Volunteer FAQs and Requirements

HHS Wildlife Center Frequently Asked Questions and Requirements

Do you offer court-appointed community service? No

Is there availability for one-time volunteering? We do not currently have one-time volunteering, however volunteers who cannot commit to volunteering the minimum 16 hours per month are welcome to volunteer in our Support Shifts which do not require advanced training or animal handling. 

Can my teenager volunteer if I’m with them? We currently do not offer any volunteer opportunities for those under the age of 18**

Can I be a volunteer if I have a criminal record? We require all volunteers to pass a background check.

Can I apply and pay in person? Our application and onboarding process is completely online.

What types of volunteering opportunities are available?  Please watch our Interest and Orientation Video or select the individual opportunities on our website to find out more.

Do you have corporate or group volunteering opportunities? Yes, please check out our Group and Scout Page here.

Can my scout do a project for your organization? Yes, please check out our Group and Scout Page here.

Are there any fees?  Volunteers pay an annual $40 registration fee which covers your HHS Wildlife Center T-shirt, hands-on training with experienced staff, as well as help cover the high cost of caring for the animals every day.  Volunteers also pay an annual $20 background check fee.

Requirements

• Must be 18 or older**
• Must pass a background check
• Must complete volunteer registration and orientation
• Must have reliable transportation

Requirements for Advanced Opportunities 

• Volunteers are required to commit to 16 hours per month to volunteer in Advanced Opportunities
• 16 hours of Support Shifts are required before being considered to train in Advanced Opportunities 
• Must complete 12 hours of Shadow Training in the selected department 

** If you are not 18 years of age, but you love animals and are looking to volunteer, please visit https://www.houstonhumane.org/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities.

Changing Office Locations:

The HHS Wildlife Center will be changing locations to a new and improved building in 2024. The new location will be 3100 W. Fuqua Street, Houston, TX 77045. 

Send questions to wildlifevolunteer@houstonhumane.org