New Volunteer Handbook
Everything you need to start making a difference for Virginia’s wildlife
Complete the Volunteer Application
Fill out the online volunteer application on our website. Select your areas of interest — rescue & transport, rehab & care, education & outreach, or administrative support.
Attend an Orientation Session
All new volunteers must attend an in-person or virtual orientation. We’ll email you details on the next upcoming session. Orientation covers A.E.R.O.’s mission, code of conduct, and safety protocols.
Review & Sign the Volunteer Agreement
Acknowledge and agree to A.E.R.O.’s code of conduct, safety guidelines, and confidentiality policies before your first shift.
Complete Training Modules
Training happens throughout the year. Depending on your role, you’ll be assigned courses covering wildlife handling, transport, rehabilitation, and public engagement. See the Training section for details.
🚗 Rescue & Transport
Respond to wildlife rescue calls and safely transport animals to our facility. Follow all safety and biosecurity guidelines and document rescues in our tracking system.
🌿 Rehabilitation & Care
Assist with feeding, cleaning enclosures, and monitoring wildlife patients. Follow species-specific care protocols and work under the guidance of licensed rehabilitators.
📢 Education & Outreach
Help with public events, presentations, and educational materials. Promote wildlife conservation and represent A.E.R.O. at community outreach events.
📋 Administrative & Support
Assist with data entry, scheduling, and organizing supplies. Support fundraising efforts, social media outreach, and volunteer records management.
🎓 Orientation (Google Classroom)
All new volunteers complete our orientation course in Google Classroom — your login link will be sent by email after your application is approved.
Access Orientation — Part 1 →
Access Orientation — Part 2 →
📚 Species Curricula Available
- Cottontails
- Squirrels
- Turtles
- Fox Mange Program
Access Species Classroom →
🔧 Role-Specific Training Tracks
- General: Wildlife handling, facility protocols, public interaction
- Transport: Safe capture and transport techniques
- Rehabilitation: Feeding, enrichment, species care
- Education: Best practices for public engagement
📅 Ongoing Education Opportunities
We offer regular workshops, caregiver classes (monthly), and community events to keep your skills sharp and your knowledge current.
View upcoming events on Eventbrite →
Personal Safety
Always wear appropriate PPE when handling wildlife. Report any injuries to a supervisor immediately.
Read guidelines →Animal Handling
Follow species-specific handling protocols at all times. Disinfect equipment and surfaces after each use.
Read guidelines →Zoonotic Disease
Understand zoonotic disease risks and follow our HPAI protocol for disease prevention at all times.
Read guidelines →📞 Rescue Protocols
Watch the Intake Line Overview video All intake staff should also review the Intake Line Training Manual.
🏥 Rehabilitation & Intake
Review our Intake Procedures and download the PDF Intake Form. Medical treatment and documentation standards are covered in your rehabilitation training.
🔦 Fieldwork
- Using Equipment Correctly
- Reporting & Tracking (Monday.com for Fox Mange)
- Interaction with the Public
🏠 Facility Procedures
- Cleanliness & Sanitation
- Cage Maintenance
- Record-Keeping Practices
💬 Communication & Reporting
- Contact Protocols
- Documentation Standards
- Social Media & Public Interaction Policies
📊 Tracking Systems
Rescues are logged in our rescue tracking spreadsheet. The Fox Mange Program uses Monday.com for case management. Your supervisor will walk you through both during onboarding.
Fox Mange Program
ActiveThe Fox Mange Program addresses sarcoptic mange in Virginia’s wild fox population through trapping, treatment, and monitored release. Volunteers help with trapping, transport, and tracking case progress via Monday.com.
Learn more about the program →What About The Turtles?
ActiveWhat About The Turtles? is a program dedicated to raising awareness and actively rescuing Eastern Box Turtles that become trapped within perimeter fencing at construction sites. As development expands, box turtles — which have small home ranges and cannot easily relocate — are especially vulnerable to being enclosed and unable to escape. Volunteers help monitor active construction sites, safely rescue trapped turtles, and relocate them to appropriate habitats.
Learn more at whatabouttheturtles.org →Volunteer of the Month
We recognize outstanding volunteer contributions each month across all program areas.
Advanced Training
Workshops on specialized wildlife care and leadership roles are offered throughout the year.
Networking & Events
Meet fellow volunteers and learn from experienced rehabbers at our social and educational events.
📣 Spread Awareness
Share our social media posts and events with your network to help us reach more people and animals in need.
💰 Fundraising
Participate in donation drives or check if your employer offers matching programs. Every dollar goes directly to animal care.
👥 Recruit Volunteers
Invite friends and family to join our mission. The more hands we have, the more animals we can help.
📦 Donate Supplies
Check our wish list for needed rehab supplies — items like syringes, fleece blankets, and heating pads are always needed.