attention.
Animal Bites or Scratches
Animal bites are serious. If an animal bite breaks a person’s skin, a report may have to be completed.
If you are bitten while volunteering, no matter how minor it may appear, it must be reported to a
supervisor.
If you are bitten by a mammal other than a squirrel or other rodent, a bite report will likely be filled out
by a staff member so the animal can be observed for rabies.
A volunteer who neglects to report a mammal bite they receive while volunteering for High Desert
Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation will have their volunteer privileges immediately revoked.
It is recommended that volunteers have a current Tetanus immunization. Volunteer should check with
their family physician to see if a tetanus shot is needed before volunteering in a wildlife care facility.
Only those volunteers with a current Rabies vaccination may be trained to care for bats.
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HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014
Euthanasia
Euthanasia is not a pleasant topic, however it is a very real part of wildlife rehabilitation. It is the
veterinarian and veterinary technician who bear the burden of this task. Volunteers do not participate
in the euthanasia process and are asked to respect the veterinary team’s judgment and experience. If
you have specific questions about a decision, or disposition of an animal, please ask the vet or vet
tech.
High Desert Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation euthanizes animals in the following circumstances:

Critically ill or injured wildlife, with permanent disability due to illness or injury.

Wildlife deemed non-releasable

Patients exhibiting uncontrollable neurological symptoms

Patients with untreatable, contagious diseases

Species with “Non-Native” status, as required by State law
Parking
Please park along Erickson Road (north of driveway) or in driveway if able to do so without blocking
in other vehicles.
Restricted Areas
Some of the areas in the rehabilitation center are off-limits to volunteers because of disease control,
animal comfort or overnight staff privacy. Failure to comply with this rule is reason to immediately
revoke volunteer privileges. Volunteers may work in some of the following areas to assist with
cleaning only when accompanied by a staff member.
The clinical/exam area is used for evaluating patients health status’ and treatments. Use of the exam
table is off-limits to volunteers. Only the staff veterinarian may authorize a volunteer to assist in this
area.
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HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014
The pharmacy shelves and drug safe are off-limits to volunteers. New intakes are not to be
handled and/or fed by volunteers. This reduces the potential of volunteers being put in dangerous
situations and helps insure the safety of the animals in our care.
Volunteers are not permitted at the front desk unless they are assigned clerical duties.
Revocation of Volunteer Privileges
Volunteer privileges may be suspended or revoked at any time, with or without reason or cause.
Safety
It is essential that we work together to identify safety hazards for people and animals.
Practice effective hygiene at the center and at home by adhering to the following:

Wash hands frequently with antibacterial soap or an antimicrobial solution, especially
before and after handling any animal/bird and prior to eating. Please be sure to wash
hands in between any contact with patients.

Educate yourself – be aware of the importance of wearing gloves and using
antibacterial or antimicrobial solutions when working around animals.

Use gloves when changing bedding, washing food or water bowls or cleaning up any
animal excrements.

Disinfect scratches and bites wounds thoroughly. All bite wounds must be reported to a
supervisor.

Stay current on appropriate vaccinations, such as tetanus.

Tell your physician that you work closely with animals, particularly wildlife.

Be sure that your own animals at home are up-to-date with their vaccinations.

We suggest that you always change clothes before socializing with your own animals at
home.
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HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014
Keeping the center a safe environment:

Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots. Refer to the “Center
Attire” section below.

“Wet Floor” signs should be placed on wet walking surfaces without exception.

Use gloves when changing bedding, washing food or water bowls or cleaning up animal
excrements.

Disinfect scratches and bite wounds thoroughly.

Never handle an animal/bird that you are uncomfortable with.
Scheduling, Sign-in/out Procedures and Volunteer Status
Scheduling Procedures:
In order to help this program run effectively and efficiently, we require that volunteers schedule their
volunteer visits in advance with our Volunteer Coordinator. This helps ensure that we have our
volunteer positions covered and are not under or over staffed. It is important that in the event you
cannot make it for your scheduled hours you remove yourself from the schedule. It is advisable to let
the Volunteer Coordinator know of any changes in your schedule.
Sign-in/out Procedures:
All volunteers must sign in at the time of their arrival on each occasion they volunteer. Sign-in sheets
are located in the front office area of the rehab center. Please do not forget to sign out before leaving.
There are several reasons we ask our volunteers to sign in and out. Safety, statistics, and
requirements of other programs are a few of the reasons.
Safety: In case of an emergency event, we need to know who is in the facility.
Statistics: It is important that we keep track of our volunteers, as we are a non-profit entity
operating on donations and potential grant awards. Keeping accurate records of all aspects of
our facility is imperative in order to continue to receive funding to operate and improve services
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HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014
for the animals in our care and in our community. We also need this information when applying
for grants and other funding.
Requirements of other programs: Many of our volunteers are offering their time as a
requirement for schools and other organizations. In order to be assured that you receive the
proper credit, the sign-in/out policies must be adhered to.
Volunteer Status
There are two status types for volunteers – Active and Inactive. An Active Volunteer is one that
volunteers at least 6 hours every month. A volunteer’s status becomes inactive when they have not
volunteered for 6 months.
We request if a volunteer chooses to end their volunteer relationship with us that the volunteer notify
the Volunteer Coordinator in writing or via email. This helps us improve our volunteer program.
Rehabilitation Center Attire
Volunteers should wear casual clothes that are appropriate both for working with animals and
meeting the public. It is important to be able to function comfortably, and safely, with our volunteer
tasks. Assigned facility shirts, jeans and long shorts are acceptable to wear. Surgical scrubs are an
optimal uniform. Volunteers must remember that while you are here, you are representing the center
and your professional appearance and conduct help form the public’s overall impression of the
organization. Volunteers must represent the organization in a professional manner. Short-shorts,
revealing clothing, or clothing with inappropriate slogans, advertisements or logos that are considered
offensive to the public, other volunteers or staff are strictly prohibited.
Non-slip, closed toed shoes are required. Open-toed shoes are prohibited (such as sandals or flipflops). Bare feet are strictly prohibited. Athletic shoes or other non-slip enclosed shoes would be
appropriate center footwear.
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HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014
Jewelry and perfume should be kept to a minimum. Some animals are very sensitive to perfumes.
Dangling jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets and earrings may become entangled on a cage or
kennel, latch or fence. Some birds find these shiny items to be particularly fun and enticing!
Drug and Alcohol Policy
HDWRR has a zero tolerance policy for drug or alcohol use on company property. HDWRR has a
significant interest in promoting a safe and productive atmosphere for all volunteers and staff. The
use of or being under the influence of illegal drugs on HDWRR premises, or while conducting
HDWRR business is inconsistent with HDWRR’s policy and is prohibited. Consumption of alcoholic
beverages while on HDWRR’s premises is likewise prohibited unless authorized by the President
solely at a corporate function. However, absolutely no circumstances will intoxication be tolerated
while on HDWRR’s premises or while conducting HDWRR business. Behavior contrary to this policy
may result in immediate termination from the volunteer program.
Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices
The use of cell phones or other electronic devices is strictly forbidden when handling any of our
animals. The sounds from these devices are stressful to wildlife. This rule is for the safety of the
animal and the person handling the animal. You may use these devices outside, away from any
wildlife in rehabilitation.
Smoking
HDWRR complies with the State and local laws concerning smoking and is a smoke-free workplace.
Smoking is prohibited in front of the facility, or within 10 feet from HDWRR entrances, exits, windows
that open or near any vehicles. Additionally, if you smoke while in a HDWRR provided uniform, you
must cover up HDWRR’s logo or remove the uniform.
Absenteeism/Tardiness
Our staff and animals are counting on your help. Volunteers must make every effort to show up and
be on time for their scheduled volunteer hours. We understand that there may be times when your
absence or tardiness cannot be avoided. In these cases, it is your responsibility to email or call the
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HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014
Volunteer Coordinator or your supervisor prior to any absence or tardiness, or as soon as possible
directly after. Failure to call or email, or show up for your scheduled hours THREE times within a sixmonth period may result in termination from the Volunteer Program.
Please let the Volunteer Coordinator know if you plan to be absent for an extended amount of time,
so other arrangements can be made to cover your volunteer hours.
Friends and Relatives
Volunteers are not allowed to bring friends or family members with them during their scheduled
volunteer shifts. Only people who are over the age of 18 and have been trained as a volunteer in our
program are allowed to be in the facilities. Pets are strictly prohibited from HDWRR premises.
THANK YOU!
Thank you for taking the time to read this manual. It is very important that all policies and procedures
are followed, and that volunteers and staff work together.
We appreciate your time and dedication and we want your volunteer experience to be rewarding.
Welcome and thank you for your support.
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