HARP - Volunteer with Rabbits and Other Small Animals (East Liberty)

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Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh's (HARP) Wildlife Rehabilitaion Center opened its doors in 1997 and has been growing ever since! We operate a fully licensed wildlife rehabilitation clinic, specializing in the care and treatment of injured, orphaned, and ill native Pennsylvania wildlife. The goal for all our patients is to release them back into the wild as healthy individuals.

Our staff has over 35 years of combined rehabilitation experience with wildlife, holding over 20 different licenses through the Pennsylvania Game Commission, PA Fish and Boat Commission, USDA, and US Fish and Wildlife Services. We are invested in continuing education and staying up to date on the best practices possible at our facility. Our clinic admits over 4,200 patients spanning over 140 different species every year, helping over 40,000 animals since opening!

Volunteering at our domestic shelter is an enriching experience that goes beyond lending a helping hand-it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and hope for those in need. As a volunteer, you become a vital part of our mission to create a safe and nurturing haven for individuals and families facing adversity. Join us in making a lasting impact, one act of kindness at a time, as we work together to build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Your dedication transforms lives, and we invite you to be a beacon of change with us at the forefront of compassion.

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Opportunities:

Rabbits love to romp, and that’s exactly what these volunteers help out with! Rabbit exercise volunteers will transport our rabbits from their kennels to a larger room with lots of floor space for running and supervise as they get some essential exercise out of their kennels. All volunteers are trained in small animal body language and HARP-specific procedures.

In addition to rabbits, we occasionally have other small animals in our care such as guinea pigs, mice, chinchillas, ferrets, and more! While these animals don’t need quite as much space as our rabbits do, they do still greatly benefit from some human socialization. Your time can include cuddling, playing, feeding treats, and even some floor time in a meet and greet room. All volunteers are trained in small animal body language and HARP-specific procedures.

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Requirements:

• Submit Application
• Act 34 clearance (free to volunteers)
• Fear Free certification (free to volunteers)
• In-person orientation - this is where you’ll receive a t-shirt, name badge, and a brief tour of your respective space; also usually where we’ll officially get you on the schedule
• Age restriction: volunteers 18 and older may volunteer independently. 16 and 17, must have an adult on site with them. Children younger than 16 are not permitted to volunteer for safety reasons, but we have plenty of other programs for you!
• Time requirement: 2 hours per week for at least 6 months - if unable to commit to the same time weekly, ask us about other options!
  • Summer-only/short-term/drop-in volunteers - we have lots of options for you! Contact us to learn more.
• Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh reserves the right to decline any volunteer application for any reason.

Additional Requirements May Include:

• Online training (animal-handling; species-specific video and quiz)
• In-person mentoring - training period varies by role
• Education volunteers will be required to obtain Act 33 and Act 114 clearances for working/volunteering with children

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Interested? Email volunteer@humaneanimalrescue.org!