We rely on responsible and dedicated people who give their time to care for the animals in our facility, and help with a myriad of other equally important tasks. If you are thinking of volunteering with us, we welcome your assistance, but here are a few important things you need to know first:

We invest a great deal of time and effort in training and supporting our volunteers and we seek a long-term commitment from them. With this in mind, we do not accept applicants seeking to earn court-ordered community service hours.

Volunteers must be at least 18-years old.

We ask volunteers for a minimum commitment to work at least one four-hour shift each week.

Hours in which volunteers can support us at the Center vary seasonally but are generally 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. year-round, and 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the busy months (March – September). We are open everyday of the week, including holidays.

Volunteering at Second Chance might not be appropriate for people with respiratory illnesses, allergies, immune diseases, or neck or back problems. Potential volunteers may wish to contact their physician before volunteering. They should have a current tetanus vaccination and, for most volunteer roles, should be able to lift 50 pounds.

All volunteers (as well as staff and interns) must follow our safety protocols and animal care procedures; must be able to work under stressful conditions and work as a team member; and must know how to stay organized and multitask in a busy, hectic environment.

Click here for a link to our VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM and email it to volunteer@scwc.org along with a statement of interest and resume.

COLLEGE INTERNSHIPS:

The SCWC Internship Program is available year-round and offers students the opportunity to participate in a vital role, rearing and rehabilitating the more than 3,000 native Maryland wild animals admitted for care each year.

Over the course of 10 weeks, interns will learn:

The natural history, husbandry, enrichment and nutritional requirements of our wild patients while rearing or in recovery;

The requirements of conditioning for release and assisting with rescues;

Laws, regulations and agencies governing wildlife rehabilitation;

To communicate with and educate the public and learn how to appropriately advise on human/wildlife conflicts;

How to identify species as well as the sex, physiology and anatomy of bird, mammal and reptile/amphibian species;

Basic handling and proper restraint during exams, treatments, feeding and transport;

About zoonotic diseases, parasites and common injuries;

To observe animal behavior in a captive and natural setting;

How to stay organized and multi-task in a busy hectic environment

INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to work under stressful conditions and work as a team member;

Must be dependable, punctual and commit to 10 consecutive weeks, at least 3 days a week in 8-hour shifts;

Must have own reliable transportation and housing;

Must be in good health and have a current tetanus vaccination;

Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and work in inclement weather;

Should have completed at least one semester of undergraduate study

Click here for a link to our INTERNSHIP APPLICATION FORM and email it to internships@scwc.org along with a statement of interest, a simple resume, and a copy of your unofficial transcript.

Note: Our internship program does not offer a stipend and does not provide housing.